Did you know that Black women in America are 3-4 times more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths than white women? This is a stark reality that we must address together. Black Maternal Health Week 2024 is April 11-17.
“At Wayside, we believe that addressing maternal and infant health disparities starts with understanding and dismantling racism and bias in our medical and behavioral health systems.”
Over the past year, in partnership with Dr. Talaya Tolefree of the Koinonia Leadership Academy, Wayside has been committed to creating better outcomes for healthy Black moms and babies. Together, we’ve hosted community listening circles, fostered collaboration. We’ve learned from moms on how to deliver high-quality care to Black mothers, infants, and their families.
Social and systemic changes are imperative to reduce Black maternal morbidity and mortality.
At Wayside, we believe that addressing maternal and infant health disparities starts with understanding and dismantling racism and bias in our medical and behavioral health systems. We’re proud to work with amazing community organizations like Chocolate Milk Moms with Dr. LaVonne Moore, Diva Moms with Kindra McGee, and Nubian Moms with Ciana Cullens to make a difference.
Listening, responding, and partnering with mothers is a crucial starting point in improving outcomes and reducing disparities. This involves understanding their experiences, needs, and challenges while fostering meaningful collaborations. It is through these efforts that we can begin to address the stark differences in reproductive health outcomes for Black women.
The intersectional roles of racism, discrimination, and other social determinants of health play a significant role in influencing disease and mortality risk among Black mothers. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on cultural competency, humility, and restorative practices as part of a collective effort to create positive change in maternal and infant health outcomes.
Please join us in May 2024 as we relaunch the Maternal Infant Health Series and offer Father Listening Circles during the summer months with the development and leadership of Dr. Talaya Tolefree. Together, we’ll continue to make strides in Black Maternal Health!
We’re grateful for the support of our sponsors, funded fully through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (MN DHS). Their support has been instrumental in allowing us to do this important work.
For more information, to suggest speakers, or to present a topic, please contact Nicole.Fernandez@waysiderc.org. Learn more about our efforts and upcoming events here.