BLACK MATERNAL HEALTHCARE WEEK

April 11-17, 2023

Black Maternal Health Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the maternal health crisis affecting Black mothers in America.

The week-long event takes place in April and is a collaborative effort between several organizations such as the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, National Birth Equity Collaborative, and Black Women's Health Imperative. The theme of the week's events is "Centering Black Mamas: The Key to Improved Maternal Health Outcomes."

The Black Maternal Health Crisis in Delaware

The Black maternal health crisis is a public health issue that has been affecting the Black mothers for decades.

Delaware has been facing a concerning health disparity for many years: Black women and infants suffer from higher maternal and infant mortality rates than white counterparts. According to a study done in 2011-2018, “Black women made up one out of every four women giving birth in Delaware, but they comprised 50 percent of the mothers who died”. The City of Wilmington has an especially concerning statistic: their Black infant mortality rate is three times higher than that of White infants in the entire state. These worrying statistics highlight the critical need to address racism and racial disparities within our healthcare systems regarding Black maternal healthcare.

The Causes

The causes of the Black maternal health crisis are complex and multifaceted.

The causes of high maternal mortality rates in Delaware are related to systemic racism and racial inequality in healthcare. Specifically, Black women and infants face barriers to accessing quality healthcare services and receive inadequate care due to implicit biases and discrimination from healthcare providers. Poor access to prenatal and postpartum care, lack of insurance, and inadequate education may also contribute to higher maternal mortality rates among Black women. Additionally, underlying health conditions, such as obesity and hypertension, may be more prevalent in Black communities, which can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality.

The Solutions

The Black maternal health crisis requires a comprehensive and intersectional approach that addresses the underlying factors that contribute to the disparities.

This includes policies and interventions that increase access to quality maternity care, address racism in healthcare, and improve social determinants of health such as income, education, and housing. In Delaware, the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium (DHMIC) is committed to closing the disparity gap between Black women and their infants in. In order to do this, they are working to bring greater awareness of the issue and to develop solutions based on community insights and resources.

Black Maternal Health Week Events

During Black Maternal Health Week, various events and activities are organized to raise awareness and advocate for maternal health equity.

These include virtual town halls, webinars, social media campaigns, and community events that provide education and resources for Black mothers and their families.

The events also serve as a platform for Black mothers to share their experiences and advocate for change in the healthcare system. Black Maternal Health Week is a crucial opportunity to bring attention to the Black maternal health crisis and work towards improving the health outcomes of Black mothers and their infants.

Helpful Links

Black Maternal Health Week Social Media Toolkit

Central Delaware Community Doulas

Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium

Delaware Doulas Address Black Maternal Health Disparities

Black Maternal Health in Delaware