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Trump attacks Liz Cheney using violent war imagery; Election insights: What 50 Ohioans want to hear from candidates; Consumer groups slam CA Supreme Court ruling on lemon law; On National Brush Day, new resources in KY to boost oral health.

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Harris says her campaign is prepared for Trump to prematurely claim victory, Pennsylvania election officials say safeguards in the system are preventing vote fraud, and Montana Senate race could hinge on the "political refugee" vote.

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A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

FL advocates highlight philanthropy's role in supporting Black maternal health

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Monday, September 9, 2024   

While the United States has made strides in improving maternal care, disparities in access to quality health care persist, particularly for Black women.

Studies show Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.

Jennie Joseph, a midwife and head of the Commonsense Childbirth Institute in Florida, said one of the biggest challenges Black mothers face in the state is access to care, largely due to economic and structural barriers.

"The astronomical cost of the care is prohibitive," Joseph pointed out. "It could be tens of thousands of dollars before you're done trying to pay for maternity. We believe those are the reasons for these physiological outcomes like low-birthweight babies, premature babies and mothers who are unhealthy."

Joseph's organization, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, centers on community-based maternal care, training midwives and doulas to offer culturally sensitive support to Black mothers throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She highlighted the urgent need for philanthropic funding to bridge the gaps left by traditional health care systems, which are often hindered by bureaucratic red tape.

Brandi Collins-Calhoun, movement engagement manager for the National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, said the traditional health care system often undervalues the role of doulas and midwives, which are crucial in providing care which resonates with Black mothers.

"While midwives are just getting their foot in the door, doulas are right behind them," Collins-Calhoun observed. "Lactation consultants are behind doulas."

Doulas and midwives have played essential roles in communities of color for generations but Collins-Calhoun said the medical industry has primarily pushed them aside. Collins-Calhoun and Joseph contended the philanthropic sector has a critical role in funding programs providing affordable training and mentorship for these professionals. The programs are vital to addressing the disparities Black mothers face, not just in breastfeeding but in overall maternal and infant health outcomes.

Disclosure: The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Immigrant Issues, Reproductive Health, and Women's Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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