BLACK FEMALE PROFESSIONALS BAND TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE MARCH OF DIMES IN COMBATING STAGGERING INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Black mothers and Infants continue to be disproportionately impacted by higher death rates, struggles in emotional wellness and overall health issues without much-needed support channels. Statistics show these women and children struggle at rates that can be 5-10 times that of other ethnicities and backgrounds. The numbers are staggering AND universal. They extend beyond income, education, resources, or notoriety. Impacting well-known Black women like Tennis Great Serena Williams, Mega-Star Beyonce Knowles Carter, and Track & Field Olympian Allyson Felix.
America’s maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the developed world and they are especially high among Black women and Native American women, regardless of their income or education levels. (whitehouse.gov) Black women are three times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes nationwide. (March of Dimes)
Because of these alarming statistics the Black Women Professionals for Maternal Health have created an integrated campaign through the March of Dimes #BlanketChange to raise awareness around the health disparities faced by Black mothers and infants. This group of women are based in Los Angeles and have created a three-pronged approach to assist in combatting this major health dilemma.
- To start, a Social Media Campaign was launched Monday, May 2, 2022. This online campaign made of digital flyers, social media posts and eBlasts was initiated to engage, amplify, and inform.
- Next, a virtual panel will take place on Monday, May 23, 2022, with experts Dr. Jalan Burton (Pediatrician and CEO of Healthy Home Pediatrics), Tammy Turner (Senior Director of Nursing at Parkland Health & Hospital System), and Adjoa Jones (Outreach/Engagement Director for Maternal Health Programs Dept. of Health Services). The information presented and the candid discussions about this issue will not only educate and inform but will also provide tangible resources for the audience. This valuable information can help save lives.
- Finally, in partnership with The Children’s Collective, supported by Black Infant Health (http://www.childrenscollective.org/program-services/family-support/black-infant-health/), a Baby Blanket Donation Drive will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022 in Los Angeles. Supporters can either drop off new and packaged baby blankets from 12pm-3pm at Crenshaw United Methodist Church (3740 Don Filipe Drive) or purchase the blankets directly from Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/blanketchange-may-2022-playadelrey/17OUR7Z9RRQJ6). Refreshments, resource materials and professionals will be available to provide further assistance. The blankets will be donated to mothers and infants in need!