As maternal mortality rates continue to soar in the United States, particularly for Black women, national advocates are mobilizing to deliver critical resources and culturally competent care to communities that are most in need.
The THRIVE Maternal Health Tour recently made a stop in Houston, where it hosted a community baby shower, connecting expectant parents with doulas, mental health professionals, and essential health services.
Dr. Que English, CEO of Elev8 Health, Inc., spearheads this initiative, describing it as a response to what she calls a ‘preventable atrocity.’
With Black women facing pregnancy-related deaths at three to four times the rate of their white counterparts, and with over 80% of these deaths deemed preventable, the urgency of this tour’s mission is clear.
‘You just look at our national statistics, and it propels one to address this,’ said English.
The THRIVE tour goes beyond awareness; it emphasizes systemic changes necessary for advancing Black maternal health. Proposed strategies include investing in community-based care, expanding Medicaid, and providing implicit bias training for health care providers.
Additionally, hospitals and clinics must adopt accountability measures to track disparities in maternal outcomes and initiate structural improvements.
Philanthropic organizations are encouraged to fund maternal mental health programs, transportation services, and safe housing, while individuals can play a part by amplifying Black voices, supporting pregnant individuals, and advocating for more equitable policies in health care.
According to a report from the Commonwealth Fund, the United States holds the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries.
In light of this troubling reality, English asserts that community-driven solutions are crucial: ‘This should be one of the safest countries for women to give birth in,’ she stated.
Yet, statistics suggest otherwise, driving the tour to bring resources directly into high-risk communities.
Houston, which received an ‘F’ grade for maternal health outcomes, was identified as a critical stop for the tour.
Addressing the mental health aspects of the maternal health crisis, Kay Matthews, executive director of the Shades of Blue Project, stressed that the mental well-being of Black mothers is just as crucial as their physical health.
‘If you lay maternal mental health on top of the maternal mortality crisis, it fits into every component,’ Matthews commented.
With one in four Black women experiencing a postpartum issue, many go undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma and inadequate access to care, Matthews warned.
‘We’re not just dealing with a maternal health crisis,’ she underscored. ‘We’re facing a maternal mental health crisis, too.’
The THRIVE Tour is designed to provide comprehensive support, including access to therapists, support groups, peer counselors, and doulas, paving the way for a more holistic approach to care that acknowledges the unique emotional journeys of Black birthing individuals.
The role of doulas and the importance of cultural competency are focal points for both English and Matthews in tackling these disparities.
‘Doulas are there to support the birthing individual to make sure she’s safe, mentally and physically,’ Matthews explained.
She clarified that doulas do not aim to replace medical professionals but complement them.
‘You’ve got doctors and nurses focused on the baby, but who’s focused on making sure the mother survives, too? That’s where doulas come in,’ she asserted.
English echoed the significance of culturally competent care, stating, ‘When a Black woman walks into a healthcare setting, she shouldn’t have to fight to be believed.’
This type of care is not just beneficial; it is essential for improving health outcomes.
Representation among care providers who understand the language, traditions, and lived experiences of Black families can build trust and bridge communication gaps, often serving as the critical difference in life and death situations.
The THRIVE Tour is a solutions-oriented strategy that equips Black families with the knowledge, resources, and advocacy tools necessary to navigate the healthcare system effectively.
English explained that the locations chosen for the tour are informed by statistical data: ‘We’re going where the numbers tell us to go—cities with high maternal mortality and morbidity rates.’
By focusing efforts on Houston, the tour aims to raise awareness and drive change in a region identified as needing urgent action.
Recognizing that maternal health is not solely a women’s issue, the THRIVE Tour also supports fathers and soon-to-be fathers.
They are given tools to improve their mental health and enhance their roles as parents, thereby fostering a better family dynamic during this critical time.
‘We want to educate Black families on how to advocate for themselves in clinical settings,’ English stated, reinforcing the tour’s mission to empower communities.
Participants are encouraged to walk into healthcare environments well-informed about their rights, the questions to ask, and confident that they deserve to be heard and respected.
image source from：https://defendernetwork.com/culture/health/maternal-mortality-crisis-black-women/
