The conference held in Charlotte on Thursday marked the beginning of National Black Maternal Health Week with the goal of shedding light on the challenges Black women face during pregnancy and exploring ways to enhance their outcomes. The event took place at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Beatties Ford Road, and was attended by hundreds of individuals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, even though a majority of these deaths are preventable. Yhenneko Taylor, who spoke at the event and serves as the assistant vice president for Analytics and Outcomes Research at Atrium Health, highlighted this alarming statistic and emphasized the importance of including Black women and families in discussions about finding solutions to these disparities.
Taylor stressed that involving those with lived experiences in these conversations is essential for effective solutions. Tchernavia Montgomery, CEO of Care Ring, one of the organizers of the conference, echoed this sentiment when she emphasized that addressing issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and mental health is crucial in improving the well-being of Black pregnant women and ultimately enhancing the health of newborn babies.
To continue raising awareness and support for Black maternal health, Care Ring is organizing a solidarity walk at Marshall Park on April 20 starting at 11 a.m. The walk is open to parents with strollers and community members who wish to participate in advocating for improved maternal health outcomes for Black women. This event aims to bring attention to the importance of addressing the disparities and challenges faced by Black pregnant women in the healthcare system.
