Ericka Goodwin, MD, DFAPA

During #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, it's essential to shed light on the complex factors contributing to the current state of Black maternal health in the U.S. A recent issue brief by the National Partnership for Women and Families examines the interplay of systemic racism, discrimination in healthcare, and economic inequities that lead to disparate maternal health outcomes for Black women. Economic inequities, in particular, have a significant impact on Black maternal health. Studies show that Black women face wealth and income gaps, which can negatively affect their health outcomes. They also report that adults in communities of color, especially Black adults, are more likely to have medical debt reported to collections. Rivia Health recognizes the importance of addressing economic barriers to maternal healthcare. We ensure women have access to zero-interest, credit-risk-free financing, preventing them from being sent to collections or resorting to financing healthcare payments with credit card debt. Our platform makes it easier for patients to become aware of, understand, manage, and pay their bills, empowering them to take control of their financial health during this critical time. Through our work, Rivia Health aims to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women by addressing the economic challenges they face. We believe that all mothers deserve access to quality healthcare without compromising their financial stability. To learn more about the factors influencing Black maternal health and the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing this issue, we encourage you to read the full issue brief by the National Partnership for Women and Families. https://lnkd.in/ghKN8dC2

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The Grassroots Maternal and Child Health Initiative is proud to support @CHC: Creating Healthier Communities as they disseminate the Black Birthing Initiative needs assessment survey. The Black Birthing Initiative aims to reduce preterm births in Black communities across the country: Black women are 50% more likely to deliver a premature baby than white women in the United States. Results from the survey will help inform programs to address the #maternalhealth crisis facing Black communities. Share your experience and share the survey! Visit the link to learn more about eligibility criteria: https://bit.ly/IndyBBI #CHCBBI #BlackMaternalHealth #healthequity #birthjustice

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Dr. Sherman James discusses the profound impact of systemic racism on African-American health disparities. 🏥 Let's work together to address these inequalities and promote health equity for all. #HealthEquity #SystemicRacism #AfricanAmericanHealth #HealthDisparities

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Trauma has been a pervasive issue in Black Maternal Health for centuries. From the times of slavery to the present day, Black women have experienced a range of traumatic events that often go unacknowledged and unaddressed. The impact of trauma on Black women is significant, leading to higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. This is a serious issue that contributes to health inequities, and a lack of self-care. However, we can break this cycle of trauma by creating safe spaces like Postpartum Support International. It is crucial that we take action to ensure the safety and well-being of Black women and provide them with the support they need to thrive. #breakingcyles #traumainformedcare #healthequity #selfcare

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"As we end #BlackMaternalHealthWeek 2024, we’re faced with alarming data that is a call to action," writes EHF's Ann Barnes, MD, MPH in a new post. "In Texas, Black Texans die from pregnancy-related causes at twice the rate of White Texans and four times the rate of Latino Texans. This is an inequitable and unacceptable health disparity for our entire state." See how Texas can build upon recent statewide efforts to break the cycle of inequitable maternal mortality, and key recommendations for improvements in policy and community engagement. Read more and share: https://lnkd.in/gTQcqehS #BMHW24 #healthequity #HealthNotJustHealthCare #txlege #maternalhealth

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🌟 Transforming the Future of Healthcare Research shows that Black people have better health outcomes and receive medical care more frequently when treated by Black physicians. Yet, only 7% of medical school graduates and less than 6% of all practicing doctors are Black. This is why the National Medical Association is proud to support efforts that make a real difference. Today, during our Annual Convention, the Greenwood Initiative announced a transformative $600 million commitment to help diversify the medical field and advance health and racial wealth equity. This investment will significantly bolster the endowments of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine. WATCH HERE: https://bit.ly/46yhN8p In addition to strengthening these institutions, the commitment will support the creation of a new medical school in New Orleans, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. This historic move aims to increase the number of Black physicians and improve healthcare outcomes for Black communities nationwide. Join us in celebrating this monumental step towards a more equitable future. The NMA Convention is where groundbreaking initiatives come to life, and this is just one of the many reasons you can't afford to miss it! #NMA2024 #HealthEquity #DiversityInMedicine #HBCUs #GreenwoodInitiative #BlackExcellence #MedicalEducation #NMANYC24

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These are the important and needed resources...... 

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Dr. Venice Haynes, PhD, MSPH, our Senior Director of Research and Community Engagement, spoke with Babe Hatch about how our 100 Weeks Project addresses the maternal health crisis by listening to the challenges faced by mothers, especially Black women, and implementing innovative solutions that support them from pre-pregnancy to one year postpartum. Here are some key quotes: 🔑 “Our listening work tells us that women need more support after their pregnancy, where they feel their care and assistance is severely diminished.” 🔑 “Black mothers are more than just statistics or victims; they experience joy, love, and triumphs like any other mothers.” 🔑 “Improving care during the postpartum period, when most maternal deaths occur, can reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, lay the foundation for better physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being for the mother, and improve the overall maternal health experience.” Check out the article in the comments to learn more about the maternal health journey and why long-term access to postpartum care is critically important.

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We're continuing the conversation around Black maternal mental health 🖤 For instances of perinatal mental illness that result in hospital admissions, Black patients are more than twice as likely to be admitted than their white counterparts. Our healthcare services need to better understand the inequalities Black and Asian women face, and create community services that are culturally sensitive, and therefore more accessible for ethnic minorities. There needs to be a commitment by the Government to improve maternal services safety and to close the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap. #BlackMaternalMentalHealth #PerinatalMentalIllness #HealthcareInequalities #CulturallySensitiveCare #MaternalHealthcare #GovernmentCommitment #BlackHealthMatters

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As we continue to honor No Shave November and mental health advocacy, we spotlight Sitawa Wafula—a trailblazing mental health advocate whose journey is rooted in lived experience and a commitment to breaking stigma in Kenya. Sitawa’s advocacy began with her personal journey, living with epilepsy and bipolar disorder. She bravely shared her story through a blog—a bold step that won her a Google Award and enabled her to establish Kenya’s first free mental health support line. This milestone marked the start of a remarkable journey into advocacy, policy development, and innovation across Africa’s mental health space. Sitawa notes that while Kenya has made strides in Mental Health there’s need for accessible, affordable mental health services, especially in rural areas. From confronting cultural misconceptions to navigating limited resources, she has faced these challenges head-on, creating safe spaces and fostering dialogue where silence once reigned. For Sitawa, self-care is essential. Whether nurturing her 40+ houseplants, journaling, cooking, or seeking therapy, she prioritizes her wellness while continuing her impactful work. Her lived experience fuels her advocacy, reminding others that it’s okay to pause, heal, and recharge. To young women battling mental health challenges, Sitawa offers these powerful words: “You are not your diagnosis. Seek help, prioritize your well-being, and remember you are not alone. If I can overcome and thrive, so can you.” Sitawa’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope—a reminder that advocacy begins with one voice, but its impact knows no bounds. #MentalHealthMatters #NoShaveNovember #SoYouWantToBe #RiverwoodCommunications #BetterCommunication #PR

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Black Maternal Health Week is coming to an end, but our goal to help bridge the health equity gap continues. Here’s how we can all keep making a difference: -EDUCATE yourself about Black maternal health disparities. -ADVOCATE for health equity and be part of those movements. -ACT by participating in community health initiatives. Let’s continue to make maternal healthcare accessible to everyone, everywhere. #blackmaternalhealthweek #healthmatters #maternalhealth #advocate

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From April 11-17, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes Black Maternal Health Week. Established in 2021, this health observance provides an opportunity to raise awareness around the maternal morbidity and mortality disparities that have historically affected Black women in the United States. #BlackMaternalHealth #BMHW2024 #MaternalJustice #publicpolicy #aznahse #nahse #healthjustice #advocacy #birthjustice Resources ✅ Review the CMS Maternity Care Action Plan, which strives to expand maternity care access and quality to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities, particularly in Black mothers. This supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s Maternal Health Blueprint, a comprehensive strategy to improve maternal health, particularly in underserved communities. ✅ Browse the Care Compare online tool to learn which health plans have committed to displaying the birthing-friendly icon in their hospital directories to indicate the hospital’s commitment to improving maternal health equity. Read Advancing Rural Maternal Health Equity to learn about the work CMS has done to gather stakeholder feedback on improving rural maternal health care access, quality, and outcomes. ✅ Download the Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities issue brief to learn about the significance of rural maternal health inequities and actions that can improve outcomes for rural women and their babies. ✅ View CMS Women’s Preventive Services Flyer, available in 9 languages, for details on some of the preventive services that are available at no cost to women under most health coverage. ✅ Read about the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, which is the newest CMS model designed to focus exclusively on improving maternal health care for people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. ✅ Watch the We Can Do Better: Advancing Maternal Health Care health convening, which brought together leaders to discuss how the federal government can collaborate with industry partners to improve health outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum. ✅ Read about the latest states to be approved for an extension of comprehensive coverage for postpartum individuals for a full 12 months through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). ✅ Listen to A Conversation on Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities: Charting a Path to Improved Access, Quality, and Outcomes to hear an overview of the state of maternal health care in rural communities.

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Black mothers have long navigated a healthcare system that too often dismisses their voices and experiences. Yet, amidst the challenges, there is also profound joy, strength, and resilience in the birthing journey. This video captures those powerful, raw, and emotional realities—highlighting both the joys of bringing life into the world and the heartbreaking moments of being dismissed by doctors and hospitals. It also highlights the transformative role doulas play in bridging these gaps, offering advocacy, compassion, and culturally competent care that truly uplifts Black mothers and families. 🎥 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gRPVeqeV Let’s continue to amplify these stories, honor these experiences, and advocate for a healthcare system that listens, supports, and values every mother. ✨ Doulas are more than birth workers—they are change agents, healers, and champions for equity in maternal health. ✨ If this resonates with you, I invite you to share, comment, and join the movement to create safer and more equitable care for Black mothers everywhere. https://lnkd.in/gC64evSb #BlackMaternalHealth #DoulaCare #EquityInAction #Advocacy #MaternalHealth

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It’s Black Maternal Health Week. To learn more about the maternal health crisis and understand the importance of this occasion, read the entire White House proclamation here: https://lnkd.in/eYpUS4Ar #BMHW24 #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHW2024 #BlackMaternalHealth

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We support a lot of clients in the healthcare industry... and part of the world we imagine is one where we center humanity in all we do. Black Maternal Health is a humanity and equity issue.    Aligned with our Principles of Activating Equity, we can begin to address injustices in Black Maternal Health by centering the stories and lived experiences of those impacted by health inequity. Today, we share a first person account of a birthing experience written by our own, Myla Watley, MPP. Myla's experience affirms the guidance we've shared with healthcare practitioners and birthing people seeking to address Black Maternal Health disparities. #BMHW24 #BlackMothers #Healthcare #Mothers #Equity #Humanity

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