Kelli Tice, MD’s Post

It was an honor to hear Esa M Davis, MD MPH FAAFP share her powerful story at the “Mitigating the Impact of Racism on Maternal and Child Health” event. Her journey through postpartum heart failure highlighted the systemic barriers Black mothers face—barriers reflected in Maryland’s alarming maternal mortality rate of 21.3 per 100,000, with 80% of these deaths preventable. 📊 The facts are clear: Hypertensive disorders and systemic racism are major contributors. 💡 The solution is clearer: Evidence-based interventions like blood pressure screenings during pregnancy can save lives. Health equity means ensuring every mother has a fair chance at a safe and healthy pregnancy. Together, we can build a future where no mother is left behind. 🤝 #HealthEquity #MaternalHealth #EndDisparities #CommunityCare

Promoting maternal health in underprivileged communities Did you know that "over 4.5 million women and babies die every year during pregnancy, childbirth or the first weeks after birth, equivalent to one death happening every seven seconds, mostly from preventable or treatable causes if proper care was available?" That is according to a UN World Health Organization (WHO) report released In May 2023, titled "Improving maternal and newborn health and survival and reducing stillbirth". Promoting maternal health in underprivileged communities requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses various social, economic, and health-related factors. This includes improving access to quality prenatal care, educating women about healthy pregnancy practices, and addressing underlying issues such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare. Community outreach programs, maternal health clinics, and educational campaigns can all play a role in promoting maternal health in underprivileged communities. Photo: NICHD #maternalhealth #healthcare #healthfactors #publichealth #maternalhealthforall

#BlackMaternalHealth is an everyone problem. If we are allowing Black birthing people to go into the birthing room with a risk of mortality on par with some of the lowest-resource countries in the world, what does that say about us as a country? If we have abundant access to money and technology and education yet we still allow the color of someone's skin dictate whether they receive high quality care during pregnancy and birth, what does that say about our healthcare system? If you are enjoying an empowered, safe, and healthy perinatal journey but not using your privilege to ensure ALL parents and babes get this experience as well, what does that say about you as a parent? Everyone should be investing in solving the racism and healthcare crisis. At Nurturely, perinatal equity is not just a week, it is a centerpoint of our work and the primary focus of our multicultural team. Thank you to Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) for founding #BlackMaternalHealthWeek to raise awareness of this urgent cause. #BMHW24 #maternalhealth

Today starts the 7th annual #BlackMaternalHealthWeek. According to the latest CDC data, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, making Black women three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. The CDC notes that more than 80 percent of pregnancy related deaths are preventable. We must do more to ensure equity for #BlackMamas. Unlocking the future of maternal health begins with research. Every person deserves access to quality and holistic health care. #BMHW24 

The For Baby's Sake Trust is standing in solidarity with Black mothers, families, and communities disproportionately impacted by maternal health disparities. Despite the UK having one of the lowest maternal mortality rates globally, Black women in the UK have a four-fold higher risk of dying in pregnancy in comparison to white women (MMBRRACE UK, 2023). We are proud to support the Five X More campaign, a vital initiative addressing the urgent need to improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers. At The For Baby's Sake Trust, we advocate for comprehensive solutions that promote equity, inclusivity, and culturally competent care. Together, we can work towards a future where every mother receives the care, support, and respect they deserve. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #FivexMore #MaternalHealthEquity

On National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, let's reflect on the challenges that mark our society, especially the troubling disparities in infant health outcomes. Alarmingly, Black infants in the United States have a mortality rate significantly higher than their white peers, with the rate for Black infants reaching 13.2 per 1,000 live births in 2021, nearly three times higher than that for white infants (WISCONSIN WATCH). These disparities stem from systemic inequalities, including disparities in healthcare access, socio-economic differences, and the stresses wrought by racism and economic hardship (U-M SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH). Today, I advocate for meaningful action to confront these injustices, aiming for a society where every infant has an equitable start. Let's channel our efforts to erase this disparity, not just to lower the statistics, but to truly honor the lives lost and the potential unfulfilled. #LeadingWhileMuslim #DEI #InfantLossAwareness #NYCHealth #MaternalHealth

Today may be #AprilFoolsDay, but the maternal and infant health crisis in the U.S. is no joke. Today is also the first day of National Minority Health Month (NMHM), a time to raise awareness about the importance of improving health equity for racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. The U.S. health care system has historically failed people of color, including during the crucial time of pregnancy. Multiple health, societal and economic factors are all contributors, including unequal access to maternity care. These chronic inequities and unequal access to quality care contribute to higher rates of maternal and infant health complications. Join us this month, to unite with others, lift up communities for health equity, open the door for every mom to have access to care, and protect the health of families by advocating for their rights. Learn more and take action at https://lnkd.in/gnrqrnEM #NationalMinorityHealthMonth

Maternal mortality remains a global challenge. Data from the World Health Organization suggests that a significant number of women worldwide continue to face risks during pregnancy and childbirth. This brings into focus the urgency of reducing maternal mortality by 2030, as per the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Many informal women workers are disproportionately affected by this as they often lack access to essential public healthcare services. Their challenges highlight the need for targeted interventions to ensure their health and safety during maternity. This National Safe Motherhood Day, let's aim to safeguard the lives of mothers across the globe. Through the promotion of inclusive policies, raising public awareness, and encouraging community involvement, we can pave the way towards a future where safe motherhood is a reality for every woman. #NationalSafeMotherhoodDay #informalwomenworkers #maternalhealth #healthcareforall #SEWABharat

Centering #BlackMaternalHealth and wellness is not just a week on our calendar, it's a value and priority that guides all of our work. Follow Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) for more on the need for #BlackMaternalHealthWeek and how you can participate!

Each year in the United States, about 700 women die from pregnancy or delivery-related problems, and many of these deaths are preventable. People who are Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latina, as well as people living in rural areas, experience higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. That is why NIH CEAL now includes two maternal health-focused programs, the Maternal Health Community Implementation Program (MH-CIP) and Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone Community Implementation Project (IMPROVE-CIP). This Women's History Month, join us in celebrating IMPROVE-CIP and MH-CIP researchers and community partners whose work focuses on reducing disparities in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. Discover how #NIHCEAL supports communities and researchers who are working together towards a future in which the experience of pregnancy and birth can be safer for everyone: https://bit.ly/48y7f8Z