Hi, it’s Dr. Curry-Winchell, or Dr. BCW for short. Today, let’s talk about the critical role of government in combating the Black maternal health crisis. Of course, if you follow my work, you know this is a subject close to my heart. Not only from my own personal experience with maternal health but from the major impact it has on the Black community.
The Ongoing Crisis in Black Maternal Health
The Black maternal health crisis has been a pressing issue for decades. Stark disparities lingering in the shadows of our healthcare system. Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. They also face serious challenges in accessing quality maternal healthcare—a situation I find both personal and distressing.
Solidarity with Biden-Harris Initiatives
Recently, I had the privilege of contributing to an article in Essence magazine. The article outlines the initiatives the Biden-Harris administration has implemented to tackle this crisis. From the Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis to the launch of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. This comprehensive approach spotlights the necessity of high-quality maternal care and underscores the significance of accessible postpartum support for mothers across the nation.
My Contribution and Commitment to Change
Similar to the efforts by policymakers, my aim is to advocate for change that bridges the gap in maternal health outcomes. My voice in the Essence article echoes a collective call to action, underscoring the importance of healthcare equity, the need for a diverse healthcare workforce, and the crucial role of policy in bringing those engraved statistics to the forefront of national consciousness.
In joining the chorus of experts praising the administration’s steps towards improvement, my message was clear: As Black women, as mothers, as members of this society, we deserve to have our health taken seriously and our lives protected fiercely and consistently by every means available.
It is through these measures, support, and advocacy that we can ensure a future wherein Black mothers no longer face such dire statistics and instead find themselves enveloped within a healthcare system that serves them with the dignity, compassion, and care they rightfully deserve.
Stay informed and prioritize your health! – Dr. Curry-Winchell (Dr. BCW)
To read the full Essence article on visit:
https://www.essence.com/news/biden-harris-black-maternal-health-week/