Addressing Maternal Health Disparities Among Black Women in Dallas

DALLAS – A concerning trend in maternal health has emerged in the United States, particularly affecting Black women who face significantly higher risks during childbirth. Recent statistics indicate they are three and a half times more likely to die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth compared to women of other races, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Understanding Maternal Morbidity

The phenomenon of maternal morbidity is complex, driven by various factors that include inadequate prenatal care and insufficient postpartum support. Among the most pressing issues highlighted by health professionals is the prevalence of unaddressed mental health challenges among new mothers.

Kaycee Polite, a counselor at Viola’s House—a nonprofit focused on maternal and infant health—stated, “They’re not talking about what they’re experiencing for it to be screened properly and treated. And even family members, right, are struggling to really understand ‘How do I know?’” Her insights shed light on a vital aspect of this issue: the stigma surrounding mental health, which leaves many Black women without the support they require.

Polite further emphasized that up to 75% of mental health issues go unrecognized and untreated within this community, largely due to negative perceptions about mental health struggles. “It’s not something that people want to own or recognize as a struggle,” she affirmed. This lack of acknowledgment perpetuates a cycle where support systems are inadequate for those who need it most.

Viola’s House: A Local Initiative for Change

Amid these challenges, organizations like Viola’s House are working diligently to instigate positive change. Thana Hickman, founder of the nonprofit, explained, “I started this program over 13 years ago to help mothers who were pregnant and facing an unplanned pregnancy.” The organization focuses on various social determinants of health, including mental well-being, housing stability, nutritional needs, transportation, economic security, and educational opportunities—factors that collectively influence maternal health.

Hickman recently traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with officials, advocating for increased funding and resources to support Black maternal health initiatives. She expressed her urgency for community involvement: “We need everybody to know that it’s not just something that you’re reading about but that it’s happening right here in your backyard.”

Future Directions

This week, Hickman plans to gather with community leaders, including representatives from United Way and Parkland Hospital, to discuss actionable steps toward improving maternal health outcomes. This call to action reflects a growing awareness of the critical need for change in Dallas’ maternal health landscape.

The work being done at Viola’s House and other community initiatives underscores a collective commitment to not just understanding but actively addressing the dire statistics surrounding Black maternal health. By empowering women and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health, these organizations aim to forge a path toward safer childbirth experiences for all mothers.

Source link