From pregnancy to postpartum, American mothers are experiencing higher rates of complications and negative health outcomes than any other developed nation in the world. Although the maternal health crisis is impacting communities across the country, it has disproportionately affected women of color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.

To reduce racial health disparities and improve the overall experience for birthing parents, Providence – a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system serving the Western U.S. – is investing in programs that increase access to high-quality, equitable care and building partnerships with trusted community organizations to further support communities of color in a culturally sensitive way and end the maternal health crisis.

"Providence is deeply committed to providing compassionate, culturally relevant care to our communities that ensures all mothers – regardless of their background – feel heard, understood and empowered," said Whitney Haggerson, Providence’s vice president of health equity and Medicaid, of the work of ending the maternal health crisis. "By partnering with community organizations, we are able to reach parents where they are, providing support and resources that meet their unique needs."

Utilizing Community Partnerships to End the Maternal Health Crisis

For the past two years, Providence Southern California has partnered with Los Angeles-based i.D.R.E.A.M. for Racial Health Equity to advance Black Mamas Glowing, a four-session virtual support program that gathers birthing families to share their experiences, learn about perinatal mental health, improve birth outcomes, and end the maternal health crisis. The program connects families to free resources, such as doulas and lactation services, and acts as a peer support group to reduce isolation and build community.

“One of the biggest benefits is that our team consists of Black people who are clinicians, OBGYNs, doulas and mental health professionals. Participants are getting to see people in health care who look like them and who can create a sacred space to share and talk,” said Ellen Branch, MHC, CLES, assistant program manager of Black Mamas Glowing, regarding ending the maternal health crisis.

Read the full article about the maternal health crisis at Los Angeles Magazine.