Maternal health crisis: Why are Black women still at higher risk?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — According to the CDC, hundreds of women in the U.S. die every year during pregnancy, delivery, or within a year postpartum.

Tragically, Black women are three times more likely than any other group to die from pregnancy-related causes. This is especially alarming considering that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

If these deaths can be avoided, why is the risk still so high for Black women? And what steps are being taken to change this troubling trend?

These are just some of the questions NBC4 Anchor Jennifer Bullock explored in a conversation with local leaders and experts at the forefront of Black maternal health in Franklin County.

Bullock sat down with:
• Danielle Tong, Executive Director of CelebrateOne
• Dr. Mysheika Roberts, Columbus Public Health Commissioner
• Jatu Boikai, Founder of Mobinurses, Inc., a perinatal support initiative
• Nick Bankston and Shayla Favor, Columbus City Councilmembers

They discussed the maternal health crisis affecting the community and how they can work together to create change.

Franklin County resources for maternal health and pregnancy and infant loss :

Alive In My Heart
Website: Alive In My Heart
Description: Alive In My Heart is a Columbus-based organization offering support to families who have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant death. They provide a compassionate community, allowing parents to share their stories, receive emotional support, and connect with others who have faced similar losses.
Support Offered: Grief counseling, peer support groups, remembrance events, and online resources.

CelebrateOne
Website: CelebrateOne
Description: CelebrateOne works to reduce infant mortality rates and offers resources for grieving families. They connect families to counseling, support groups, and health care services.
Support Offered: Bereavement support, connection to healthcare services, and guidance on safe pregnancy and infant care.

Miles’ Mission
Website: Miles’ Mission
Description: Miles’ Mission, started by Bullock, is dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the loss of a baby. They work to enhance awareness, provide resources and support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
Support Offered: Family support, awareness campaigns, and partners with organizations offering bereavement care packages and remembrance gifts.

Mobinurses, Inc.
Website: Mobinurses, Inc.
Description: A perinatal support initiative that provides care to families during pregnancy, delivery, and post-loss. Mobinurses focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, by providing home health care and emotional support.
Support Offered: Perinatal care, home health services, emotional support, and resources for families navigating pregnancy loss.

The Compassionate Friends – Central Ohio Chapter
Website: The Compassionate Friends
Description: A national organization with a local chapter in Franklin County offering support to families grieving the loss of a child at any age, including infants. They provide a safe space to connect with other grieving families.
Support Offered: Monthly support groups, online communities, and access to grief literature.