Healing Legacies Strengthening Black Maternal Health through Collective Action and Advocacy

Black Maternal Health Week serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the systemic challenges faced by Black birthing individuals in Philadelphia. This year, the celebration emphasizes the power of Black-led organizations in advocating for maternal health equity and community healing. The Health Department, in collaboration with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and OSHUN Family Center, is actively addressing the alarming disparities where Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. The Organized Voice for Action initiative aims to eliminate preventable maternal deaths and reduce severe maternal morbidity through community education and strategic partnerships. Key pillars of the initiative include implementation teams that focus on clinical guidelines and community support, as well as public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about maternal mental health and the impact of structural racism.

This comprehensive approach is bolstered by Philadelphia's unique SMM surveillance system, enabling the city to respond proactively to maternal health issues. Through these efforts, Philadelphia is not only addressing existing disparities but also working towards a future where equitable maternal health is a reality for all birthing individuals. The week serves as a reminder of the need for collective action and advocacy in the ongoing fight for maternal health justice.