Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Black women in America were three times more likely to die of pregnancy- and childbirth-related causes than white women. Now, the pandemic is compounding inequity even further. Recent data reveals that Black and Latino individuals are twice as likely to die of COVID-19 than their white counterparts.1 And from an economic standpoint, COVID-19 has predominately impacted non-white women, skyrocketing unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic women to 16.4% and 20.2%, respectively.2
The unfortunate reality is women of color and their families have long-faced undue barriers to achieve and sustain success in varying aspects of life, including access to critical health care services supporting their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. That’s why particular focus must be given to support mothers of color during these truly unprecedented times.
Many organizations like Black Mamas Community Collective (BMCC), a local nonprofit committed to providing Black mothers access to the resources and education needed to have healthy pregnancies, birthing and postpartum experiences, are creating their own support networks to action meaningful change. Their work began long before the pandemic but has grown increasingly more critical during the virus’ sustained spread.
Read the full article from the St. David’s Foundation…