September 25, 2023 U.S. Maternal Deaths Rise as Health Disparities Increase; Local Resources Offer Support A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed significant increases in pregnancy-related deaths across the United States, with disproportionate losses among Black, Native American, and Alaska Native people. About the Study Entitled, “Trends in State-Level Maternal Mortality by Racial and Ethnic Group in the United States,” the study analyzed state-by-state census data from 1999 to 2019 on pregnant or recently pregnant individuals aged 10 to 54 years, to provide comprehensive evidence on maternal morbidity and to guide policies aimed at preventing maternal deaths. Key Findings Results revealed a stark spike in maternal mortality rates, with pregnancy-related deaths more than doubling among all racial and ethnic groups across the U.S. over the last 20 years, and more than tripling for Native American and Alaska Native people. However, maternal mortality remains the highest among the nation’s Black population, continuing historic trends. Unfortunately, worsening healthcare for Black and BIPOC mothers—a trend typically relegated to southern states—is expanding. According to the study, New York and New Jersey saw an increase in Black and Latina deaths, while more Asian mothers died in Wyoming and Montana. Supporting Information In interviews with study authors and other medical professionals, WESA, an NPR affiliate, revealed the uniqueness of this upward trend, noting that other high-income countries have seen their maternal morbidity rates decline as a result of increasingly accessible healthcare. Consequently, state review committees consider most maternal deaths preventable, as most deaths appear linked to untreated health conditions and complications. Thus, WESA sites researchers are advocating for improved access to care, which Medicaid may allow, as the program pays for about half of U.S. births. Local Maternal Health Resources Local programs and services may help new and expecting mothers in the Greater Pittsburgh Area and Pennsylvania. Some of these resources include: 211 Pennsylvania Prenatal Care Services AHN Pregnancy and Newborn Services Allegheny County Office of Family and Child Health Catholic Charities Roselia Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services HealthCare.gov: Health Coverage If You’re Pregnant, Plan to Get Pregnant, or Recently Gave Birth Healthy Beginnings Plus Healthy Start Pittsburgh Hello Baby: Home Visiting Medical Assistance for Children and Pregnant Women The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health UPMC Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine Learn More Find the status of local maternal health and learn about the state maternal morbidity review committee on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. To learn more, read the NPR and WESA article, “U.S. maternal deaths keep rising. Here’s who is most at risk.” Sources Information for this post was taken directly from “Trends in State-Level Maternal Mortality by Racial and Ethnic Group in the United States”—a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—and the NPR and WESA article, “U.S. maternal deaths keep rising. Here’s who is most at risk.” Text has been added, paraphrased, and adapted for reproduction, readability, and comprehension, and resources curated from a number of online sources. Related Content & Resources National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Available Prenatal-to-Three Playbook Details State of Child Care in Allegheny County, Shares Resources Resources for May Observances: Mother’s Day PA Receives $1.2 Million to Promote Maternal and Child Health Through 2026
July 7, 2023 P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals The P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program invites you to celebrate Black children! The P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals are free, fun, creative, and educational events that help young Black children ages birth through eight-years-old, and their families, celebrate their racial and cultural heritage through the arts. There will be interactive art activities, performances, music, free food, and giveaways. When: Saturday, 9/16 | 12 – 4 p.m. Where: Homewood-Brushton YMCA, 7140 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15208 This year’s theme is “I Love Being Black!” If you’d like to volunteer, email heidi.green@pitt.edu; for more information about the festivals, email mjackson@pitt.edu, and to learn more about The P.R.I.D.E. Program, visit racepride.pitt.edu. For event updates, visit the P.R.I.D.E. Facebook and Instagram pages.
P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals The P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program invites you to celebrate Black children! The P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals are free, fun, creative, and educational events that help young Black children ages birth through eight-years-old, and their families, celebrate their racial and cultural heritage through the arts. There will be interactive art activities, performances, music, free food, and giveaways. When: Saturday, 8/19 | 12 – 4 p.m. Where: The Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206 This year’s theme is “I Love Being Black!” If you’d like to volunteer, email heidi.green@pitt.edu; for more information about the festivals, email mjackson@pitt.edu, and to learn more about The P.R.I.D.E. Program, visit racepride.pitt.edu. For event updates, visit the P.R.I.D.E. Facebook and Instagram pages.
March 23, 2022 GrowMamaGrow Mentoring Program Brown Mamas is accepting applications for its GrowMamaGrow Mentoring Program. About the Mentoring Program With a focus on emotional and social wellness, resource connection and intergenerational cultural and social bridge-building, the GrowMamaGrow Mentoring Program seeks to help moms recognize their internal value, develop a set of parenting principles, and see their communities as resourceful over the course of 12 weeks. Eligibility The program is for mothers who: can commit to a 12-week program would like a mentor are working are between the ages of 30-45 have a goal they would like to accomplish During the 12-week program, Brown Mamas’ expects mentees to: Commit to weekly communication with their mentor Show up to group coaching sessions having completed their bi-weekly activity Attend monthly in-person meet-ups Be committed to meeting their goal and implementing the steps our mentors and resource providers will give them Fill out necessary assessments and feedback forms Be committed to the process of growth defined during the program Apply Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the Brown Mamas website.
