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
February 3, 2020 Recall Issued on More Than 165,000 Infant Incline Sleepers The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with four other companies, issued a recall on more than 165,000 infant incline sleepers due to a risk of suffocation. About According to the CPSC, the following companies have been impacted by the recall: Summer Infant, Graco, Delta Enterprises Corp., and Evenflo. The recall was issued due to reported infant fatalities after “the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side, or under other circumstances” while using an infant incline sleeper. The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the products listed below and to contact the companies to learn more about refund options. Recalled Products Recalled products include: Summer Infant’s SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper Model Number 91394 Graco Little Lounger Rocking Seat Model Numbers 1872034, 1875063, 1875102, 1877160, 1882081, 1896313, 1908957, 1914283, 2047734, and 1922809 Delta Enterprise Corp. Deluxe Incline Sleeper Model Numbers 27404-2255, 27404-437, 27404-758, and 27404-942 Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper Model Number 12132125 More Information To learn more, read the full WTAE article. *Information provided by WTAE
May 9, 2019 Resources for Families in the Wake of Tragedy In response to the violent events happening in communities throughout the United States of America, Trying Together hopes to support young children, their families, and the caregivers who interact with them by recognizing available community-based and online resources. Trying Together extends our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those lost and to those injured or traumatized by such horrific events. Thank you to all of the public health and safety professionals who respond and provide service to affected communities across America, and thank you to the organizations and individuals that extend your hands and services in support. Mental Health Services and Supports resolve Crisis Services A 24-hour, 365-day crisis service, free to all residents of Allegheny County, that provides crisis counseling and support, referrals, and intervention services for adults, teens, and their loved ones: 1-888-796-8226 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline A network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-8255 For Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889 En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454 Be Well Pittsburgh Identifies free or low-cost mental health services in Pittsburgh, including hotlines, warm lines, counseling, support groups, and more. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Counseling & Other Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Low Cost/Sliding Scale Mental Health Treatment Services Locator Highmark Caring Place Peer Support Group for children, adolescents, and families who have lost a loved one The Compassionate Friends: Pittsburgh Chapter Support Group for those who have lost children, grandchildren, or siblings UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Supportive Care Department Bereaved Parent Support Group Articles and Resources Israel Trauma Coalition Practical Advice for Parents: How to Help Your Child Following a Trauma American Counseling Association Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting Fred Rogers Productions Thoughts from Fred Rogers: Tragic Events Anti-Defamation League Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (In English and En Espanol) Fran Sherman in USA Today How to talk to your kids about school shootings Dr. Debi Gilboa in NEXT Pittsburgh How to talk to your kids about the mass shooting in Pittsburgh PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Helping Children and Families Cope After a Traumatic Event Helping Children After a Traumatic Experience A Caregiver Guide Coping with Grief After Community Violence Helping Children Cope With Trauma At School Talking to Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism The Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting Tips for Parents on Media Coverage Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal Guiding Adults in Talking to Children About Death and Attending Services Child Trends Resources to help children in the wake of a school shooting The National Child Traumatic Stress Network How to talk to children about hate crimes and antisemitism Additional Lists Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s list of information and resources
