BIN | Addressing Maternal Health

In a vital effort to address the disproportionate rates of maternal mortality among Black women, the Black Information Network (BIN) has initiated a public awareness campaign titled “Saving Black Moms: A Maternal Health Crisis.” This media initiative aims to cast a spotlight on the critical issues surrounding Black maternal health and to foster meaningful change.

The campaign unfolds against a backdrop of stark statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reveal that Black mothers experience significantly higher mortality rates related to childbirth compared to their peers. In 2023, the mortality rate for Black women stood at 50.3 per 100,000 live births, markedly higher than the rates for White, Hispanic, and Asian women, which were 14.5, 12.4, and 10.7 respectively. These figures span across all ages, educational levels, and socio-economic backgrounds, with contributing factors including disparities in healthcare access, insurance coverage, and quality of pre-natal and post-partum care.

BIN’s campaign, “Saving Black Moms,” will be rolled out in two phases, starting with a series of news reports during Black Maternal Health Week in Washington, DC, beginning the week of April 14. This will be followed by an hour-long special program on April 23, which will delve into the various challenges and issues related to Black maternal health. The first phase will culminate with a Mother’s Day feature on May 11, setting the stage for the second phase, which launches on June 2.

The second phase will see the introduction of a dedicated microsite, continuous social media efforts, public service announcements, and ongoing news reports and features through the end of September. These efforts aim to amplify the voices of maternal health professionals, advocates, survivors, and community leaders committed to improving the outcomes for Black mothers.

Tony Coles, President of BIN, emphasized the network’s commitment to advocacy and partnership in tackling these disparities. “As a network dedicated to elevating underrepresented voices, it is crucial that we focus on the alarming disparities Black women face around childbirth,” Coles stated. “This campaign is not just about raising awareness, but also about sparking action and fostering partnerships that can bring about real change.”

Thana Hickman, CEO of Viola’s House and a member of the BIN Local Roundtable, shared her perspective on the campaign’s importance: “Being part of this movement to educate and enact change is a privilege. Our community’s involvement is crucial to addressing and reducing the disparities in Black maternal health. Together, we can safeguard and enhance the well-being of Black mothers and their babies.”

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