The Black Maternal and Child Health Project will host a summit in New Haven on Saturday to discuss disparities in Black maternal and child health.
“We have a great program for everyone who comes in tomorrow,” said Stacey Fields, a registered nurse and member of the Black Maternal and Child Health Project. “It will be packed with information from experts in the field on the different stages of pregnancy.”
The event will coincide with Black Maternal Health Week and will be held at Southern Connecticut State University from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We will also provide lessons for individuals to advocate for themselves,” said Health Committee Chair Sonya Brevard, who added, “We will also provide lessons for individuals to advocate for themselves.” He gave examples such as “How to choose.'' Even planning a pregnancy. ”
The CDC says Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, but 80% of those deaths are preventable.
“The maternal mortality rate for Black people in the United States is truly outrageous,” said Dr. Cynthia Hall McRaven, who serves the greater New Haven community. “As an obstetrician-gynecologist, I have cared for women of color throughout my practice. Women of color have different needs and have had different outcomes.”
The Black Maternal and Child Health Project invites medical professionals, doulas, community partners, and advocates to join us in discussing this issue.
“This is not just a state issue, this is a national issue,” Fields said.
“If you look at Hartford or Bridgeport, a lot of cities have the same problem,” said Toni Harp, former New Haven mayor and president of the New Haven chapter of the Lynx. “We have to improve the system of care for people of color. We may be a minority, but we have a right to a system that responds to our needs.”
Black Maternal and Child Health Week continues through April 17th.
