Last Updated: April 11, 2025
April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week. “This observance gives us an opportunity to live into our public health mission of promoting healthy living and preventing disease,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Through public health data, we know that our Black families are at the highest risk for adverse maternal and child health outcomes. By reflecting on the unique and important historical and cultural aspects of the Black community, we can work together to improve these outcomes.”
What do I need to know?
- 80% of pregnancy related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.
- Black women are 3 times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. This statistic reminds us that unequal health outcomes are often the result of unequal access to critical care and support before, during, and after pregnancy.
How is RHHD challenging these statistics?
- RHHD’s Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) served an average of 8500 participants a month in 2024. The program makes sure that all new families have access to affordable and healthy foods and even provides support for breastfeeding!
- Our Maternity Navigation team helped 140 clients apply for Medicaid so that they could reach critical prenatal care.
- We served 1294 clients in our Family Planning clinics, making sure our neighbors were empowered to make their own choices about when to pursue a pregnancy.
What steps can I take?
- Get connected to medical care and social support before, during, and after a pregnancy. RHHD’s Maternity Navigation can be a great place to ask for help getting started!
- Learn about urgent maternal warning signs, which could suggest complications during or after a pregnancy. If something feels off or is concerning, speak to your medical provider as soon as you’re able.
