April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week! Maternal health is important for all pregnant people regardless of race or ethnicity. However, Black pregnant people continue to be disproportionally impacted by higher rates of maternal mortality, or death during pregnancy, during delivery, or up to one year postpartum.

This week, we want to recognize the importance of Black maternal health and share important community resources available to support people of color in having a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience.

• Non-Hispanic Black pregnant people are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than non-Hispanic white pregnant people.
• Per 100,000 live births, non-Hispanic Black pregnant people experienced 78 deaths compared to 31 for non-Hispanic white pregnant people.
• 80% of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented.

Each year, a Maternal Mortality Review Panel is put together consisting of perinatal health professionals and health equity experts across Washington state. The goal of the panel is to report rates of pregnancy-related deaths, acknowledge potential reasons for why some groups, like Black pregnant people, experience higher rates of maternal mortality, and offer recommendations to help lower them in the future.

According to this year's Maternal Mortality Review, some of the most common issues perceived to lead to higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths include:

• Lack of access and barriers to health care services
• Issues of discrimination, interpersonal racism, and structural racism.
• Poor communication between health care facilities or units resulting in fragmented care.
• Lack of referrals to or consultations with specialists.

The Shades of Motherhood Network (SOMN) is a non-profit here in Spokane that works to reduce rates of pregnancy-related deaths for Black pregnant people through education and resources. We're grateful for their support and passion in advocating for this important public health issue. To celebrate and recognize Black Maternal Health Week, the SOMN is hosting a series of events that go until the end of this week. There will be film showings, poetry, and a family fun day!

This is a week we can all take part in as we recognize its importance and the role we can play in supporting pregnant people in our community, especially those who may be at greater risk for maternal mortality. Learn more about this week's festivities at: Shades of Motherhood | Non-profit (theshadesofmotherhoodnetwork.org)

Do you know the warning signs pregnant people should be aware of up to a year after pregnancy? Find them at: Urgent Maternal Warning Signs | CDC

We want to thank Stephanie Courtney, owner of the Shades of Motherhood Network., for joining us for Facebook Live last month. She shared why communities, including our own, need to understand and take action to address racism, discrimination, bias, and stigma in perinatal care. Watch the Facebook Live below.