The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries. Addressing the maternity care crisis is a top priority at HHS. We are committed to supporting safe pregnancies and childbirth, eliminating pregnancy-related health disparities, and improving health outcomes for parents and infants across our country.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Birth Workers Roundtable
12:30 – 3 p.m. ET
This event is an opportunity to acknowledge and engage birth workers, mental health and medical professionals to share space. Our goal is to help bridge the relationship between all the phenomenal work each specialty provides to support Black Maternal Health.
Implementing Iowa’s Title V Community-Based Doula Project for African American Families
2 – 3 p.m. CT
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recognized disparities in Maternal Health outcomes among African American/Black-identifying individuals in Iowa. IDPH sought to reduce these disparities by modifying, expanding and enhancing Iowa’s Maternal Child Health Title V Service Delivery System to include a community-based, culturally congruent doula program as a service offering. Join OASH Region 7 and IDPH for a presentation and panel discussion of this innovative project in observance of Black Maternal Health Week.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Honoring Black Maternal Health Week: A Discussion of Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Black Maternal Health
1 – 2 p.m. ET
Our goal is to bring awareness to the maternal health crisis through an authentic conversation amongst each well-known participants and HHS moderators about their maternal health experiences. The discussion will highlight that all Black women are more adversely affected by maternal health morbidities and the need for action.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and State Leaders Discuss Black Maternal Health Week
3 p.m. ET
This conversation will focus on what States and the federal government are doing to address inequities in Black maternal health. The discussion will focus on current challenges and opportunities for improvement in maternal health outcomes for Black women at both the state and federal levels.
