CHC Talks About Success of Black Birthing Initiative at U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2^nd Annual Black Maternal Health Outcomes Matter: Keeping Hope Alive! Summit

In February, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities met with Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and members of her team, to discuss the pressing issue of Black maternal health in our communities. We shared progress from our Black Birthing Initiative (BBI), supported by Elevance Health Foundation. The BBI is a community-driven collaborative across four cities working to improve rates of pre-term birth by increasing access to quality healthcare and essential resources for Black women and birthing people.

All mothers, regardless of race, background or geography, should have a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience. Our team was honored to then be included in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2^nd Annual Black Maternal Health Outcomes Matter: Keeping Hope Alive! Summit on April 12, 2024, during Black Maternal Health Week. Joining esteemed maternal health leaders, CHC Chief Health Equity Officer Valerie Rochester & Director of Programs Adelaide Appiah spoke about the Black Birthing Initiative on a panel highlighting scalable and replicable model for improving Black maternal health outcomes.

Kimberly Seals Allers, founder of the IRTH app, served as the keynote speaker for the summit, sharing the importance of “creating a new way of learning about the Black birthing experience because joy is our birthright.” Government representative speakers included Black Maternal Health Caucus Members Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), 25th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. Secretary Becerra spoke about the importance of “equity by design” informing the governmental Administration’s future investments and achievements in Black Maternal Health.

CHC’s Black Birthing Initiative is one of our health equity programs that drives our mission to every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life.

You can help us continue this important work, widen our reach and serve more communities. Join us on this important mission by making a contribution today.