This week, we're raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by Black mothers. Black Maternal Mental Health Week, taking place this week, September 23rd-36th, is a crucial initiative aimed at transforming and advancing change in the mental well-being of Black mothers and their children. This awareness week sheds light on the #disparities in mental health outcomes among Black mothers and the urgent need for action. By exploring the societal, historical, and systemic factors contributing to these disparities, we can develop targeted #interventions and #support systems to drive change. Let's strive to foster understanding and drive positive change in maternal healthcare practices! 💗 #BlackMaternalMentalHealth Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) National Birth Equity Collaborative Postpartum Support International BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)

🌟 Saturday's Perinatal Equity Community Day panel was enlightening! We were inspired by powerful voices advocating for mental wellness, resilience, and healing. Discussions from passionate professionals and community partners shed light on how we can uplift Black mothers, honor their experiences, and work towards a future of health equity. We discussed empowering Black mothers and birthing persons to advocate for themselves during the perinatal process, finding culturally sensitive care after perinatal loss, and how healthcare systems like @ruhsmedicalcenter Riverside University Health System Medical Center can support Black families in healing. Key takeaways include the importance of education, building supportive networks, and choosing providers who respect and understand cultural needs. Remember, empathy and understanding are essential in nurturing an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment. Let's continue to support each other in these vital conversations. Together, we're building a stronger, more supportive community. #PerinatalEquity #HealthcareEquity #CommunitySupport #BlackMaternalHealthWeek2024 #LifeAfterLoss #HealthEquity #healthequitynow #blackinfanthealth #bihriverside https://lnkd.in/gf8XBpmS

It's Black Maternal Mental Health Week (July 19 – 25) The stark reality is that 40% of Black women experience maternal mental health symptoms, nearly twice the rate of all women. Black Maternal Mental Health Week is our time to raise awareness and take action. Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality, and yet, Black women often face overwhelming stress and health disadvantages that exacerbate their likelihood of experiencing these conditions. At Swishvo, we are dedicated to revolutionizing maternal health care and addressing these disparities head-on. It's not just about awareness; it's about taking action. We call on healthcare providers to increase access to screening, support, and treatment for Black moms. Together, we can do better. Join us in this crucial fight for health equity and empowerment. Let's ensure that every Black mom receives the support and care she deserves. #BlackMaternalMentalHealthWeek #MaternalMentalHealth #HealthEquity #Swishvo #Empowerment #SupportBlackMoms

Black women in the US face significant challenges in maternal mental health. Despite higher rates of conditions like postpartum depression, they are often underdiagnosed and receive inadequate care. Structural racism, socioeconomic inequalities, and a lack of culturally competent healthcare providers contribute to these disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these challenges. We are dedicated to improving access to culturally sensitive healthcare, raising awareness, and advocating for systemic changes. For more information on how you can support Black mothers and address health disparities, check out the first comment. #MaternalMentalHealth #SupportBlackMothers #HealthDisparities #CulturalCompetence #psychologistsofcolor

Speaker spotlight! Short abstract: "Access to screenings and care for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) is a considerable barrier in communities of color. Research supports that, while cultural stigma related to mental health presents an obstacle, screening measures reflective of the Black experience and a lack of accessible support within Black communities are a challenge as well. Mothers have reported feeling unsafe discussing their experiences with PMADs with healthcare providers and even family out of fear of the consequences for them and their babies. In considering facilitators for maternal mental health outcomes, social support is a powerful method of bolstering Black mothers/birthing people when they are at their most vulnerable. This presentation will call on support systems, referred to here as “communities” to know their role in supporting the mental health of birthing people and their partners. There is more to supporting families than holding the baby and to bridge the gap for Black women, communities must step up, learn and advocate for those they love." Register today! https://lnkd.in/g7KUDwkP #SpeakerSpotlight #PMADs #PerinatalHealth #MentalHealth #CommunitySupport #BlackMothers #MaternalHealth #HealthDisparities #CulturalStigma #AccessibleCare #SocialSupport #BlackCommunities #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthEquity #AdvocateForMothers #BirthingPeople #SupportSystems #MaternalMentalHealth #HealthcareBarriers

"Down Syndrome has a huge network… but not for my community." - Melba Perry 💬 In the powerful final episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask Season 3, Series 3, Melba Perry, Jessica Burris, and Niasha Fray uncover the struggles—and strength—within Black maternal and infant health. This episode sheds light on overlooked challenges: the need for inclusive support networks, the impact of mental health, and understanding rights in the workplace as Black mothers. Listen to the full episode and join a discussion about making change. 💪✨ National Down Syndrome Congress Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) American Public Health Association National Birth Equity Collaborative 💬 What do you think is the most crucial resource for Black maternal health today? Share your thoughts in the comments and tag someone who needs to hear this. #BlackMaternalHealth #DownSyndromeSupport #CommunityCare #HealthEquity #QuestionsYouDidntAsk

#Juneteenth celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Juneteenth is not just a day to remember the end of slavery; it is also a reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist in our society. By addressing the disparities in maternal mental health and supporting Black mothers, we can honor the spirit of resilience and freedom that Juneteenth represents. ❤️🖤💚 Read our full blog post about maternal mental health for Black birthing people, the impact of racial disparities within the healthcare system, and how we can all work towards addressing these inequalities. Full post available via link in bio 🔗 #FreedomAndJustice #MaternalMentalHealth #BlackMothersMatter #ResilienceMatters #EqualityForAll #HealthcareInequality

Discover how #ageism, often unrecognized, can detrimentally affect physical and mental health and overall lifespans. Kris Geerken will delve into implications within #healthcare and highlight the importance of age advocacy. Empower yourself with practical steps for self-advocacy, encouraging you to challenge ageist assumptions. https://ed.gr/ehcnf

What a piece of work and a HUGE achievement this was. Working alongside the Department of Corrections and Pacific University, we conducted a robust research project that was meant to be 3 years but turned into 5 years thanks to Covid and our access to facilities. But we did it! Almost exactly one year ago - October 2023, we were published in The Journal of Offender Rehabilitation! Our program is now recognized as evidence-based. Here's what we've gathered below: Increase in: Stress Resistance is needed to cope with trauma. emotional regulation and impulse control. pro-social behaviors and connectedness. improved relationships with family, & relationships with others. Decrease in: Trauma response anxiety, depression, anger, and agitation. Violent & Reactive Behaviors The obsession with one’s own circumstances. #MentalHealthResearch #JusticeReform #EvidenceBased #SocialImpact #PacificUniversity #TraumaInformedCare

🤰🏿It's Black Maternal Health Week. Let's bring into focus the disparities in maternal health outcomes faced by Black mothers. To improve health outcomes for all, it's crucial to ensure healthcare reaches those who need it most. 🫄🏿What does supporting black maternal health entail? It means putting resources into programs in communities, making sure we're ready to help when new challenges arise, and ensuring that healthcare providers understand and respect different cultures and backgrounds. 👩🏿🍼Let's confront systemic barriers and advocate for policies prioritizing access to quality care and mental health support for moms. Together, let's strive for equity in maternal healthcare. #BMHW2024 #MaternalHealth #MentalHealthMatters 🤰🏿🤱🏽