Durham County Commissioners proclaim Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 to 17, 2025

During the recent Durham Board of County Commissioners meeting, a significant proclamation was made recognizing April 11 through April 17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding maternal health among Black women in North Carolina, who face alarming disparities in health outcomes.

The proclamation highlighted that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from preventable pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, Black infants are two to three times more likely to die within their first year of life. The maternal mortality rate in North Carolina has doubled between 2019 and 2021, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning the state with the eleventh highest maternal mortality rate in the nation.

The meeting underscored the fact that 39 percent of Black women in North Carolina receive late or no prenatal care, which significantly increases their risk of complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Furthermore, it was noted that many Black women experiencing maternal mental health issues do not receive adequate support, with as many as 50 percent failing to get the help they need.

The proclamation also emphasized the importance of community-based responses to these disparities, advocating for the involvement of diverse birth workers, health advocates, and community organizations. These services are seen as vital in improving Black maternal safety and health outcomes. Initiatives such as doula services, midwifery, peer support, and mental wellness programs were promoted as essential resources for empowering Black women to have positive pregnancy and birth experiences.

In conclusion, the Durham Board of County Commissioners' recognition of Black Maternal Health Week serves as a call to action for the community to address these pressing health disparities. The acknowledgment of these issues is a crucial step toward fostering a more equitable healthcare environment for Black mothers and their infants in Durham and beyond.