Senate recognizes Black Maternal Health Awareness Week; experts cite social determinants and perinatal mental health
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Summary
Lawmakers declared April 11–17, 2026 Black Maternal Health Awareness Week in Delaware. Dr. Priscilla Posse and DHMIC leaders credited state funding and partnerships with progress but stressed persistent disparities: Black women face higher complication and mortality rates, and social determinants and perinatal mental health are major contributors.
The Delaware Senate on April 14 adopted House Concurrent Resolution 109, recognizing April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Awareness Week and welcoming leaders from the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium (DHMIC) to the chamber.
Sen. Marie Pinkney introduced the resolution and highlighted recent activities marking the week. Dr. Priscilla Posse, chair of DHMIC and a pediatrician, told members Delaware has made progress but must continue investing in systems that support mothers and infants. "Delaware continues to close the gap in morbidity and mortality with our women and children," Posse said, adding that dedicated state funding — $4,000,000 over 20 years — has helped move the state’s infant mortality ranking from sixth to 33rd nationally.
Posse described the persistent disparities behind maternal outcomes. "Black women will experience twice as many complications in childbirth, delivery, or postpartum," she said, and are "three times more likely to die from childbirth." She emphasized social drivers of health — housing, food, transportation and access to providers — and highlighted behavioral‑health factors, saying perinatal mental health and substance use disorder are primary contributors to maternal mortality in Delaware.
Senators asked follow‑up questions about causes and remedies. Posse said efforts must address clinical care, social supports and clinician education so providers can link patients to resources after discharge. She invited senators to visit hospitals and DHMIC meetings and noted ongoing work with public‑health partners and professional organizations.
The roll call on HCR 109 was 19 yes and 2 absent; the resolution was declared passed. The resolution is ceremonial and acknowledges the work of DHMIC and partner organizations while urging continued collaboration and funding to close racial disparities in maternal and infant health.
What happens next: DHMIC will continue outreach and work with state partners; senators noted further conversations and hearings could follow as lawmakers consider funding and policy options to improve perinatal behavioral‑health services and other social supports.