The USF College of Public Health (COPH) is part of global effort to eliminate Black maternal mortality with a week
of events centered on the reproductive and birth justice movements. The initiative
aims to amplify Black voices and experiences and foster dialogue for the health and
well-being of Black mothers and birthing people.
Led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is recognized each year from April 11-17 to bring attention and action in
improving Black maternal health. It highlights how everyone can play a role in working
to prevent pregnancy-related deaths and improving maternal health outcomes.
This year’s observance focuses on the theme, “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black
Autonomy and Joy!”
As the first initiative of the Community Hub at the COPH, the BMHW initiative is firmly
rooted in community engagement and data-driven action. This collaborative space was
intentionally and strategically created incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences
across disciplines, age, gender, education level and geographic location (within Tampa
Bay).
According to Florida’s Bureaus of Community Health Assessment, preterm birth and low
birth weight, which are both causes deemed to be largely preventable, remain leading
causes of infant death disproportionately impacting Black infants. Further, in 2020
non-Hispanic Black mothers in Florida were nearly twice as likely to experience a
severe obstetric event but were four times more likely to pass away due to pregnancy-related
causes.
“In Florida, more than 70% of pregnancy-related deaths are determined to be preventable.
So, as a Black woman, as a Black momma and as a member of the Black community, this
week holds a special space in my heart,” said Dr. Marshara Fross, postdoctoral scholar at the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health and founder of the BMHW at the COPH. “Although I have had two traumatic birthing
experiences of my own, you almost never hear me talk about my own experiences because
I am always highlighting the data and experiences of others.”
“The history of slavery and segregation left an enduring legacy in this country. The
generations that came before us fought to have their experiences and personhood acknowledged,
celebrated, and respected in a manner similar to what this week embodies,” Fross said.
“It’s about my community, the people I love, the people who made me who I am today
and the Black families and communities of the future who deserve to experience safe,
respectful and high-quality maternity care.”
Because the initiative is data driven, BMHW will center on the patient experience
in the hospital labor and delivery environment.
“Unfortunately, even when mom and baby both survive pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic
birthing experiences and incompetent care, particularly in the hospital birth environment,
are far too common among Black birthing people,” Fross said. “While working in these
spaces as scholars and researchers, we hear these stories frequently but sometimes
we also hear positive birth experiences as well! One of our primary goals for BMHW
is to amplify and celebrate these stories and experiences of those in our community
and across the spectrum. Amplifying these stories not only increases awareness but
also provides tangible feedback on what is working and what is not working, in our
own community, clinics and hospitals.”
Fross and the BMHW team said they are not only striving to share stories of Black
birthing people in the community, but are thrilled to invite fathers, partners, health
care providers, policymakers, and people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to join
in as active participants. They hope to offer opportunities for attendees to engage
in dialogue and learn about ways the community can mobilize to promote optimal birth
outcomes for all. They want to provide actionable ways for sustainable community-engagement,
even after BMHW has concluded.
“I am looking forward to community. There is proverb in our community which says,
‘If you want to go fast, then go by yourself. But if you want to go far, then go together’.
As the creator and founder of the Black Maternal Health Week initiative, seeing this
vision come to life has honestly been one of the most humbling experiences of my life,”
Fross said. “Although this process certainly was not without its challenges and fair
share of adversity, seeing professionals, mothers, partners, and community members
gather and join in this movement to create a community where we all can thrive, has
been both extraordinary and inspiring. I cannot wait to see us truly unite as a community
in effort to advance Black Maternal Health and save Black mommas and babies.”
Check out the college’s offerings and join the movement.
For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Marshara Fross, frossm@usf.edu.