TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The week of April 11 is Black Maternal Health Week in Kansas.
Topeka area groups are planning a couple events with information to help all moms stay healthy.
Abriona Markham with the Topeka Doula Project and Dr. Jacqueline Kenoly with Stormont Vail Health visited Eye on NE Kansas to share information.
Dr. Kenoly said data shows Black women are three times more likely to die of childbirth-related complications than white women. She said a variety of factors are thought to play into the numbers, including preexisting conditions, health care access, social determinants of health and implicit bias.
Both women say a variety of resources are available through organizations working to address the underlying issues. Markham said the Topeka Doula Project, for example, provides education, guidance and support to expectant moms, in particular women who are low income, experienced incarceration, or are in their teenage years.
Two events are being held in conjunction with Black Maternal Health Week. The first – Come in, Sis! – starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 11 at Shopper’s Kitchen, 250 SE 29th St. Markham said Black mothers of any age are encouraged to come in and share their experiences of what would help them – or would have helped them – with successful pregnancies.
The second evening is Let’s Talk: Motherhood & Mortality, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Pozez Education Center, 1500 SW 10th Ave. Dr. Kenoly said a panel of professionals and advocates will discuss and answer questions about issues surrounding Black maternal health. She said the public also is invited to take part in this important conversation. Attendees are asked to bring diapers and menstrual hygiene products to donate to local organizations. The event is co-sponsored by Topeka Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Topeka Doula Project.
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