OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – “This is a crisis and Black women and birthing folks are dying as a result,” said Douglas County Commissioner Maureen Boyle.
In September, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October as Black Maternal Health Month.
While awareness is being raised, the state is falling behind significantly.
“Nebraska has the second highest difference between White and Black babies death rates in the nation,” Boyles said at the September 24th meeting.
Nebraska received a “D-minus” grade for preterm birth rates on the March of Dimes 2023 report card. Douglas and Sarpy counties and the City of Omaha were each graded an “F,” indicating their rates got worse between 2021 and 2022.
“Obviously, we have a lot of work to do,” said Syndey Shead, a birth justice associate with I Be Black Girl.
“When we talk about birth justice, we’re talking about creating better access for families to get the care that they need in the way that they would like. Equitable care, comprehensive care and culturally sound care,” Shead told 6 News.
Shead is also a doula, is someone without obstetric training who gives guidance and support during pregnancy or post-partum.
“Working with a doula can help improve outcomes. There’s less cesarean rates, there’s less rates of episiotomies, and just better outcomes for mom and baby all around,” Shead said.
Data shows two top factors impacting pre-term birth are diabetes and hypertension. They are illnesses often plaguing the black community, according to the CDC.
“What can I explore to maybe make some changes in my diet or look at alternatives to exercising now that I’m going to give birth and need to take it easy?” Shead said.
Collaboration is something Shead and Douglas County leaders say needs to happen to raise Nebraska’s failing grade. But they can’t do it alone.
“Not only are we hearing from stakeholders and folks that are trying their best in doing the work right now, we’re taking what we’ve put together, giving it to the community and say ‘what do you think of this?’” said Shead.
I Be Black Girl is hosting several events through October for Nebraska Black Maternal Health Month, including webinars and a community baby shower.
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