Join Atrium Health Navicent in Raising Awareness During Black Maternal Health Week
Black Maternal Health Week is observed April 11-17
The community is asked to join Atrium Health Navicent in raising awareness during Black Maternal Health Week. In its fourth year, 2021 Black Maternal Health Week will be observed April 11 through April 17 as part of April’s month-long National Minority Health Month.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 700 women die in the United States each year as a result of pregnancy or its complications. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, according to the Commonwealth Fund, an independent agency that seeks to improve healthcare, particularly for society’s most vulnerable members.
In 2019, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women was 44 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.5 times the rate for non-Hispanic white women and 3.5 times the rate for Hispanic women. Black women disproportionately lack necessary reproductive health care, leaving them vulnerable to many risk factors related to pregnancy, according to the CDC.
“It’s vitally important that mothers receive high-quality healthcare during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum so they can live healthy lives and nurture their children, our future,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “Atrium Health Navicent is committed to providing mothers with excellent care and support while also working to end racism and bias in healthcare and achieving healthcare equity for all.”
In addition to partnering with the Black Maternal Mental Health Summit in February, Atrium Health Navicent has offered hospital-wide implicit bias training. Physicians, nurses and other staff within the Family Birth Center and Anderson Health Center Obstetrics Clinic will also soon participate in implicit and explicit bias training tailored for perinatal care settings.
The health system, in partnership with the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative, also is analyzing demographic data related to certain medical conditions to help identify and bridge gaps in healthcare equity as part of its mission to improve the community’s health and wellness, elevate hope and advance healing for all. Atrium Health Navicent was presented with a proclamation from Macon-Bibb County on Monday that names April 11 through April 17 as Black Maternal Health Week in Macon-Bibb County.
“I want to thank Atrium Health Navicent for spearheading this initiative,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller. “We want to make sure we are taking care of each other in whatever way they need.”
For more information about services for expectant mothers and post-partum services, visit www.navicenthealth.org/service-center/family-birth-center-navicent-health.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for health care consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.