April 21st 2024.
April is recognized as National Minority Health Month, an annual event that brings attention to the disparities in health between different racial and ethnic groups. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage people to take action to address these inequities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in four Americans have multiple chronic conditions, which account for a significant portion of healthcare spending in the country.
Despite overall improvements in the nation's health, racial and ethnic minorities continue to experience lower quality healthcare. They are less likely to receive routine medical care and are at higher risk for disease and death compared to nonminorities. To shed light on these issues, singer Melanie Fiona, entrepreneur Felicia La Tour, writer Ashley Chea, and CEO of Black Love, Inc., Codie Elaine Oliver created The Mama's Den. This platform provides a space for open and honest conversations about motherhood, health, race, sexuality, religion, and dating from a mother's perspective.
In a recent interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Fiona, La Tour, Chea, and Oliver discussed various aspects of Black maternal health, from disparities in medical care to the importance of mental health support. For Fiona, National Minority Health Month is an opportunity to educate and engage communities through social media. She emphasizes the need for people to listen and understand the issues faced by minority communities.
One major barrier to timely healthcare for Black individuals is the lack of accessibility, such as long wait times, inconvenient office hours, and transportation issues. La Tour also stresses the importance of advocacy in addressing these disparities. Drawing from personal experiences and those of her friends, she emphasizes the urgency of raising awareness about issues such as barriers to care, preventable miscarriages, and medical malpractice.
Chea believes that education and empowerment are crucial in addressing Black maternal health. She sees National Minority Health Month as an opportunity to create spaces where individuals can make informed choices about their reproductive health. Chea also highlights the need to promote health equity, address social disadvantages, and bring attention to healthcare algorithmic and artificial intelligence bias.
Oliver adds that education is essential in inspiring change and healing within communities. She emphasizes the importance of sharing diverse birthing experiences to empower women and families. Oliver believes that National Minority Health Month is a time for collective action and community support, especially for communities that historically have faced mistrust and underutilization of healthcare services.
Black women face many challenges within the healthcare system, particularly in obstetric care. Fiona shares her traumatic experience with an emergency C-section and the difficulties she faced in advocating for herself during her second pregnancy. She believes that systemic biases and lack of personalized care are significant issues that need to be addressed.
In 2007, a method known as the VBAC algorithm was introduced to help healthcare professionals evaluate the potential for a safe vaginal birth after cesarean. However, a study in 2017 revealed discrepancies in the accuracy of the original algorithm, with Black women being less likely to have a successful vaginal birth after a C-section. Fiona personally experienced resistance when she opted for a VBAC for her second pregnancy.
Chea reflects on her journey through medical neglect and misdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of having one's voice heard and advocating for adequate care. After struggling with postpartum depression and undiagnosed thyroid disease, she had to persistently advocate for herself to receive the correct diagnosis and proper care.
Having allies and community support is crucial in addressing the maternal health crisis. Oliver stresses the need for collective action and support from partners, healthcare professionals, and allies. She believes that it is necessary to listen to and amplify the voices of Black women in advocating for equitable healthcare.
The Mama's Den provides a platform for authentic conversations and experiences surrounding Minority Health and Black maternal health. By sharing personal stories, advocating for change, and fostering community support, Fiona, La Tour, Chea, and Oliver exemplify resilience and empowerment in navigating the complexities of health and motherhood. La Tour hopes to create change through her nonprofit by getting bills passed and changing laws. She encourages others to support and get involved in similar initiatives to make a difference in the community.
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