Maternal Health in Women of Color From the moment we’re born, aspects of our society and environment form a web of factors that affect our chance at a healthy start to life. From access to quality healthcare to housing, transportation and healthy food, the way our health, economic and education systems are built negatively affects some families and their babies more than others, even before birth, into their first years of life and beyond. We see the impact of these factors in things like the pre-term birth rate and maternal mortality and morbidities. For example, in the United States, the preterm birth rate among Black women is 52% higher and in Colorado it is 37% higher than the rate among all other women. In addition, women of color are up to three times more likely to die from pregnancy- related complications compared to white women. These inequities are unacceptable.
March of Dimes, HealthONE, the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce and our partners believe that by working together we can confront inequities and ensure the health and wellbeing of every mom, birthing person and baby. Coloradans are encouraged to step up and take action by joining the . As a member, you are joining more than 200 national, state and local partners leading broad changes in policy, research, funding and systems to address maternal and infant health inequities. We also encourage you to mark your calendar for the Mom & Baby Action Network Summit on June 10 & 11, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Through this annual event you will be part of “Igniting Impact Together” and nurturing collaborative solutions to address the maternal and infant health crisis for families of color. In celebration of their 85th anniversary, March of Dimes launched the inaugural March of Dimes
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