Author: s100414

Thanks to the Tarrant Chronicle for publishing my piece. Please read: https://tarrantchronicle.com/2019/04/20/a-black-mans-view-of-black-infant-mortality/

 

Nikia Lawson, Qiana Lewis-Arnold and Prinscilla Moore are changing the narrative about black infant mortality, black maternal mortality and black maternal morbidity. In support of our eight-part series — The_Gap — I sat down with these there North Texas thought leaders to talk about some very pressing issues. The result was a podcast we’ll publish over three episodes. Here is a short  teaser. Episode one is coming next week. Please listen. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #EveryWeekIsBlackMaternalHealthWeek

As we develop the script and take a deep dive into Episode One of our eight part series, The_Gap, I am encouraged and moved by the stunning statements made by President Lyndon Baines Johnson on healthcare. Leadership — at the national state and municipal levels — remains essential in presenting a path forward. He said, “Investing in the health of infants and moms was the ‘best’ investment our Nation could make.” Beautifully stated.

As we continue sharing our vision for confronting BIMR through our documentary series entitled, The_Gap, more and more communities are presenting stories about this as a matter of pubic health. San Bernardino County (California) reports a BIMR of 13.2 against 5.2 for infants of other races. Stunning, not really. Tragic is more accurate. Here is the piece.

Please read:http://www.precinctreporter.com/2019/03/14/s-b-black-babies-face-dire-statistics/

What’s interesting to me about this article is the importance of nurse/family partnership in altering outcomes for both mother and infant.  Here is the article: https://www.ibj.com/articles/72803-dr-richard-feldman-lawmakers-can-do-much-more-to-stem-infant-mortality

 

An important article about motherhood in America: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/america-is-failing-its-black-mothers/

Our work to shine the light on Black Infant Mortality (BIMR) and Maternal Morbidity is an expression of our commitment to humanity. Last year, we began working alongside Medical Wings, International and Love and Light Ministries to provide care for some who happen to live on the street or are homeless.  Many thanks to my colleagues Glenda Johnson and Heather Dixon for their sustaining work on this project. Here is a short documentary introducing the story: 1000 Acts of Service

Watch our sizzle reel.

Our work in developing  The_Gap: A Series About Black Infant Mortality, has led us to conclude there are eight primary factors influencing Black Infant Mortality and Maternal Deaths. Our series, over eight episodes, will present extraordinary moving stories of hope and loss that will serve to illuminate this public health nightmare.