Every April, Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women in the United States. Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), BMHW is observed from April 11 to April 17 and aims to raise awareness, promote community-driven solutions, and advocate for systemic change.

This year’s theme, “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy,” calls on us to honor the past, confront the present, and build a future where Black mothers receive the care, respect, and support they deserve.

The Alarming Reality

It is a heartbreaking truth: Black women in the U.S. are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This disparity is not rooted in biology, it is driven by structural racism, unequal access to quality healthcare, and broader social inequities that persist across generations.

BMHW shines a light on these injustices and celebrates the healthcare providers, community leaders, and advocates working tirelessly to change the narrative. But awareness alone is not enough. We need sustained, collective action.

The Overlooked Crisis: Maternal Mental Health

Maternal health is not physical well-being; it is deeply intertwined with mental health. Black women are twice as likely to experience maternal mental health conditions, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, compared to other groups. Yet, they often face barriers to care, including:

• Lack of culturally competent providers
• Stigma surrounding mental health
• Limited access to affordable services

Mental health conditions are now recognized as leading contributors to maternal mortality, underscoring the need for comprehensive care that supports both body and mind.

Healing Through Advocacy and Action

This year’s theme emphasizes collective action, which means everyone has a role to play. To truly support Black maternal health, we must:

• Integrate mental health services into prenatal and postpartum care
• Fund Black-led organizations that center community voices
• Train providers in culturally responsive care
• Advocate for policies that dismantle systemic

Healing legacies means acknowledging the trauma, honoring resilience, and building systems that uplift rather than oppress.

Black Maternal Health Week 2025 highlighted the urgent need to address racial disparities in maternal health, especially the mental health crisis affecting Black mothers. With Black women facing higher rates of maternal mortality and mental health conditions, integrating emotional support into maternal care is essential. The path forward lies in community-led advocacy, culturally competent care, and sustained systemic change.

Dr. Barrett hosts a virtual workshop on Post Partum Depression. More info @ [email protected]