Building a healthier future for Black mothers in Marion County 

Ashley Scruggs knew motherhood wouldn’t be easy, but her postpartum journey was especially challenging.& & With the support of her doula, Stacy Booher, Scruggs navigated months of health issues before finally being diagnosed with lupus. Her story is one of resilience, but it also reflects a deeper issue: Black mothers in Marion County often face obstacles in receiving timely, effective care.& & Hosted by Just Community, the “Elevating the Standard of Care” event highlighted stories like Scruggs’ to push for change in Black maternal health. Emphasizing the importance of doulas, community action and a need for change, these conversations have been at the forefront of Hoosiers’ minds for many years.& In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 93% higher than for white women. Indiana alone has the third highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S., according to the Indiana Maternal Mortality Review Committee report.& Dr. Nicole Carey speaks about the work of Just Community and how vital doulas are to Black mothers. (Photo/Hanna Rauworth) “We have one of the worst records in our nation (for maternal mortality),” said Dr. Nicole Carey, executive director of Just Community. “So, right here in my backyard, we have this crisis, and...