Cedars-Sinai Joins Community Partners To Reduce Black Maternal Health Gap

By Cedars-Sinai Photos: Cedars-Sinai Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely than white women to die, or become seriously ill, from pregnancy-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those disparities remain regardless of income or levels of education.  Studies point to a kaleidoscope of factors contributing to the dangerous inequity, including racism, barriers to appropriate care, social and economic factors, and chronic stress. Addressing the complexity of causes behind poor health outcomes for Black mothers requires commitment, investment and innovation to produce meaningful, measurable change. “Ensuring equitable outcomes for our patients is a priority at the highest level of Cedars-Sinai. Black Maternal Health Week raises awareness about birthing inequities that exist, and the multidisciplinary work required to close the gap,” said Christina Harris, MD, Cedars-Sinai vice president and chief health equity officer. “But the work of preventing harm and saving Black lives is a continuous process that is not confined to one week. It is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every week and every year. That is the level of commitment that is required,” Harris said. Cedars-Sinai initiatives to improve Black maternal health include lowering the rates of a common...