Centering Care, Saving Lives: Community Model Tackles Racial Gaps During Black Maternal Health Week 2025

(Photo Credit: Getty Images) During Black Maternal Health Week, the South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO) underscores a pressing concern: Black women endure significantly elevated mortality rates due to avoidable pregnancy-related issues. In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women stood at 50.3 per 100,000 live births, contrasted with 14.5 for White women. SSHCO’s groundbreaking Maternal Care Model merges clinical and community resources, prioritizing care that is culturally attuned to the needs of the community.