Jack and Jill - North County San Diego

North County San Diego Jack and Jill will participate to help all moms and families experience the joy of a healthy baby. We have raised over $3,600 since 2013!  With nearly 4 million babies born each year, we have a lot of work to do to help them all. The funds I raise enable March of Dimes to support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy that truly makes a difference to families in our community and across the country. If you believe, like I do, that every baby deserves the best possible start, please march with me or make a donation to support this community effort. Together we can fight for the health of all moms and babies.

As March of Dimes continues to raise awareness of health disparities in minority communities around maternal and infant health, we want to take the time to uplift Black Maternal Health Week, which takes place from April 11-17.

A Maternal and Infant Mortality Crisis

The U.S. health care system has historically failed people of color, including during the crucial time of pregnancy. Multiple health, societal and economic factors are all contributors, including unequal access to maternity care. These chronic inequities and unequal access to quality care contribute to higher rates of maternal and infant health complications. For example:

• Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women.
• The rate of infant mortality (death) among Black babies is almost two times higher than the national average (5.4 per 1,000 live births). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of infant mortality (death) among Black babies in the U.S. is 10.6 per 1,000 live births.
• Preterm birth rates are 50 percent higher among Black women, than they are among White or Hispanic women.

Taking action

Our 2022 report, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S., research shows that hospitals that serve Black women were lower-quality as compared to hospitals that have a higher proportion of White women receiving care. These differences between hospitals lead to higher rates of morbidity and mortality for the minority women, especially Black women.

Enough is enough. A mom’s ZIP code and skin color shouldn’t determine the level and quality of care she and her baby receive. That’s why, this Black Maternal Health Week, we ask that you join us to advocate for legislation that can reduce health care disparities and donate to help every family get the best possible start.