Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week: Empowering Mothers, Educating Communities
- Kalia McCray
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Black Maternal Health Week is an important opportunity to shine a light on the challenges Black women continue to face when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. At Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center (ENAHEC), we are committed to supporting mothers by providing education, resources, and compassionate care. On April 12, we proudly hosted a virtual event in honor of Black Maternal Health Week to bring attention to these issues and promote healthier outcomes for moms and babies.
Our event featured an informative conversation on gestational diabetes prevention with Nurse Brianna Burt, followed by a powerful keynote from Dr. Ashanda Saint Jean. She spoke about the deep-rooted mistrust that many Black families feel toward the healthcare system and how that history affects the care they receive today. These honest and necessary conversations help create better understanding between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
Beyond education, ENAHEC offers hands-on support through our Maternal Health Program. Expectant mothers who enroll are paired with a dedicated doula who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Doulas help with birth planning, teach comfort techniques, and ensure that moms feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their journey. Participants also gain access to extra training opportunities and services designed to support any social determinants of health they face on a daily basis.
For those looking to make a meaningful impact, ENAHEC offers training to become a certified doula. The program includes a 3-day workshop, supplemental courses, and shadowing opportunities with experienced doulas in the field. After completing the program, individuals can qualify to be Medicaid-eligible providers—making their services more accessible to families in need.
Black Maternal Health Week reminds us of the importance of creating spaces where Black mothers feel safe, informed, and supported. Through events like this and ongoing programs rooted in education and empowerment, ENAHEC is proud to stand with mothers and birth workers who are leading the way toward healthier, more positive birth experiences for all!
