Cummins Recognizes Black Maternal Health Equity

April is recognized as National Minority Health Month (U.S.), an initiative created to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. Historically, maternal mortality has been disproportionately high for Black women, with most causes being preventable. In conjunction with maternal mental health issues, the disparities are heightened.

In building awareness of these issues, organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., have created opportunities to amplify the voices of Black birthing people. One such opportunity is Black Maternal Health Week, a week of awareness, activism and community building that highlights Black-led maternal health initiatives and centers the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. Observed annually from April 11-17 and officially recognized by the Biden Administration in 2021, Black Maternal Health Week aims to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the U.S., so the public can better understand that root causes, like systemic racism, act as drivers of maternal health inequities. 

Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (CARE) recognizes the importance of mothers throughout and following their pregnancy journeys. In support of these efforts, CARE presented a virtual panel and discussion: Rights, Resources and Respect: A conversation on Black maternal health, reproductive justice and birth equity; on April 19. Nearly 250 Cummins employees registered for this speaker series session.

Attendees were engaged in conversation with Cummins colleagues and expert guest speakers in maternal health, and left with the following takeaways:

•    Learned the health issues and disparities that disproportionately impact Black women and their families.
•    Gained an understanding of how systemic racism acts as a driver of maternal health inequities.
•    Heard the perspectives and lived experiences of Black mothers and those expecting.
•    Received resources and support offered through Cummins and other sources for maternal healthcare and wellness.
•    Recognized Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) and National Minority Health Month (April).

 Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity was excited to contribute to the national conversation and look forward to building awareness and empowering Cummins employees with the resources needed to drive impacts in their own communities on this important issue.