Earlier this month, NWA’s Stacy Davis, Director for the Center for Innovative Practices in WIC (CIP-WIC) and Carlos Dees, Business Partnership Manager had the profound opportunity to attend the Black Maternal Health Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia. This gathering of advocates, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders served as a stark reminder of the maternal health crisis affecting Black birthing and postpartum people in the United States and, more importantly, the urgent need for systemic change.
The data is clear. Black women are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and death than their white counterparts. This disparity is not just a statistic; it is a call to action that requires a multifaceted approach. From structural racism in healthcare systems to the lack of culturally responsive care, Black birthing and postpartum people often face barriers that can mean the difference between life and death. For WIC and NWA, this moment calls for renewed energy in our commitment to reducing maternal health disparities and ensuring that its resources, initiatives, professional development, and tools meet the needs of the communities NWA members serve.
Black maternal health is not a niche issue; it is central to the well-being of families and communities. The maternal health outcomes of Black birthing people impact generations, and addressing these disparities means addressing the systemic inequities that exist in housing, healthcare access, and nutrition support. This is why the work at NWA, in partnership with WIC, is critical.
The conference discussions reinforced that advancing Black maternal health is about more than providing prenatal and postpartum care. It's about creating systems that genuinely value Black lives by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, culturally responsive healthcare providers, and support systems that reduce stress and improve health outcomes. The importance of addressing the social determinants of health—from housing stability to access to nutritious food was echoed throughout the conference.
WIC’s services, which include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy foods, have long been vital for pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly for those who face economic hardships. However, WIC’s role in reducing maternal health disparities must continue to evolve. The Black Maternal Health Conference highlighted the importance of increasing access to programs such as WIC and making those services more culturally responsive to Black communities.
At NWA, we have committed to diversifying the workforce, expanding nutrition education and breastfeeding support to reflect cultural diversity, and ensuring that our programs consider the unique experiences of Black participants. Attending this conference reaffirmed the urgency of this work. If we are serious about addressing Black maternal health, we must start by listening to Black people and designing programs that are rooted in equity and belonging.
The portfolio of CIP-WIC is committed to leading the work to address racial and health inequities in nutrition, breastfeeding, and prenatal and postpartum outcomes. By utilizing technology, innovation, research, and expertise of the CIP-WIC team, NWA is committed to meeting families where they are and to creating equitable access to resources, tools, and education for underserved, under-resourced, marginalized populations. This includes EDIB-focused sessions at NWA conferences and web-based opportunities, and culturally responsive resources and tools to bring awareness to and provide best practices to conquer Black maternal and infant mortality. An example is the Maternal Mortality Task Force, whose members are putting together a “Maternal Mortality Toolkit,” which will soon be published with best practices for addressing maternal mortality in the United States. Ensuring that families are connected to WIC through outreach & doctor’s appointments has been proven to increase positive health outcomes for mothers and their children.
From a partnership perspective, NWA is committed to connecting with external WIC stakeholders and the broader healthcare providers’ community. NWA was fortunate to execute an exhibit at the BMHC. As a result of this effort, we raised awareness about the WIC program, shared resources, and built connections to support our overall vision of creating a nation of healthier women, children, and their families.
In addition to fostering our partnerships, we recognize that effective communication efforts are critical in driving tangible change toward improving Black maternal health outcomes. Our commitment to health equity, particularly Black families, extends beyond providing services; it includes that the families we serve feel seen, heard, and empowered.