OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 246

On My Momma: Addressing Maternal and Women's Health Disparities in Louisiana

Maternal health disparities remain a pressing issue in Louisiana, where Black women and birthing individuals face disproportionate risks due to systemic barriers in healthcare access and quality. During the latest installment of the "On My Momma Series," experts and advocates came together to discuss these challenges and offer solutions. Speakers Frankie Robertson and Kheri Monks shared their insights, emphasizing the need for holistic care, strong advocacy, and community support. Their experiences underscored the importance of comprehensive healthcare teams, inclusive of primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and doulas, to ensure safer pregnancies and improved postpartum outcomes.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in advancing equitable maternal healthcare. The discussion highlighted the upcoming Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day, policy initiatives requiring private insurance and Medicaid to cover doula services, and the need for increased awareness around maternal mental health screenings. Participants also explored the impact of gendered racism and societal stressors on pregnancy-related health outcomes. By engaging in legislative efforts and community-driven initiatives, advocates are working to reshape the maternal health landscape in Louisiana, ensuring that Black birthing individuals not only survive childbirth but also thrive in motherhood.

Beyond policy changes, grassroots support and resource accessibility are key to improving maternal health outcomes. The conversation introduced vital programs such as teen mother support services, postpartum mental health resources, and upcoming community health fairs. Attendees were encouraged to vote on March 29th and participate in advocacy training to continue the momentum toward systemic change. The event reinforced that maternal health is not just a medical issue—it is a community imperative that requires collective action, education, and unwavering commitment to equity and justice.

Notes

3/21/25 Meeting Overview

Welcome and Introduction

• The meeting began with an introduction to the "On My Momma Series," with today’s focus on maternal and women’s health disparities in Louisiana.

• Speakers: Frankie Robertson and Kheri Monks

• Icebreaker Activity: "Health Check-In"

  • Participants were encouraged to share their name, organization, and a health-related concern that is not discussed enough.

  • Topics mentioned: postpartum wellness, mental health, childhood mental health, reproductive health, fibroids, PCOS, disparities for Medicaid members, endometriosis, high school mental health (especially in boys), VA and elderly care.

    
    

Speaker: Kheri Monks

• Personal experiences with premature births and NICU stays.

• Advocacy for comprehensive maternal healthcare beyond just OBGYN visits, emphasizing a full care team (including primary care doctors and therapists).

• The importance of having a strong support system and ensuring that all care providers are collaborating.

• Advice on advocating for oneself in healthcare settings and ensuring a supportive network during pregnancy and postpartum.

  
  

Speaker: Frankie Robertson

• Founder of The Amandla Group, focused on social justice, maternal health policy, and advocacy.

• Works on policy changes related to maternal health, including lobbying, community education, and research.

• Discussed the importance of addressing structural and systemic racism in maternal healthcare.

• Highlighted her experience as a doula and the need for Black birthing individuals to reclaim joy in childbirth.

• Introduced upcoming advocacy training and maternal health awareness events.

  
  

Advocacy and Policy Updates

• Upcoming Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day (April 16th):

  • Virtual town hall at 8 AM

  • Press conference at 11:45 AM

  • Various activities to engage policymakers and the community.

• Legislative Policy & Advocacy Training (March 29th):

  • Understanding how policy impacts maternal health.

  • How to advocate for equitable maternal care.

• Medicaid & Private Insurance Coverage for Doulas:

  • Five out of six Louisiana Medicaid MCOs cover doula services.

  • Private insurers required to cover up to $1,500 for doula support.

    
    

Community Announcements & Resources

• Early Childhood Supports & Services: Expansion of mental health services for pregnant women and children ages 0-5 across Louisiana.

• Whole Health Louisiana: Provides a snapshot of health disparities and improvement plans per parish.

• Teen Mother Support Programs:

  • Planned Parenthood and Evolve host teen sex education workshops.

  • Study and Playroom: Free babysitting and study space for teen mothers.

  • 100 Black Women Be Healthy 100 Community Health Fair (April 5th).

• Women’s Health Mental Support:

  • Louisiana’s postpartum mental health unit opened in Fall 2023.

  • Normalizing mental health screenings at postpartum and pediatric visits.

  • Expanding postpartum doula support.

    
    

Upcoming Events & Calls to Action

• Local Health & Wellness Events:

  • "For The Culture" Community Event (March 29th).

  • "Who Has The Sickest Car?" Giveaway event for single mothers (June 29th).

  • Judge Hatchett’s Maternal Health Summit (April 14th).

• Call to Action:

  • Vote on March 29th! Policy decisions affect maternal health.

  • Participate in advocacy training and awareness events.

  • Support maternal and women’s health initiatives in Louisiana.

    
    

Closing Remarks

• Appreciation for the guest speakers for sharing their expertise and personal experiences.

• Encouragement to stay engaged in the conversation and take actionable steps toward improving maternal healthcare equity.

• Next session details and reminders to check the weekly newsletter for additional resources.

Links

Community Announcements