Empowering Black Maternal Health: Carol's Daughter's Love Delivered Initiative Enters Year 4 with Renewed Vigor
Jo-Carolyn Goode | 4/15/2024, 12:13 p.m.
Carol's Daughter proudly marks the fourth anniversary of its pioneering Black Maternal Health Initiative, Love Delivered. This transformative initiative, aimed at addressing the pressing issues surrounding Black maternal health, continues to make significant strides in empowering, supporting, and equipping Black birthing individuals and communities across the nation through impactful programs and strategic partnerships.
In its unwavering commitment to combat the disparities in maternal healthcare, Carol's Daughter's Love Delivered initiative is once again expanding access to doula care. Teaming up with CVS and the Mama Glow Foundation, Carol's Daughter is thrilled to announce a new cohort of doula grants, bolstered by an additional financial contribution of $32,000 in 2024. This initiative aims to provide vital doula support to Black families in need across major cities such as NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Washington DC. Expectant or recently postpartum families residing in these areas can apply for doula services through the grant program.
The statistics surrounding Black maternal health in the United States are sobering. According to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries globally, with Black women disproportionately affected. Black women are more than twice as likely to experience severe pregnancy-related complications and nearly three times as likely to die compared to their white counterparts.
"Love Delivered stands as a testament to our unwavering belief that every Black birthing individual deserves access to compassionate, equitable support throughout their journey to parenthood," affirmed Carol's Daughter founder, Lisa Price. "As we embark on year four, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for Black maternal health, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued."
In addition to its doula grant program, Love Delivered continues to engage with advocates who share its vision of maternal health equity. This year, supermodel Chanel Iman will play a pivotal role in amplifying the initiative on social media platforms. By sharing her own maternal health journey, Chanel seeks to raise awareness and encourage others to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and driving meaningful change in maternal healthcare.
Moreover, Carol's Daughter has forged a transformative collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian, a leading academic healthcare system, to address the unique needs of Black maternal and pediatric patients. Through this partnership, Carol's Daughter has provided specialized hair care kits to patients with curly, coily, and tightly textured hair, ensuring they receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. To date, Carol's Daughter has donated over 30,000 products to NewYork-Presbyterian patients and community members, making a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.
Since its inception, Love Delivered, in partnership with the Mama Glow Foundation, has touched the lives of nearly half a million individuals through a myriad of programs, events, and educational initiatives. With over 120 births funded through the Mama Glow Foundation and digital advocacy reaching over 5.1 billion people, the initiative continues to make significant strides in advancing Black maternal health.
"Our partnership with Carol's Daughter has been profoundly impactful, ushering in a new era of awareness and service to the community," remarked Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas. "Together, we have reshaped the conversation surrounding maternal health and provided hope for a brighter future."
As part of Black Maternal Health Week, Mama Glow is hosting a webinar on April 15th, sponsored by Carol's Daughter, focusing on advocating for Black maternal health. Featuring esteemed panelists such as Latham Thomas, Mia Keeys, Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey, and Natalia Louis, the webinar aims to empower individuals to leverage their stories and engage stakeholders in the fight for maternal health equity.
Join Carol's Daughter in the fight for Black Maternal Health.