The rate of pregnancy-related deaths is nearly three times higher for Black women in Maryland than it is for white women, according to the Maryland Department of Health’s annual maternal mortality review. Across the country, that number is not improving, but in Baltimore, home to the largest health plan, that racial disparity is narrowing.
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, through their grantmaking efforts, has invested in a decade-long Baltimore City initiative, B’more for Healthy Babies, which has reduced infant deaths by more than 30%.
Grantmaking efforts also support Mamatoto Village, an organization that makes perinatal support services more accessible and provides pathways to careers in maternal health for Black women. Services for pregnant Black women include home visits, community birth workers who attend to their emotional, educational and physical needs and lactation consultants. Mamatoto Village emphasizes inclusive, respectful and equitable care, and empowers women and communities to adopt healthy lifestyles.
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.