Perinatal Health Equity Initiative

Join us for "Poetry, Prosecco, and Prevention"—an evening of art, dialogue, and advocacy! Featuring acclaimed actress and poet @jayleneclarkowens who you may know from works like "A Black girl and her Braids". This special event will center community to spark conversations to END preventable maternal mortality and advancing health equity. ???? Enjoy prosecco, light refreshments, and connect with community leaders and changemakers. Together, let's raise awareness and inspire action for maternal health. ?????? ?? Date: 10/23/2024 ?? Location: Inner City Cafe, Orange NJ ??? Tickets: https://lnkd.in/eqVwGtCX #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #JayleneClarkOwens #PoetryProseccoPrevention #EndMaternalMortality

As September comes to a close, we proudly highlight that it is NICU Awareness Month and Black Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Our organization is dedicated to raising awareness and addressing critical issues surrounding neonatal care and racial disparities. Here’s a snapshot of some of PHEI's initiatives to address the gaps in maternal and infant health ?? ?? Lactation Support: Breastmilk is medicine for preterm babies. Our lactation support program provides vital nutrients and protection to our most vulnerable clients. ?? Community-Based Solutions: In October, we will be launching a Black Infant Mortality Task Force in the City of East Orange, supported by ACNJ, to develop community-driven solutions to this solvable problem. ?? Preeclampsia Prevention and Management: Hypertensive disorders remain a major contributor to preterm birth in the Black community. Early identification and swift treatment can help more Black mothers carry to term. Throughout this month, we've shared valuable educational resources and toolkits in our newsletter to help bridge these gaps. Subscribe today to keep up-to-date and ensure you stay in the loop on all our programs and initiatives. ?? bit.ly/SubscribePHEI

We are proud to highlight Kaleena Berryman during this months donor spotlight.?Kaleena was one of the first to raise her hand to grow out impact as a monthly donor. When asked why she gives Kaleena said ?? "Black maternal health is personal for me. I had a baby at 24 weeks and was told by my doctor, three days before delivery, that the symptoms I was experiencing were normal. They were not. I did everything right, and my baby still came early. " In the spirit of NICU awareness month we would like to publicly thank Kaleena for her commitment to the mission of PHEI.? You can read Kaleena's full interview in our newsletter.?Not subscribed yet??You can join here https://eepurl.com/glWZef?

Calling all Black breastfeeding mamas! Join us for Sistahs Who Breastfeed on Thursday, 9/26 ??? This supportive, fun, and interactive space is designed for YOU - a place to thrive in a nurturing community. ?????? ?? Location: 280 S Harrison St, Suite 311, East Orange ?? Hybrid Option Available ??? RSVP now at bit.ly/SistahsWhoBF For more info: [email protected] ?? #SistahsWhoBreastfeed #BlackMaternalHealth #CommunitySupport

Amplify Dreeah’s story! We appreciate her story being shared. If you are ready to mobilize with us join our campaign If you are ready to fight with us please join our campaign page. https://lnkd.in/eC2f2F_t Read the lastest new story here https://lnkd.in/evecpiAZ

We continue to fight justice, raise awareness and seek accountability for the loss of Dreeah Austin. Please see the latest article for ways that you can help.

Help Baby Sevyn Thrive ?? We're seeking breastmilk donations for Sevyn, a 2-month-old baby whose mother, Dreeah Austin, tragically passed away due to pregnancy complications. Your donation can provide nourishment and support during this difficult time. Every ounce counts. Spread the word by sharing this post or donating today. ? For more information or to donate, visit: bit.ly/justice4dreeah ?? #Justice4Dreeah #Breastmilk4Sevyn #CommunitySupport #PHEI

We demand urgent action to address the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect Black mothers. Traditional postpartum care models, which often delay follow-up appointments until 3-6 weeks after delivery, are insufficient for Black mothers who face higher risks and need more immediate and ongoing support. Dreeah Austin deserved comprehensive and compassionate care throughout her pregnancy. We won’t stop fighting until every mother, no matter her race, has access to the support and healthcare needed for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Learn more about Dreeah's story: bit.ly/justice4dreeah #Justice4Dreeah #BlackMamasMatter #EnoughIsEnough ??

Dreeah Austin deserved to live ?? #Justice4Dreeah ??? We are heartbroken to share the tragic passing of Dreeah Austin, a loving mother from Newark who lost her life due to a preventable postpartum complication just TWO weeks after giving birth. Dreeah's story highlights the urgent need for action to address maternal health disparities, especially among Black mothers, who continue to face systemic inequities in healthcare. “In New Jersey, 91% of all maternal deaths are considered preventable, with 53% occurring postpartum. It is devastating that despite the many programs and initiatives funded to improve maternal health, Black mothers like Dreeah continue to die from preventable causes,” said Dr. Nastassia K. Harris, Founder & Executive Director of the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative. Join us in advocating for justice and supporting Dreeah's family by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eC2f2F_t. #JusticeForDreeah #InMemoryOfDreeah #BlackMaternalHealth #MaternalHealthMatters #EndMaternalMortality #HealthEquity #BlackMamasMatter

Step into a healthier future at the Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival! ?? Join us in embracing a community-driven path to health equity. Your presence matters as we unite to learn, share, and create lasting change. This is?#MoreThanAFestival?— it’s a movement! ???Admission is FREE! Save these Dates: ???Saturday, September 14th ?? New Brunswick, NJ ???Saturday, September 21st ?? Newark, NJ ???Saturday, October 5th ?? Atlantic City, NJ Join us for a day of health, resources, and joyful activities tailored for our senior and veteran communities. The first 300 attendees will receive?FREE LUNCH?and?FREE fresh produce?provided by Franklin Food Bank. Seniors and veterans will also have access to clinical screenings, health education, community resources, and more. Learn more at?https://lnkd.in/gAt4faUf. #SHWVF #CareSparcCares #CareSparc #MoreThanAFestival