Building the Future of Maternal Health
Today marks the final day of Black Maternal Health Week 2026, and all of our eyes are open in a new way. This week reminded all of us that behind every successful birth, every moment of joy, and every moment of sorrow are human stories that deserve to be seen and honored.
The C.H.L.M.S Foundation held space for families navigating Pregnancy & Infant Loss.
We listened to physicians sharing their stories from the front lines.
We uplifted fathers, girls, boys, and the entire circle of support that surrounds a birthing person 👨🏽👧👦
Throughout this week, we also highlighted a number of Black Maternal Health workforce roles — the people whose skills, compassion, and dedication shape outcomes long before and long after delivery. These roles were described in detail to help our communities better understand the depth of work happening behind the scenes.
Two of the Vashti Learning Lab courses go even further, offering additional insight into the roles available in the healthcare sector that are in alignment with the Black Maternal Health workforce and the systems that support families across the care continuum. Education remains one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen understanding and build trust.
And still, the hard question remains unanswered. How do we make it make sense?
How do we build a future where every family is met with dignity, safety, and respect?
For me, the answer continues to point toward education, advocacy, and workforce development — preparing the next generation of health workers who will carry this work forward with compassion and skill.
As this week closes, may our eyes stay open and our commitment stay strong to end Black Maternal Health disparities.
Reflecting on Black Maternal Health Week 2026, I found it illuminating to see the emphasis placed not just on the medical aspects but on the human stories surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. The week-long focus on workforce roles, especially through platforms like the Vashti Learning Lab, highlighted how critical it is to educate and empower the next generation of health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black families. From my own experience volunteering with maternal health programs, I’ve seen how compassionate care from informed providers can transform outcomes. It’s essential to recognize the entire care continuum — including doulas, midwives, social workers, and advocates — whose dedication often goes unnoticed yet profoundly impacts families’ experiences before, during, and after birth. Advocacy also plays a significant role; sharing stories openly helps dismantle stigma and fosters community support. The phrase "Make It Make Sense" resonates deeply, as it captures the frustration many feel facing disparities yet commit to change through education and community-driven efforts. This holistic approach, combining education, advocacy, and workforce development, is a powerful model to ensure every birthing person is met with dignity and safety. As a community, maintaining "eyes wide open" means continuously listening to diverse voices and nurturing trust. It’s this commitment that will ultimately lead to real progress in addressing Black maternal health disparities and building a healthier future for all families.
