Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is dedicated to improving health equity in maternal care. Key insights throughout the maternal health ecosystem continue to inform and shape our work, including new data from a survey commissioned by Blue Cross.

The results are in

The survey allows stakeholders to learn more about the challenges respondents face during pre-pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Key findings show more than half of Black birthers feel that discrimination based on their race or ethnicity negatively impacts their health. Respondents who have experienced pregnancy suggested that the lack of safe, affordable housing conditions, limited access to quality healthcare services and healthy food options have negatively impacted their health.

Respondents identify discrimination as a key impediment to health equity, with 59% indicating it adversely affects birther health. The survey exposes a challenging environment for Black birthers, who place significant trust in healthcare systems, yet have low confidence that their healthcare needs—particularly postpartum—are met. Compared with those who are currently pregnant, respondents who have been pregnant in the past are more likely to advocate for a wider range of supportive measures including strong social networks, reliable childcare services and better access to nutritious food to improve outcomes for Black birthers.

The poll indicates a demand for collective efforts to address these issues that are crucial to the wellbeing of Minnesota’s Black birther community.

As explained by Bukata Hayes, vice president of racial and health equity and chief equity officer at Blue Cross, “Addressing racial and health equity requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort to dismantle systemic racism, expand access to healthcare and continued support to community-centered solutions. When you look closely, there is clear evidence that Black maternal health inequities have been and continue to be a deeply troubling and persistent issue. That’s why Blue Cross is investing in solutions in culturally concordant care, as well as promoting equity across the maternal care system.  The data from this poll further underscores our strategic commitment to address Black maternal health and eliminate the inequities Black birthers face.”

Taking action for an equitable future

Addressing this crisis requires efforts from many sectors, including policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations and advocates. Since factors like housing, healthcare services, healthy food options and health plan benefits all impact overall health, stakeholders must work together to implement solutions.

A key area of focus is expanding access to quality and culturally informed prenatal care, reproductive health services and mental health support for Black birthers. Part of this work includes implementing anti-bias training for healthcare providers, promoting diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce and establishing protocols to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.

Community-based interventions focused on improving access to care, education, affordable housing, nutritious food and economic opportunities supported and amplified by organizations are also critical in these efforts. Examples of community-led work that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation supports include:

• African American Babies Coalition & Projects:
  Working with nonprofit and civic leaders, researchers, childcare providers, parents and grandparents and public health professionals from across the Twin Cities, the AABC & Projects organization provides training, education and resource distribution focused on building the capacity of health systems in Minnesota to provide culturally sensitive and high quality maternal and infant care to Black and Brown families.

• Roots Birth Center:
  Rooted in culturally competent care and community-centered approaches, Roots Birth Center located in Minneapolis provides comprehensive maternity services to women, with a particular emphasis on serving Black families. By offering holistic care that respects the cultural traditions and preferences of their clients, Roots Birth Center seeks to empower Black birthers and reduce inequities in maternal health outcomes.
• Appetite for Change:
  Appetite for Change addresses many social drivers that impact health, including access to nutritious food and economic opportunities which are critical factors influencing maternal wellbeing. Through initiatives such as urban agriculture, cooking workshops, and job training programs, the organization works to create healthier and more equitable communities.

Addressing disparities in Black maternal health requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort to dismantle systemic racism, expand access to healthcare, and promote equity in maternal care. By supporting organizations whose missions align with Blue Cross’, we can look forward to a future where all birthers, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to experience healthy pregnancies and childbirth.