Improving health outcomes for Black mothers in Arizona

For Black women, the risk of morbidity and death during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum is up to three times greater than for white women.

That’s why the ADHS is working to educate health care providers and family members during National Black Maternal Health Week, from April 11-17.

The health issues for Black women during and after pregnancy include hypertension and hyptertensive disorders, inadequate prenatal care, preterm births (before 37 weeks gestation), and cesarean section deliveries. About 85% of those health issues arise postpartum and are considered preventable.

Here are some of our ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes and experiences for Black women in Arizona:

Working with hospitals on implementing the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) severe hypertension in pregnancy safety bundle through the Arizona AIM Collaborative
Education for home visitors and families on postpartum warning signs
Statewide campaign for moms, families, and providers on postpartum warning signs
Support for South Phoenix Healthy Start, including virtual home visits, to promote healthy pregnancies and postpartum
Statewide maternal health strategy with the Arizona Maternal Health Task Force
Training for providers

Learn more by visiting azhealth.gov/MaternalHealth. You can connect with us by email at [email protected].

By Sheila Sjolander|2022-04-15T11:04:50-07:00April 15th, 2022|Prevention|Comments Off

About the Author: Sheila Sjolander

Sheila Sjolander is the Deputy Director of Public Health Services at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Sheila oversees the divisions of Prevention, Preparedness and Licensing, a team of more than 700 people working toward the vision of health and wellness for all Arizonans. Prior to her appointment as deputy director, she served as Assistant Director for Prevention Services for more than a decade. In her 22 years at ADHS, Sheila has been a dedicated leader in health improvement, strategic planning, and the state’s work to reduce opioid overdoses. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University, and received the Outstanding Achievement in Rural Women’s Health from the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Association in 2016, and the CHW Champion Award from the Arizona Community Health Worker Association in 2017.