In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city marked by historical racial injustice, a beacon of hope shines for expectant mothers. Corrina Jackson, leading a local version of the federal Healthy Start program, is working tirelessly to combat the alarming maternal mortality rates that disproportionately affect Black women in the state.
Oklahoma’s maternal mortality statistics are grim, with Black women more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes compared to their white counterparts. The state consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for maternal mortality, with an overall rate of about 30 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the national average of 23.
Jackson’s Healthy Start initiative, which received about $1 million in federal funds this fiscal year, aims to change these dire statistics. The program provides comprehensive support to pregnant women and new mothers, offering services that extend far beyond traditional medical care.
“You try to get them in their first trimester and then work with them to delivery day, and then we also work with the babies to make sure that they reach their milestones,” Jackson explained. Her team coordinates prenatal and postpartum care, provides pregnancy and parenting education, and offers referrals for services addressing issues like depression and domestic violence.
A key component of the program’s success is its focus on practical support. Many clients lack transportation, so care coordinators like Krystal Keener assist with scheduling and providing rides to prenatal appointments. Keener also educates clients about critical health issues, such as recognizing signs of preeclampsia and understanding postpartum bleeding.
The program’s impact is significant. In Jackson’s 25-year tenure with Healthy Start, she reports no maternal deaths among their clients. This success story stands in stark contrast to the state’s overall maternal health crisis.
Healthy Start’s approach recognizes the lingering effects of historical racism in Tulsa, particularly in the Greenwood section where Jackson now lives. By being grounded in the local community, the program builds trust with Black women who may be wary of the healthcare system.
As the nation grapples with maternal mortality, Tulsa’s Healthy Start program serves as a model for community-based interventions. It demonstrates that with dedicated support and culturally sensitive care, it is possible to make significant strides in protecting the lives of mothers and their babies.
See “Tulsa’s Healthy Start program seeks to reduce maternal mortality” (September 26, 2024)