In this special episode for Black Maternal Health Week, I sat down with Dr. Venice Haynes, a passionate social and behavioral scientist with over 15 years of experience advancing health equity. Dr. Haynes’ work has centered on improving marginalized communities' health, focusing on women’s health. As the Senior Director of Research and Community Engagement at United States of Care, she works tirelessly to find solutions that address the deeply rooted health disparities in maternal care.
In this conversation, Dr. Haynes shares critical insights into the challenges faced by Black women before, during, and after pregnancy and offers us a glimpse into the innovative solutions that are making a difference. Her reflections on The 100 Weeks Project and the urgent need to address gaps in postpartum care resonate deeply with the struggles so many of us face.
Key Discussion Points:
Dr. Haynes’ Path to Public Health: From her deep-rooted passion for women’s health to her work advocating for Black maternal health, Dr. Haynes shares the inspiration that has fueled her career.
The 100 Weeks Project: Dr. Haynes walks us through this groundbreaking maternal health journey map that captures the full continuum of Black women’s maternal experiences, from preconception through the critical postpartum period.
Postpartum Care Gaps: The postpartum phase is often neglected, and as Dr. Haynes reveals, it’s during this time that many Black women face some of their most significant health challenges—mental health support is too often unavailable when it’s needed most.
Community-Based Solutions & Innovation: Dr. Haynes highlights organizations like Family Solutions and Maven Clinic and innovative tech platforms like the IRTH App, which bring care to the communities where Black women need it most.
Policy & Systemic Shifts: The discussion moves toward the crucial role of policy change, particularly around Medicaid expansion, to ensure that Black mothers have access to the healthcare they deserve.
Resources Mentioned:
Key Takeaways:
The 100 Weeks Project shows us the importance of viewing maternal health as more than just the 40 weeks of pregnancy—it’s a journey that spans preconception and the often-overlooked postpartum period.
Postpartum care is a critical yet under-addressed area of maternal health. Dr. Haynes urges us to recognize the mental and physical health challenges many Black women face after childbirth.
Community-based solutions are essential for improving maternal health outcomes. From grassroots organizations to innovative tech tools, we must scale these efforts to meet the needs of Black women where they are.
What You Can Do:
Support the work of the organizations and initiatives mentioned in this episode.
Advocate for policy changes that ensure all mothers, especially Black women, have access to the care they need—especially postpartum care and Medicaid expansion.
Join the conversation around Black maternal health. Share this episode, raise awareness, and push for systemic changes prioritizing Black women’s health.
This conversation is timely—it’s essential. Together, we can create lasting change for Black women in maternal health, and it starts with understanding, action, and community.
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