LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Black women in Nevada are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to Nevada’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
Nationwide, about 700 women die each year from childbirth complications, and health experts say up to 60 percent of those deaths could be prevented. One local organization is stepping in, working to support mothers and push for change.
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Addressing the disparity
In Nevada, Black women represented 33% of all pregnancy-related deaths, according to the state’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
“I always say this isn’t a statistic that Black women want to carry. This is not a statistic that any mom would want to carry,” said Tiara Flynn, founder of The Phenomenal Momma.
Flynn, a veteran and mother, said her mission became clear after having her own children.
“I was very oblivious, I’m not going to lie, the disparities that were happening for us locally and then as a country,” Flynn said.
Limited access to care
Nearly half of Nevada’s counties are considered maternity care deserts, with limited access to hospitals or birthing centers.
That reality pushed Flynn to become a doula, a non-medical professional who provides support before, during, and after childbirth.
“Doula is there for the mom. And I always tell people, I can’t stress that enough. We are there to be your support person,” Flynn said.
In 2021, the state expanded Medicaid coverage for doula care.
Flynn said more must be done.
“The needle is slowly moving, but we can always do more,” Flynn said.
Community events
The organization kicked off the week with an awareness walk and resource fair, with more events planned across the valley.
“They always say, like, there’s no handbook, and you can’t fully prepare, but there are small ways that you can prepare. And so that’s what made me launch The Phenomenal Mamma,” Flynn said.
The Phenomenal Momma will host their next event at the West Las Vegas Library on Tuesday, April 21, a screening and discussion of the documentary Aftershock.
For a full list of events and resources, visit The Phenomenal Mama website at https://thephenomenalmama.com/bmhw/.
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