Nearly $1M granted to Brooklyn organizations to address maternal morbidity crisis

Brooklyn Communities Collaborative (BCC) has announced that it will distribute $963,670 in grants to 10 organizations to address the maternal health crisis in Brooklyn. Maternal mortality rates for Black and Brown women in New York City remain disturbingly high, with Black mothers being 9 times more likely to die in childbirth than white mothers. Brooklyn has the most pregnancy-related deaths among all boroughs, with the highest numbers affecting neighborhoods in Central and East Brooklyn. In Brownsville, Canarsie, and East New York, the preterm birth rate is 1.5 times than the average for the rest of the borough.

Reports from the New York State Health Department confirm the stark racial and ethnic disparities of this health crisis and reveal the inequities in care access for Black and Brown women. The most recent report for New York State shows that a total of 121 maternal deaths occurred from 2018-2020, with nearly 75% of deaths having at least some chance of being prevented. Calls to action have included recognizing structural racism and discrimination, eliminating health disparities, improving access to doula services, and supporting mental health.

“For too long, Black and Brown mothers in Brooklyn have been disproportionately impacted by the maternal health crisis,” said Brooklyn Borough Resident Antonio Reynoso. “We cannot secure better outcomes for mothers and infants without first addressing this disparity and identifying the parts of our borough that are most vulnerable. By investing in CBOs that work directly with the most impacted communities, Brooklyn Communities Collaborative is empowering smaller organizations to tackle this crisis and improve maternal health in their own neighborhoods.”

The organizations selected for funding are working to address the crisis in Brooklyn communities with the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality. Efforts range from offering pre- and post-natal services and supplies, expanding educational opportunities and community outreach, providing doulas and mental health services, and studying the factors at the root of this health disparity.

Below is a full overview of the 10 organizations included in the grant program: