RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina is getting more than $4 million in federal funding to reduce deaths during childbirth and improve care for moms in the state.
Other states will get money too, but the Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA] came to North Carolina first to announce the funding.
“We decided to come to North Carolina first and make this announcement here because North Carolina has really taken a comprehensive approach and it’s really a model for the way we want this funding to work,” said HRSA administrator, Carole Johnson.
In 2023, North Carolina had 126 maternal deaths. That's nearly 27 women dying out of every 100,000 live births.
“It’s really important that we continue to build the best possible environment for healthy pregnancies – both when you deliver and for that year after birth when there are so many pressures on women,” Johnson said.
Here is a breakdown of how North Carolina plans to spend the money:
- $2.12 million – Enhancing Healthy Start (including new programs in Cumberland & Hoke counties)
- $750,000 – Screening & Treatment for Mental Health & Substance Use
- $921,375 – ECU Nursing Workforce Training
- $200,000 – UNC Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Program (served almost 2,000 women & trained 2,000 healthcare professionals in 4 years)
- $170,233 – NCDHHS Maternal Health Innovation
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley explained how the resources will make a difference in people’s lives.
“Infant mortality, in particular, the disparate impact on Black mothers and Black babies is a top priority for us here in North Carolina,” Kinsley said.
Dr. Jennifer Green, the Cumberland County Health Director and a Black mom of a 6-year-old, spoke about the importance of early prenatal care.
“Infant mortality starts with prenatal care,” Green said. “So, before even a baby is born, we have to think about the health of the mom and the pregnant person and getting that person into early prenatal care.”
A northwest Charlotte mom said that, as a Black woman, she went into the delivery feeling more afraid than joyous. Her experience is not uncommon for Black women in this country.
“Having to have the thought that I may not make it out of the hospital was very scary,” said Jessica Rushing. “I remember telling my husband to take care of her if something happens to me, take care of her.”
Rushing is a mother of three and she said what should have been the beautiful experience of giving birth to her first child was overshadowed by fear.
“My first... I had an epidural, I didn’t love the birthing experience,” said Rushing. "I had a vision of how I wanted it and I feel like as soon as I got in there my voice stopped being heard.”
Not having a voice in the delivery room is something I’man Boykin, a Doula with Sacred Beginnings, said she hears way too often, especially from women of color.
Boykin has worked in the field for nearly a decade and said it is unfortunate that women are dying at such a sacred time in their lives, especially Black moms.
“Women when they are giving birth or after during the postpartum period they can say that something does not feel right and they are not listened to,” said Boykin.
“I think there are just a lot of stereotypes that go into just being a Black woman having a child or just being a Black person in pain,” said Rushing. “You have a higher pain tolerance, you do know what you need and we are the professional.”
Both Rushing and Boykin say it is about protecting moms during childbirth and making sure they are able to deliver safely and have healthy babies.
"Motherhood is a wonderful experience. It has its up and it has its down," said Rushing. "I love that people are recognizing now… a little late in my book but they are recognizing that we need to take care of moms and take care of children and set them up for success."
They want to see this investment grow and want moms to know their voices matter.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.