A Statewide Call to Action to Confront Preventable Maternal Deaths and Advance Meaningful Solutions

On March 26th, the Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE) hosted a powerful Women’s History Month observance titled “Louisiana’s Maternal Crisis: Answer the Call to Action.”

The virtual event brought together community leaders, health experts, advocates, and residents from across the state to confront Louisiana’s persistently high maternal mortality rates and to mobilize collective action.

LCHE President and Founder Alma Stewart Allen opened the program by grounding the discussion in LCHE’s bold, transformative effort to move Louisiana into the top 40 states in overall health outcomes by the year 2030.

She emphasized that improving maternal health is essential to achieving this vision, noting that women must have access to safe, equitable, and respectful care beginning in preconception, throughout pregnancy, and extending well into the postpartum period.

Featured Speakers Included:

• Dr. Michelle Easton, New Orleans Citywide Coordinator, DREF Research Matters For All of Us, Moderator
• Alma C. Stewart Allen, RN, MS, CCHC, President and Founder, Louisiana Center for Health Equity, Host 
• Robin Gruenfeld, MPH, Director, March of Dimes
• Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH, Founder, Sista Midwife Productions
• Dr. Rachel Bond, MD, FACC, Women's Heart Health & Prevention Specialist, Association of Black Cardiologists
• Kaitlyn Joshua, Co-Founder, Abortion in America
• Autumn Percival, Miss Louisiana Port City's Teen, Founder of Raising Kids for A Healthier Future

Each speaker shed light on the systemic challenges contributing to maternal mortality in Louisiana, the disproportionate impact on Black women, and the urgent need for coordinated policy and community-driven solutions.

A central theme during the program was the call for Louisiana to formally declare maternal mortality a public health emergency — a step that would elevate the issue, direct resources where they are most needed, and accelerate statewide action.

For those who were unable to attend — or who wish to revisit the powerful discussions — the full webinar recording is now available. https://vimeo.com/1177988442?fl=tl&fe=ec

Act Now: Show Your Support by Signing the Letter

Louisiana’s maternal mortality crisis requires immediate action. LCHE is urging state leaders to declare maternal mortality a public health emergency — and your voice can help make that happen.

You can join advocates across Louisiana in calling for urgent action. Every signature strengthens the movement and brings us closer to realizing LCHE’s vision of moving Louisiana into the top 40 states in overall health outcomes by the year 2030. — a healthier, more equitable Louisiana for all.

To sign the letter: https://forms.gle/AW38noWJKP3WkYbU8

Submitted by Angie Jackson Wilson
Chair Nominations
Bylaws & Resolutions

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