Health Advocacy
"Black mothers are at increased risk for preterm birth and delivering a low birthweight infant and have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration than do white and Hispanic mothers."
Our Partners in Health Advocacy
We dismantle structural barriers. The Amandla Group works with organizations that address the social and political determinants of health that directly impact the health of Black birthing people.
What is the root cause of this inequity? Is there a public policy that needs to change? Is public education needed on the issue? Not only do we find out, but we unite together in cross-sector collaborations to advance social justice and to dismantle structural racism that is killing Black birthing people. The Amandla Group serves for-profit and nonprofit organizations. We address the root cause and advocate for real change to eradicate the inequities.
Women with a Vision (WWAV) works to improve the lives of marginalized women, their families, and communities by addressing the social conditions that hinder their health and well-being. They accomplish this through relentless advocacy, health education, supportive services, and community-based participatory research. WWAV holds work on gender, criminalization of women and empowerment of women of color at our Table.
Partner Updates
Community Conversations with Whole Health Louisiana 2023 Report Released
The Whole Health Louisiana Team has been engaged in a year long exploration of strategies and programs to support Louisiana children and families. In the summer of 2023, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, in partnership with members of the Whole Health Louisiana Steering Committee, hosted Community Conversations throughout Louisiana to hear direct feedback from community members who have been historically left out of conversations about health equity.
Black Maternal Health Week
We want to send a special highlight to The AmandLa Group and Frankie Robertson for leading the advocacy efforts in the Black Maternal Health realm.
This past session The AmandLa Group and Partners prioritized Black Maternal Health with three wins!
HB 272: Authorizes private insurance coverage for doula support maternity services.
SB 135: Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for licensed midwives and certified nurse midwives.
SR 136: Urges and requests the LA Department of Health to assist in developing a public service campaign to foster awareness & education on perinatal mental health care.
