Malone Center Launches Maternal Wellness Program to Combat Racial Inequities

On September 4, the Clyde Malone Community Center (MaloneCenter.org) launched their new Malone Maternal Wellness programs to combat the disparities and inequities in black maternal health while providing safe and culturally competent care. Their programs are led by BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) individuals and focus on education, empowerment, support, and client services during pregnancy and a year+ after childbirth.

The mission of the Maternal Wellness Program is to increase breastfeeding rates, provide doula services, and increase the number of doulas in the BIPOC population in Lincoln and Lancaster County. By providing a depth of resources and education, their families can make empowered and informed decisions during their birthing journey. The Malone Center offers birthing classes, sponsorship for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum doula services, as well as breastfeeding education and support programs.

According to the Malone Center, black infants are 21% less likely to be breastfed than white infants, and low breastfeeding rates add more than $3 billion per year to medical costs for mothers and their children. Black women with at least a college degree are five times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death compared to white women with a similar education. Studies show black women are more likely to encounter barriers to receiving quality care and support for breastfeeding.

Since 1965, the Clyde Malone Community Center has created and facilitated programs to combat the racial disparities and inequities in justice, healthcare, and social systems. For more information about the Malone Center or its Maternal Wellness programs, visit MaloneCenter.org, call (402) 318-7541, or email Jillian Boldt at jillian.boldt@malonecenter.org.