On Monday, February 24th, Hamilton welcomed Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, to the Main clinic on Saginaw St. in Flint. The Governor was in town to announce her new program Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies. In her State of the State address, the governor announced her plan to ensure that Michiganders are given the care they need to have a healthy pregnancy, to combat bias against women of color amongst medical professionals, and to expand support for interventions that are proven to increase health outcomes for women and their children.
- 44% of maternal deaths in Michigan are preventable.
- Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women
By addressing health disparities we can make sure all women have high-quality health care. Health Moms, Health babies will:
Update the state policy to fit the needs of moms today
Expand health care coverage for low income new moms to a full year after giving birth. Including assure a woman’s first postpartum visit to within three weeks, with a comprehensive visit within twelve weeks.
Partner with providers and universities to address health disparities
Train tomorrow’s doctors and nurses in implicit bias because health care providers do not always listen to a woman of color’s medical concerns the same way they listen to a white woman.
Ensure equity in outcomes for every mom and every baby.
Expand access to evidence-based home visiting programs
Intervene to increase health outcomes for women and babies, school readiness, family self-sufficiency and reduce future contact with the justice system.
Let a woman pick birth control that works for her
Access to family planning and contraception is better for women’s health and the health of their babies.
Hamilton welcomed the governor, along with Sheldon Neeley, Mayor of Flint and many other community leaders who were in attendance.
