Problem:
One vulnerable population in the United States that deserves focused public health attention is Black women, particularly in maternal health. Black women are considered a vulnerable population because they experience significant health disparities, including disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality compared with other racial and ethnic groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), Black women in the United States are approximately three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. This disparity is not solely explained by income or education, which highlights the impact of systemic inequities, implicit bias, and unequal access to quality healthcare. Many Black women face barriers to care such as limited access to prenatal providers, lack of transportation, inadequate insurance coverage, financial strain, and distrust in the healthcare system due to historical and ongoing discrimination. In rural areas, including parts of Louisiana, maternity care deserts create additional barriers, forcing women to travel long distances for prenatal or emergency obstetric care. Social determinants of health such as chronic stress, housing instability, food insecurity, and lower access to preventive healthcare also contribute to poorer maternal outcomes. Public health nurses play an essential advocacy role in supporting this population through education, early intervention, and community outreach. Need Assignment Help?