Black Maternal Health Equity in North Carolina (2026-2027)
Background
Across the United States, Black women experience maternal mortality and morbidity at rates three to four times higher than white women. These disparities point to deep inequities in access to care, structural racism and the social and spiritual contexts that shape the experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum life.
A womanist bioethics framework highlights the importance of justice, community, spirituality and holistic well-being in addressing inequities in Black maternal health. Within this framework, the Black Church plays a central role. Historically, Black churches have supported community health through networks of care, health education and social justice advocacy. They remain trusted and culturally rooted institutions with strong connections to Black women and families, yet they are underutilized partners in maternal health equity efforts.
This project recognizes the significant potential of Black churches to advance maternal health equity and aims to strengthen their ability to support pregnant and postpartum individuals across North Carolina.
Project Description
This project team will build on the Black Maternal Health (BMH) Study, a research initiative established in 2022 that explores how Black churches can promote maternal health and support community members. The team will work with previously collected interview data from 40 clergy and parishioners in the Research Triangle to translate findings into practical, accessible resources for congregations.
The team will form two subgroups. One subgroup will analyze qualitative data using NVivo to identify themes related to cultural resources, networks of care and congregational practices that support maternal well-being. The other subgroup will research state and federal maternal health policies that could benefit pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a focus on policies relevant to vulnerable communities.
During the spring, students will engage in conversations with local community partners, including doulas, midwives, mental health providers and organizations such as Equity Before Birth and Breastfeed Durham. These conversations will guide the development of electronic resources designed specifically for faith communities. Resources will help congregations identify strategies to address maternal mental health, breastfeeding support and pathways for community advocacy.
By the end of the year, the team will produce accessible materials that congregations can use to strengthen their support networks, broaden their engagement with community health partners and deepen their role in maternal health equity.
Anticipated Outputs
- Pamphlet on building or expanding networks of care for maternal health within congregations
- Pamphlet explaining maternal health policies in plain language for community use
- Pamphlet with guidance for creating maternal mental health-friendly and breastfeeding-friendly church environments
Student Opportunities
Ideally, this project team will include 2 graduate students and 5 undergraduate students. Undergraduate students may come from African and African American studies, cultural anthropology, gender, sexuality and feminist studies, sociology or related fields. Graduate students from divinity, nursing, medicine or public policy are encouraged to apply.
Team members will gain skills in qualitative data analysis, policy research, community-engaged research, translational writing and collaboration with local organizations. Students will meet with community partners working in maternal health equity, including birthworkers and mental health professionals, to better understand the practical implications of their research.
Two research subteams will meet weekly, each led by a graduate mentor. Graduate students will support data analysis, help guide the design of practical resources and facilitate conversations between undergraduates and community partners. A project manager has already been identified.
All work will take place within the Research Triangle and does not involve travel.
Timing
Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
Summer 2026 (optional):
- Hire undergraduate and graduate team members
Fall 2026:
- Train students in qualitative analysis, NVivo and translational research
- Begin data analysis
- Begin policy research
Spring 2027:
- Engage with community partners and birthworkers
- Conduct translational research
- Design electronic pamphlets
Crediting
Academic credit available for fall and spring semesters