Washington D.C. — Ahead of Black Maternal Health Week recognized (April 11-17th), the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) officially launched the Lift Every Voice HerHealth Hub—a new support and advocacy platform created to empower women of color in managing maternal and reproductive health challenges.

The launch took place at the National Action Network (NAN) Convention in New York City, where NMQF collected powerful testimonies from Black mothers on their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and access to care.

During the convention, women shared their personal stories—navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery—offering insights into whether they had access to quality care and how they managed challenges like pregnancy complications, RSV immunization for their babies, and pre-existing health conditions. Many also offered advice to other women of color, underscoring the need for sisterhood, preparation, and advocacy.

“It’s important to have a village around you,” said Taylarr Lopez, Health Communications Director of NMQF. “Sometimes depending on where you live, it can be difficult to access quality healthcare. I had a high risk pregnancy and had to seek care in another county because the quality of services and facilities were better than in my immediate area. So, this work is very personal for me.”

Too often, women of color face greater risks in pregnancy due to underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders—conditions that are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. These medical issues, combined with systemic racism, implicit bias in healthcare, and limited access to culturally competent providers, contribute to stark disparities in maternal outcomes.

These challenges are exacerbated by chronic underfunding of maternal health programs—especially in communities of color. When maternal health services lack the financial resources to offer comprehensive, preventive, and community-rooted care, women are more likely to face complications during pregnancy, experience delayed diagnoses, or go without lifesaving interventions altogether.

The Lift Every Voice HerHealth Hub addresses these gaps by offering a space where women of color can be heard, supported, and uplifted. More than just a resource hub, it is a sanctuary for connection, learning, and advocacy. It creates a safe space where women can share their journeys, build community, and drive systemic change.

“Our goal is to listen to women who are often silenced and overlooked and ensure their voices inform solutions,” said Adjoa Kyerematen, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. “We must create environments where women of color feel safe, seen, and supported—before, during, and after pregnancy.”

The HerHealth Hub is part of NMQF’s Lift Every Voice initiative and will continue collecting maternal health stories from women of color nationwide, providing culturally relevant educational tools, and amplifying community voices to influence policy change.

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