October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the ways that domestic violence has impacted our communities. This month, we recognize and honor the survivors of domestic violence and come together as a community to commit to ending relationship violence.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month brings awareness to the types of adversity and challenges that BIPOC communities face. There is a gap in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health for BIPOC communities, and access to mental health resources can vary.

Men’s Health Month is a culmination of celebrating progress and looking forward to the future for improvement. The statistics and data are clear: men are more likely to put their health at risk through unhealthy choices.

The Access to Healthcare team presented “Promoting Lactation in Eastern North Carolina” during the Birth & Beyond Summit: Advancing Community-based Approaches to Birth Equity in College Park, MD.

Studies have shown that Black women are more likely to die due to childbirth or pregnancy-related complications than white women. As Black women experience the likelihood of suffering from these complications, there is a need for doula services to help mitigate this racial health disparity.

Common maternal and child health issues include disparities in breastfeeding rates and for Black families seeking support with breastfeeding representation matters. Lactation counselors help guide moms on their breastfeeding journey.

NC Black Alliance’s Access to Healthcare team engaged with providers who offer direct care to mothers in the Triangle to highlight the importance of connecting parents to resources and support throughout the perinatal period.