The UTA Reproductive Health Advocates, part of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at the University of Texas at Arlington, have launched a comprehensive three-year program focused on tackling reproductive health disparities among Black women in the Metroplex area.
Led by public health seniors Rebecca Jackson and Tiara Pratt, the initiative aims to confront the high maternal morbidity rates prevalent among Black women aged 18 to 30. This project seeks to tackle critical issues surrounding reproductive health and injustice within the community, as explained by Jaquetta Reeves, assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
The program comprises three distinct projects: a venture centered on the experiences of young Black girls, a speaker series initiative, and an educational health-based project. Overseen by three professors—Reeves, Brandie Green, and Kyrah Brown—the program endeavors to empower student ambassadors to spearhead each project, amplifying the voices and concerns of young individuals in the community.
The genesis of this initiative stemmed from collaboration with Power to Decide, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing reproductive health outcomes. Recognizing the urgency to address injustices in the reproductive health realm, Jaquetta Reeves partnered with Kyrah Brown, director of the Maternal and Child Health Equity Lab, to spearhead the project. With the support of Brandie Green and the inclusion of Rebecca Jackson and Tiara Pratt, the team embarked on this mission, buoyed by training and funding provided by Power to Decide.
Central to the initiative is the dissemination of awareness and knowledge within the community, shedding light on available resources and support networks for young pregnant women and mothers. Jaquetta Reeves underscored the necessity of addressing the high infant mortality rate prevalent among young Black girls, attributing it to a lack of awareness and access to proper healthcare.
Moreover, the initiative aims to tackle the underlying socio-economic and structural inequalities perpetuating maternal and infant health disparities. These disparities, deeply rooted in racism and discrimination, underscore the imperative to ensure equitable access to healthcare services, insurance coverage, and medical treatment.
Rebecca Jackson is spearheading the PhotoVoice project, which empowers women to document their daily experiences through photography, culminating in an art gallery exhibition. Meanwhile, Tiara Pratt leads the Speaker Series initiative, inviting experts in maternal and infant health to campus for discussions on reproductive injustice. Additionally, the Community Non-Conventional Health and Resources project aims to connect Black girls with community resources through outreach efforts.
With Power to Decide providing training and support over the next three years, the group aims to achieve self-sustainability and foster continued community engagement. Tiara Pratt emphasized the importance of advocacy and awareness, drawing from personal experiences and a desire to be a catalyst for change.
Ultimately, this initiative endeavors to elevate the voices of marginalized communities, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all. Through collective action and community empowerment, the UTA Reproductive Health Advocates strive to effect tangible change and promote health equity among Black women in the Metroplex.
