News

An all-inclusive approach across health providers and communities can help address the disparity in Black maternal mortality rates.

Food insecurity, or a lack of consistent access to nutritious and affordable food, is a pervasive issue that affects communities across the country. In St. Louis, this problem is prevalent, with a significant portion of the population facing challenges in getting the right kinds of food. Often, this is because grocery stores or other fresh food options are limited or simply because many can’t afford to buy nutritious food.

Black maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the United States have reached alarming levels, revealing a profound and systemic disparity in health care outcomes. Nationally, Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The statistics are devastating: Sudden unexpected infant death is the No. 1 cause of death in babies age 29 days to 1 year old.

From candied yams to buttery mashed potatoes and creamy green bean casseroles, many Thanksgiving and holiday dishes are carbohydrate-heavy, posing a danger for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes.

When Ned Anderson talks to people about becoming organ donors, he knows exactly what he’s asking of them. He’s lived it.