October is Black Maternal Health Month in Nebraska, a time set aside to raise awareness about high maternal mortality rates and health disparities impacting Black birthing people.
The Omaha Pathways Community HUB, an Omaha Community Foundation initiative, has made significant strides since it began serving individuals and families in March. The program, designed to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, is dedicated to addressing the needs of Black pregnant people in Omaha.
Since its launch, the Omaha Pathways HUB has enrolled 96 individuals in its care coordination services, with 68 of those having had at least one need addressed. These numbers reflect the program’s growing impact and the vital role it plays in supporting pregnant and postpartum Omahans.
“It has been amazing to see how quickly we see impact on the families enrolled in our services,” said Kelly Nielsen, Director of the Omaha Pathways Community HUB.
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Community Collaboration and Care
The Omaha Pathways Community HUB is powered by a collaborative effort involving key community partners. These include three care coordination organizations: Charles Drew Health Center, CHI Health, and A Mother’s Love, each of which brings unique expertise to supporting the people enrolled in the program. Partners such as United Way of the Midlands, The Bridge Family Connector Network, I Be Black Girl, and Nebraska Medicaid providers (Molina, UnitedHealthcare, and Nebraska Total Care) further extend the reach of this initiative, ensuring comprehensive care and addressing systemic health barriers.
A standout partner in this movement is I Be Black Girl, a local organization at the forefront of advancing Black maternal health in Nebraska. Through advocacy, community engagement, and workforce training, I Be Black Girl is not only a driving force behind Black Maternal Health Month but also doing critical work serving vulnerable Black individuals in Omaha. Their work emphasizes holistic care, helping people navigate complex health systems while prioritizing culturally responsive care.
The Role of Community Health Workers
At the heart of the Omaha Pathways Community HUB are the community health workers, who serve as vital links between clients and care providers. These health workers meet clients where they are, helping them navigate the healthcare and social service system, connecting them to necessary resources, and providing essential support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The current team includes passionate community health workers like Jasmine Smith, Artnetta Stearns, Jayla Brooks, and Tanika Cannon, each of whom brings deep knowledge of Omaha’s communities and a commitment to improving pregnancy health outcomes.
Their work is essential in addressing Nebraska’s stark maternal health disparities. Black women in the state, as elsewhere in the U.S., face higher rates of maternal mortality and severe complications compared to their white counterparts. The Omaha Pathways HUB, guided by these dedicated community health workers, is making headway in closing this gap by ensuring women receive timely, quality care and have the essential resources like housing and food for a healthy, thriving pregnancy and postpartum period.
“The immediate local impact is a true testament to the community health workers’ ability to build trusting relationships and help our participants reach their goals,” Nielsen said. “I am in awe of the talent, passion and dedication the team brings to this work and excited to see the broader benefits to the community as our work continues to grow.”
Moving Forward
Looking ahead, the ultimate goal of the Omaha Pathways HUB is to expand its reach, enrolling more women and addressing critical needs to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. By partnering with organizations like IBBG and continuing to strengthen relationships with community care providers, the HUB aims to create a more equitable healthcare landscape in Omaha, where all women can thrive.
This Black Maternal Health Month, we celebrate the progress made by the Omaha Pathways HUB and honor the organizations and individuals working tirelessly to ensure healthier futures for Black women and their families.