Maternal Mental Health Equity & The Embrace Study with Shanell Williams

Join us for a powerful conversation on the groundbreaking Embrace Study with Shanell Williams —a community-led initiative redefining maternal mental health care for Black mothers and birthing people. Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), this project centers lived experience, builds trust, and drives systemic change through cultural humility, education, and community collaboration.

In this episode, we unpack the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black maternal health—highlighting the role of systemic racism, gaps in care, and the urgent need for provider training in cultural responsiveness. Chanel shares how the Embrace Study elevates community voices through advisory boards, peer engagement, and data that drives action.

🔗 Learn more about the Embrace Study: https://www.embraceprenatalcarestudy.org/
💻 Connect families to culturally aligned mental health support: https://www.bemomaware.com/careconnector
📘 Read the lived experience of Jessica Walker – I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me:
https://jawspeaksdigital.company.site/I-Wish-Somebody-Would-Have-Told-Me-Donation-p666650979

This conversation is a call to action: Let’s build systems that listen, heal, and transform. Share this episode and join the movement for equitable, person-centered maternal care.

Quotes from this episode:

• "Racism is a root cause of health disparities for Black women and birthing people."

• "Black women are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth."

• "We don’t move without hearing from those directly impacted."

• "There was a sisterhood created in those spaces."

• "It’s not about attacking providers—it’s about listening to the community."

• "Group prenatal care works—and it needs to be integrated into the system."

• "Affirmations matter. Black moms need to feel seen, heard, and respected."

• "This isn’t just about data—it’s about healing, trust, and change."

• "We need accountability, not just awareness."

  🗣️ Be part of the solution. Share this episode with your network—especially providers, doulas, home visitors, and advocates. Your share could help someone shift their practice, start a conversation, or feel seen for the first time.

  🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support this ongoing dialogue on equity, healing, and maternal health transformation.