May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health conditions in the perinatal period (pregnancy through 1 year postpartum) can look different in women and men. In the Black perinatal space, symptoms are often under-recognized due to stigma, cultural expectations, medical mistrust, and systemic stress. 🌿 Women in the Black Perinatal Space 1️⃣ Perinatal Depression (Linked to Postpartum Depression) Emotional signs: Persistent sadness or numbness Feeling disconnected from ba

Access to care means more than just visiting a doctor. It means building trust, connecting families to the right resources, and breaking down barriers that keep people from thriving. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. has taken a big step forward by becoming an official Community Care Agency (CCA) partner within the Healthcare Access Now (HCAN) HUB. This change will reshape how families in Cincinnati receive support and care. Community Health Worker connecting with a family in Cinc

Black Maternal Health Week begins today—and while national campaigns often call for awareness, the reality is that Black communities have long been aware. What we are demanding now is action, accountability, and systems change. Across the United States, Black women continue to experience some of the most alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes. They are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. These outcomes p

National Stress Awareness Month (observed every April) is an opportunity to name, normalize, and address stress especially in communities where stress is chronic, compounded, and often minimized. In the Black perinatal space, stress is not just emotional; it is social, systemic, historical, and physiological. As a PMHNP lens would affirm: stress during pregnancy and postpartum is not a personal weakness it is often a response to lived realities. Why Stress Awareness Matters

BIG NEWS: The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is Now an Official Walden University Practicum & DrPH Field Experience Site!

National Alcohol Awareness Month , observed every April and led by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, is a time to raise awareness about the impact of alcohol use, reduce stigma, and promote prevention and treatment. In the Black perinatal space , this conversation must be culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and rooted in equity. Why This Matters in the Black Perinatal Community Alcohol use during pregnancy and postpartum does not exist in isolation.

Black men’s mental health during pregnancy is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in maternal, infant, and family outcomes. From a perinatal mental health lens, especially within Black communities, this period can bring unique psychological stressors shaped by structural, relational, and identity-based factors. 1️⃣ Emotional & Psychological Stressors 🔹 Provider Pressure & “Strong Black Man” Narrative Many Black men feel intense pressure to be emotionally steady,

From a mental health lens—especially in the perinatal space—pregnancy, food insecurity, and housing instability are not just social issues; they are chronic stress exposures that directly shape emotional wellbeing, neurobiology, attachment, and long-term maternal–infant outcomes. 1. Pregnancy as a Psychological Stressor Pregnancy itself is a biopsychosocial transition. 🔹 Biological Stressors Hormonal fluctuations (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol) Sleep disruption Physical d

The Black Collaborative Inc. has reached an important milestone, marking a new chapter in its mission to improve maternal and infant health equity. The Internal Revenue Service has officially reclassified the organization as a public charity under IRC §509(a)(1) and §170(b)(1)(A)(vi). This change reflects the organization’s growth, its strong community support, and its commitment to building sustainable systems of care. This post explains what this new status means, highlight

The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Graham as our new Director of Finance and Treasurer . His arrival marks a significant step forward in strengthening the financial foundation of our organization. With a rich background in financial management across multiple sectors, Michael’s leadership will be key to advancing our mission of health equity, maternal and infant health, and community-centered care. Michael Graham’s Expertise and Expe

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) begins with early brain development, meaning factors during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood (perinatal period) are critically important for early identification and intervention. In the Black community, disparities in screening, diagnosis timing, and access to services can delay support for children and families. Key Statistics Overall Autism Prevalence About 1 in 31 children (3.2%) in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum diso

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), led nationally by organizations like RAINN and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, is an important time to center survivors in the perinatal space — especially Black birthing people, who face unique historical, cultural, and systemic barriers to safety and care. From a PMHNP lens, sexual violence is not just a past event, it can directly impact pregnancy, birth, postpartum adjustment, bonding, and long-term mental health. Why

World Bipolar Day (March 30) is a global initiative dedicated to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting education about bipolar disorder. In the Black perinatal space, pregnancy through postpartum, this day carries unique and urgent significance. Why This Conversation Matters Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or untreated in Black communities due to: Systemic bias in healthcare Cultural stigma surrounding mental illness Limited access to c

Black Maternal Health Week is a vital moment to recognize and address the challenges Black mothers face in the United States. From April 11 to 17, 2026, communities nationwide will come together to honor Black mothers, families, and the organizations working tirelessly to improve maternal health outcomes. This year’s theme, Rooted in Justice and Joy , highlights the importance of healing, equity, and collective care in building a healthier future for Black families. At The BL

Some evenings remind us why community work matters so deeply. On March 21, the BLACK Collaborative Inc. experienced one of those moments during the Moonchild Community Series at Ludlow Garage. This event was not just a concert but a gathering where music, storytelling, and community came together with clear intention and heart. From the start, it was obvious this night was about more than entertainment. It was about connection, care, and shared purpose. The stage at Ludlow Ga

World Sleep Day is a global awareness day that highlights how sleep quality matters for health and well-being including mental health. When we look at the Black perinatal space (meaning pregnancy and the postpartum period for Black birthing people), the connection between sleep and mental health is shaped not just by biological changes, but also by stress, racism, social inequality, and health disparities. 🟤 Sleep Patterns and Disparities in the Black Perinatal Period Black

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with Black communities facing a disproportionate burden. Hypertension often goes undiagnosed or untreated due to barriers like limited access to care and costly monitoring equipment. To address these challenges, The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is launching the BLACK R&B Heart Hub at The Center of Eden starting Thursday, March 12, 2026. This new community-based space focuses on cardiovascular health, prevention,

Access to healthcare should feel consistent, welcoming, and rooted in trust. Yet, many Black families face barriers that make preventive care, maternal health services, and chronic disease management difficult to access. To address these challenges, The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is expanding its weekly drop-in office hours starting Thursday, March 12, 2026. This initiative brings together vital health services and essential supplies in one trusted, community-based location. Th

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a beautiful journey filled with joy, hope, and sometimes, unexpected challenges. For many families, especially Black and Brown families in Greater Cincinnati, accessing essential baby supplies can be a hurdle. Fortunately, there are numerous resources designed to provide support, comfort, and practical help during this precious time. Today, I want to share a warm, comprehensive guide to free baby resources available right here in Cincin

Black pregnant women face unique risks and barriers when it comes to TBI. From underdiagnosis to specialist access. TBI can impact mood, memory, stress regulation, and postpartum adjustment. This month, let’s raise awareness, screen early, and ensure Black mothers receive trauma-informed, neurologically safe care. 🧠💛 Traumatic Brain Injury can affect anyone, but the risks, outcomes, and access to care are not equal. In Black pregnancy, the intersection of structural racism