Black teens in the perinatal space are managing multiple layers of stress: normal adolescent development, pregnancy-related changes, academic and social pressures, and the impact of structural racism. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that adolescents already experience increasing rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms nationwide. When we add pregnancy, parenting responsibilities, and disparities in maternal health outcomes, especially those

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I view nutrition in pregnancy as both biological medicine and cultural medicine. For Black women, pregnancy often occurs in the context of chronic stress, structural inequities, higher rates of hypertension, and increased risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Nutrition can be a powerful protective factor for brain health, mood stability, and stress resilience. 🧠 1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Especially DHA) Why it

Growth in community organizations often risks becoming a goal in itself. At The BLACK Collaborative Inc., growth means something different. It means creating clear, coordinated efforts that produce lasting, measurable benefits for Black families. As the organization steps into Fiscal Years 2026–2028, it introduces a refined approach through the BLACK MOTHER Collective™ Impact Model. This new structure aims to deepen impact by aligning programs, partnerships, research, and co

Black men’s mental health in the perinatal period is often invisible yet deeply impacted. From the moment a pregnancy is announced through postpartum and early fatherhood, Black men carry emotional, financial, relational, and societal pressures that deserve acknowledgment and support. 1. During Pregnancy: The Silent Weight Emotional Stressors Fear about maternal and infant health outcomes (especially given disparities in Black maternal mortality) Anxiety about financial stabi

Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious health risk that many new mothers may not expect after delivery. While most women with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies and recover fully, some face dangerous complications that can develop quickly and require urgent care.

Addressing stressors in African American pregnancy requires understanding the intersection of race, social determinants of health, and mental health. In the United States, Black women are 3–4 times more likely to experience pregnancy-related mortality compared to white women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). These disparities are not biological—they are structural. Below is a mental health–informed lens on food insecurity, housing instability, and broader stressor

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but life-threatening form of heart failure that can occur late in pregnancy or in the months after childbirth. Black women are disproportionately affected and experience higher rates of severe complications and maternal mortality. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, swelling, and rapid heartbeat are often dismissed as “normal” postpartum changes, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. The American

February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness. In the Perinatal Space, we need to provide centering for Black Mothers, protection for Black Babies, and address Mental Health. Why This Matters Black communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV in the United States. When we narrow that focus to the perinatal period (pregnancy through 12 months postpartum), the conversation becomes even more critical. In the perinatal space, HIV is not just a medical dia

Maternal and infant health disparities remain a pressing issue in many communities, especially among Black families. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is taking a stand by inviting passionate individuals to join their volunteer and community research programs. These roles offer a chance to contribute directly to improving health equity through community voice, shared leadership, and collective care. If you care about health equity, community advocacy, and culturally responsive car

Do You Hear Me Now is a reflection born from survival, grief, and resistance. It speaks to the quiet dangers of preeclampsia, the weight of medical neglect, and the truth that Black lives are too often unheard—until it is too late.

Awareness, advocacy, and early care save lives! Know your numbers……

February is Heart Health Month—and Black maternal heart health must be part of the conversation. Pregnancy places unique demands on the heart, and for Black women, the risks are higher due to long-standing disparities in care, delayed diagnoses, and chronic stress. Protecting a mother’s heart means protecting her pregnancy, her family, and future generations. This month, we are raising awareness, centering Black mothers, and affirming what should always be true: Black materna

February is National Heart Health Month. This is a powerful and often overlooked intersection, especially for Black women and birthing people. From a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner lens, perinatal mental health and cardiovascular health are deeply intertwined biologically, behaviorally, and systemically. 1. Physiological Pathways: Stress & the Cardiovascular System Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and perinatal

The mothers and babies we’ve lost in Cincinnati are more than statistics—they are a call to action. This Black History Month, we reflect on the systemic barriers driving infant mortality and maternal morbidity and why moving from lack to access—through equitable care, community support, and accountability—is the path toward saving lives.

Black families have always known the truth about medical mistrust—it was built through lived experience. In Cincinnati, data show that where you live, who you are, and how you’re treated can shape whether your baby survives their first year. Yet when Black-led, community-rooted care is trusted and funded, breastfeeding access improves, infant deaths decline, and families thrive. This Black History Month, we name the harm—and celebrate the power of Black families changing the

Access to care should never depend on race, income, or insurance status. Yet, many Black and Brown families face persistent barriers in maternal, infant, and family health systems. The Community Care Closet, an initiative by The BLACK Collaborative Inc., challenges this reality by providing care rooted in dignity, racial justice, and community support. This post explores how this model advances health equity by meeting families where they are and offering essential resources

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. This month focuses on safety, healthy relationships, and preventing violence among youth. Why This Matters Teen dating violence (TDV) is more than just a relationship issue. It’s a mental health, developmental, and public health concern . Exposure to emotional, physical, or digital abuse during adolescence increases the risk of: Depression, anxiety, PTSD Substance use Self-harm and suicidality Poor academic and so

Dr. Kesha Nelson, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, ADHD-CCSP The BLACK Collaborative- Director of Mental Health January is recognized as Mental Wellness Month, focusing on integrating physical and emotional health to start the year with positive, sustainable habits rather than high-pressure resolutions. It emphasizes self-care, reducing post-holiday stress, and addressing mental health early to build resilience. Key Aspects of Mental Wellness in January : Preventive Care

Every year, Giving Tuesday invites communities worldwide to pause and give back. For The BLACK Collaborative Inc., this day is more than a moment of generosity—it is a vital call to action. Black mothers and babies face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and postpartum, risks rooted in systemic inequities rather than personal choices. These challenges include limited access to culturally responsive care, lack of breastfeeding support, untreated mental health needs, and d

We recognize that winter storms create real stress—especially when store shelves are cleared, transportation is limited, and families are doing their best to keep babies warm, fed, and safe. Please know: you are not alone.