OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new report from the Washington Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality Review Panel revealed a significant risk factor for maternal mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native women.
The panel found these women face a risk more than seven times higher than non-Hispanic white women in Washington.
Cindy Gamble, a tribal community health consultant for the American Indian Health Commission, has served on the panel for about eight years. She highlighted the need for more support for young families, especially in the postpartum period.
“From six weeks to a year after birth is where almost half of the deaths occur,” Gamble pointed out. “That speaks to the support that young families need. They need a lot more support than they are receiving.”
The report recommended legislative and healthcare system improvements to ensure equitable and culturally responsive care. It emphasized strengthening community support and access to quality care.
Gamble expressed shock at the report’s finding that over 80% of maternal deaths in the state were preventable. Behavioral health issues, such as overdose, suicide and homicide, accounted for nearly half of these deaths.
Despite the concerning statistics, Gamble remains hopeful. She noted the state Health Department’s efforts to recruit people from affected communities for the panel.
“Tribes are very adamant about moving forward and coming up with tribal-led programs and solutions,” Gamble said. “So that we can start to erase these disparities for our people.”
Gamble also stressed the importance of community-level work. Tribes and grassroots birth justice groups are reviving traditional birthing and parenting practices to combat the effects of colonization, racism and discrimination.
