The 3rd Annual Latina Maternal Health Fair was recently held at Cal State Bakersfield, with a focus on providing expecting families with resources and information to improve their health. Kern County, home to a large Latino community, has unfortunately experienced many women facing pregnancy-related complications. Nonprofit organization “Save a Mom Save a Family” is working to address this issue by providing previously unavailable resources, particularly for families who have suffered loss.
Co-Founder Michele Monserratt-Ramos expressed her concern about the unnecessary loss of young mothers and babies in Kern County. The nonprofit’s focus goes beyond just bringing resources to families but also seeking accountability for these preventable losses. Families who have experienced traumatic losses are advocating for changes in the healthcare system. Their efforts led to the county recognizing May as Maternal Health Awareness Month, which has now expanded statewide.
The nonprofit has been working diligently to support families by pursuing medical board complaints in cases of negligence. One such case involved a Bakersfield OBGYN who faced penalties from the California Medical Board for approving pain medication for a pregnant woman who later died in 2020. The ‘Bakersfield Families Call to Action’ campaign was launched to raise awareness about maternal negligence and empower families to advocate for their loved ones. Kern County Board of Supervisor Leticia Perez, a guest speaker at the event, shared her own experience of miscarriages and the lack of information available on Latina Maternal Health.
Perez, like many others, had not received sufficient information or support during her own pregnancy experiences. The annual health fair is an essential platform for educating families and pushing for accountability in the healthcare system. It serves as a way to honor the memory of those who have been lost due to pregnancy-related complications and prevent further tragedies in the future. Organizations like “Save a Mom Save a Family” are making significant impacts on maternal health awareness and advocacy in Kern County and beyond through collaborative efforts.
In conclusion, the 3rd Annual Latina Maternal Health Fair provided an opportunity for expecting families to educate themselves on their health while addressing issues that affect women within the Kern County community specifically due to its large Hispanic population’s presence. Nonprofits like “Save a Mom Save a Family” are doing critical work in providing previously unavailable resources while advocating for accountability in cases of negligence.
Families experiencing traumatic losses are calling out systems that fail them while raising awareness about maternal neglect through campaigns like “Bakersfield Families Call to Action.” As we continue fighting against preventable maternal mortality rates among women within this community, organizations working together will make significant impacts on maternal health awareness and advocacy beyond Kern County’s borders.
Overall, it is crucial that we continue working together towards greater understanding of maternal health issues affecting all communities across California and beyond while ensuring that every woman receives access
