Blue KC a champion of Black maternal health equity in Kansas City
Twenty-two years ago, Bridget Locke gave birth to baby Zoë at a Kansas City hospital. Zoë was healthy, and Bridget’s pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. Her postpartum experience was not.
Five days after delivery Bridget developed a debilitating headache and swelling of her lower limbs. She drove herself to a local ER expecting to be back home that evening with her family. Instead, she was admitted to the hospital where she remained for the next week.
It was a week fraught with lack of clarity about what was happening to her, unexplained scans and meds, a doctor who wanted to medicate her anxiety rather than acknowledge her legitimate emotions, and a nurse who reprimanded Bridget for asking to bathe. She felt unseen as a person, and worse, like she didn’t have a say in her healthcare.
“I was sad and emotional because my whole life was at home with my new baby, my husband and my 1-year-old. I was scared about what was happening to me and afraid I wouldn’t make it out of the hospital,” said Bridget. “The doctor wanted to medicate away my anxiety rather than hearing and acknowledging my fears. I didn’t feel like I had a voice.”
Bridget agreed to share her story because she believes women of color should be empowered to advocate for themselves, especially in healthcare situations. As director of strategic communications at Swope Health, she has the privilege to do that every day. Baby Zoë is now 22 and working toward a career in dentistry. She interned at Swope Health in 2023 and plans to attend dental school next year. She aspires to work in community health and carry on the tradition of helping women advocate for themselves.
Bridget’s is a story of black maternal health equity, advocating for yourself, understanding potential complications, and knowing what to look for during pregnancy. While her story was set 22 years ago, the reality is that little has changed for women of color.
Research shows Black patients at higher risk of postpartum health events
Preeclampsia, which Bridget suffered, is one of about 20 conditions classified as severe maternal morbidity (SMM) events. SMM events are dangerous and often cause new moms to return to the hospital.
Recent Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) research shows six SMM events – acute renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, acute heart failure, thrombotic embolism, and eclampsia – account for three quarters of all SMM events1. And the prevalence of these six events is higher for Black patients compared to white patients.
- SMM events are 87% higher among Black patients 1.
- Black patients are hospitalized 71% more frequently than white 1.
Take charge of your maternal healthcare
Understanding Black maternal health risks and complications is an important piece of your healthcare. Blue KC offers these events and resources to help you take charge.
- Community Baby showers – Blue KC sponsors the Black Health Care Coalition Community Baby Showers, which include prenatal and postpartum maternal healthcare and education, child healthcare support, as well as games, photos, food, and gifts. The next Community Baby Shower is November 2. Call 816-444-9600 to register.
- Supportive Pregnancy Care program – Through a partnership between March of Dimes and Blue KC, this program offers group prenatal care to foster equity in birth outcomes. It is offered to Blue KC members seeing a provider at Swope Health Services or Saint Luke’s Hospital.
- CPR training, including infant CPR, in partnership with the Black Health Care Coalition. The next training will be September 21. To register, contact Tia Kennedy at 816-395-2598 or tia.kennedy@bluekc.com.
- Maternal health support through the Blue KC Care Management App – Download the app at the App Store or Google Play and use access code KCBLUEWELCOME to connect directly to our local Blue KC Care Team.
- Free and reduced cost maternal health support through the Blue KC Community Support Tool. Enter your ZIP code and search “Maternal Care” for resources in your neighborhood.
Blue KC also financially supports research and organizations working for Black maternal health equity in Kansas City, including a $50,000 grant to support doula research and $20,000 donations to Uzazi Village and Promise 1000.
You have the right to advocate for your healthcare
Turn to Blue KC for support and guidance in having your voice heard, advocating for your healthcare, understanding potential complications, and knowing what to look for during pregnancy.
- Call Blue KC Care Management at 1-816-395-2060
- Connect with our Care Team through the Blue KC Care Management app.
Download the Blue KC Care Management app at the App Store or Google Play and use code KCBLUEWELCOME.
