Wellness That Matters: Black Health News & Community Care
- Dr. Janell Green-Smith highlighted systemic disparities and tirelessly advocated for change in Black maternal health.
- Maternal mortality is heartbreakingly real; education and proximity to care do not erase Black women's pregnancy and birth dangers.
- Black Women for Wellness urges continued pursuit of accountability, equitable care, and support for every Black mother.
- MIH team provides resources to reduce fear; Gabrielle Brown says families deserve safe, seen, and fully supported spaces.
- May she rest in power; support her family in prayer and honor her lasting legacy.
Black Women for Wellness mourns the loss of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a beloved midwife, fierce advocate, birth worker, wife, daughter, sister, and friend to a tragic maternal health outcome. She dedicated her life to protecting Black women and birthing individuals, while fighting a system that has historically failed us. She assisted in hundreds of successful births. Yet, she died from complications related to childbirth. Dr. Green Smith and countless others are the reason why we keep fighting for Black women. Every life lost is too many.
Dr. Green Smith saw the disparities firsthand and worked to change them. Still, that work could not protect her. Reminding us in the most painful way that Black maternal mortality is not abstract, but heartbreakingly real. The sad truth is that education, expertise, or proximity to care does not erase the dangers Black women face during pregnancy and birth. As we honor Dr. Green-Smith’s memory, let’s continue to push for accountability, equitable care, and support for every Black mother.
Many Black expectant mothers express fear about having to rely on a broken healthcare system. Our Maternal and Infant Health (MIH) team works to provide resources to mothers in our community to reduce their apprehension and provide available support. Gabrielle Brown, Program Manager of MIH at Black Women for Wellness recently said, “Black families deserve spaces where they feel safe, seen, and fully supported during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.” And that’s why we work tirelessly to show up for Black mothers and babies.
Let’s keep lifting Dr. Janell Green-Smith’s family, including her husband, her newborn daughter, and all who loved her in prayer. May she rest in power and her life and legacy not go in vain.
In solidarity,
Black Women for Wellness
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