SR0713 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0713 LRB104 21399 ECR 36385 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually from April 11 through April 17, was founded and is led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to build awareness, activism, and community-driven solutions to improve Black maternal health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, Black women in the United States continue to experience disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, regardless of income or education, due to systemic inequities, implicit bias, and gaps in access to quality care; and

WHEREAS, In Illinois, advancing maternal health equity remains a critical priority, requiring sustained collaboration across government, health systems, and community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, Culturally competent, community-centered care models have proven essential in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly for Black families; and

WHEREAS, Organizations across Illinois are leading innovative efforts to support maternal health through education, care coordination, and social support services; and

WHEREAS, Meridian Health Plan, through its MomCare initiative, provides targeted maternal health support services, including care coordination, risk screening, patient education, and community-based interventions designed to improve outcomes for mothers and babies; and

WHEREAS, Programs like MomCare demonstrate the importance of integrating managed care organizations, community providers, doulas, and public health systems to address the full continuum of maternal health needs; and

WHEREAS, Illinois-based community organizations, health care providers, doulas, midwives, and advocates continue to play a critical role in advancing equity, improving outcomes, and supporting families before, during, and after pregnancy; and

WHEREAS, Observing Black Maternal Health Week serves as an opportunity to amplify the voices of Black mothers, recognize community leadership, and recommit to policies and investments that ensure safe, respectful, and equitable maternal healthcare for all; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 11 through April 17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend the work of organizations, health care providers, managed care entities, and community leaders, including Meridian Health Plan's MomCare initiative, for their dedication to improving maternal health outcomes and advancing equity across Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our commitment to supporting policies, programs, and partnerships that eliminate maternal health disparities and ensure that every mother in Illinois has access to high-quality, culturally competent care; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage continued public-private partnerships and innovative care delivery models that expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen accountability across the maternal health ecosystem.