Black infants in Nebraska are twice as likely to die during birth than white babies. Nebraska has the second-highest difference between white and Black babies’ death rates in the nation. Meanwhile, Black birthing parents face more fatal outcomes.
Published by The Omaha Reader
One ugly truth is the prevalence of maternal health care deserts. North Omaha, a neighborhood with a predominantly Black population, has a stark lack of full inpatient care centers. There is only one hospital north of Blondo and east of 145th Street that delivers babies.
Midwives are medical professionals that typically offer holistic care to parents through their childbearing years and beyond. Doulas serve as a non-medical support person that offers parents physical and emotional support, information and guidance, and advocacy.
Nebraska is one of 16 states that doesn’t offer a form of licensure for midwives unless they’ve already become a registered nurse in the state. The state is one of seven to prohibit home births with a licensed midwife.
Calida Gardner, a certified nurse-midwife at Nebraska Medicine, explained that the strict rules in place create complications for all midwives and parents looking for adequate health care.
Calida Gardner.
“I have strong roots like in the North Omaha community. I can see firsthand what is going on in our community,” Gardner said. “I have a strong desire to … want to help grow and shape our community and help better the health of our community.”
Published by The Omaha Reader 11/4/21
Carl Mitchell squinted as he peered down the sun soaked streets for signs of his bus on the afternoon of July 2. Mitchell stood over 6 feet tall with faded tattoos, one of a teardrop below his eye and another of a lipstick stain on his neck.
He waited in 80 degree weather at a bus stop across the street from the downtown branch of the Omaha Public Library, where he would normally take refuge from the heat.
“When I was in the shelters and wanted to get away from everybody, I chilled in there just to get some air, read a book or something,” Mitchell said.
However, like all other branches of the Omaha Public Library, the W. Dale Clark Library was not welcoming visitors because of COVID-19.
Since March 16, the libraries have had to shut their doors and leave individuals experiencing homelessness without the public restrooms, drinking water, internet access and air-conditioning they once provided.