In our latest Community Connections interview, our CEO, Katrina Pratt-Roebuck, interviewed Karen Pollack, the Executive Vice President of Programs and Operations for Maternity Care Coalition (MCC).
For over four decades, MCC has supported pregnant individuals, infants, toddlers, and families in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Watch the full interview here.
Karen provided a comprehensive overview of MCC’s multifaceted services. They offer a range of vital programs, including home visiting, childcare services, community and parenting education, doula and lactation support, and behavioral health services tailored to pregnant individuals and families with young children.
MCC’s commitment to behavioral health support is particularly impactful. Recognizing the challenges faced by pregnant individuals and new parents in accessing mental health services, MCC offers in-home therapy. This approach breaks down barriers and ensures that families receive the support they need during critical life transitions.
Karen also discussed the urgent issue of Black maternal health disparities. She highlighted the disproportionate challenges faced by Black and Brown mothers in the United States, including higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. She emphasized the role of historical and current-day racism in perpetuating these disparities and shared MCC’s efforts to advocate for and support Black women through culturally competent care and advocacy.
In addition to their direct services, MCC is actively engaged in research, evaluation, and advocacy at local, state, and federal levels. They are dedicated to addressing systemic issues and advocating for policy changes that promote maternal and family health equity.
To learn more about Maternity Care Coalition’s impactful work and how you can support their efforts, please visit their website at maternitycarecoalition.org. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness, you can contribute to MCC’s mission of supporting healthy families and addressing disparities in maternal and child health.
About Community Connections: Uplifting the Work of the Non-Profit and Public Sectors
The “Community Connections” series aims to provide a deeper insight into the resources available for individuals in need. By engaging in intimate and insightful conversations with public and non-profit leaders, we strive to build trust and foster a greater understanding of the impactful work being done to uplift our communities.
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Let’s continue to uplift and empower our communities together!