Maternal and infant health disparities remain a pressing issue in many communities, especially among Black families. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is taking a stand by inviting passionate individuals to join their volunteer and community research programs. These roles offer a chance to contribute directly to improving health equity through community voice, shared leadership, and collective care. If you care about health equity, community advocacy, and culturally responsive car

Do You Hear Me Now is a reflection born from survival, grief, and resistance. It speaks to the quiet dangers of preeclampsia, the weight of medical neglect, and the truth that Black lives are too often unheard—until it is too late.

Awareness, advocacy, and early care save lives! Know your numbers……

February is Heart Health Month—and Black maternal heart health must be part of the conversation. Pregnancy places unique demands on the heart, and for Black women, the risks are higher due to long-standing disparities in care, delayed diagnoses, and chronic stress. Protecting a mother’s heart means protecting her pregnancy, her family, and future generations. This month, we are raising awareness, centering Black mothers, and affirming what should always be true: Black materna

February is National Heart Health Month. This is a powerful and often overlooked intersection, especially for Black women and birthing people. From a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner lens, perinatal mental health and cardiovascular health are deeply intertwined biologically, behaviorally, and systemically. 1. Physiological Pathways: Stress & the Cardiovascular System Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and perinatal

The mothers and babies we’ve lost in Cincinnati are more than statistics—they are a call to action. This Black History Month, we reflect on the systemic barriers driving infant mortality and maternal morbidity and why moving from lack to access—through equitable care, community support, and accountability—is the path toward saving lives.

Black families have always known the truth about medical mistrust—it was built through lived experience. In Cincinnati, data show that where you live, who you are, and how you’re treated can shape whether your baby survives their first year. Yet when Black-led, community-rooted care is trusted and funded, breastfeeding access improves, infant deaths decline, and families thrive. This Black History Month, we name the harm—and celebrate the power of Black families changing the

Access to care should never depend on race, income, or insurance status. Yet, many Black and Brown families face persistent barriers in maternal, infant, and family health systems. The Community Care Closet, an initiative by The BLACK Collaborative Inc., challenges this reality by providing care rooted in dignity, racial justice, and community support. This post explores how this model advances health equity by meeting families where they are and offering essential resources

Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. This month focuses on safety, healthy relationships, and preventing violence among youth. Why This Matters Teen dating violence (TDV) is more than a relationship issue—it’s a mental health, developmental, and public health concern . Exposure to emotional, physical, or digital abuse during adolescence increases the risk of: Depression, anxiety, PTSD Substance use

Dr. Kesha Nelson, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, ADHD-CCSP The BLACK Collaborative- Director of Mental Health January is recognized as Mental Wellness Month, focusing on integrating physical and emotional health to start the year with positive, sustainable habits rather than high-pressure resolutions. It emphasizes self-care, reducing post-holiday stress, and addressing mental health early to build resilience. Key Aspects of Mental Wellness in January : Preventive Care

Every year, Giving Tuesday invites communities worldwide to pause and give back. For The BLACK Collaborative Inc., this day is more than a moment of generosity—it is a vital call to action. Black mothers and babies face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and postpartum, risks rooted in systemic inequities rather than personal choices. These challenges include limited access to culturally responsive care, lack of breastfeeding support, untreated mental health needs, and d

We recognize that winter storms create real stress—especially when store shelves are cleared, transportation is limited, and families are doing their best to keep babies warm, fed, and safe. Please know: you are not alone.

The BLACK Collaborative Inc. proudly announces a significant achievement in advancing lactation equity. Alison Williams has been officially approved for the IBCLC Pathway 3 mentorship track through the HEAL Academy – Lactation Equity Training & Professional Development Program. This milestone highlights Alison’s dedication to supporting Black families with culturally responsive lactation care and strengthens the Black lactation workforce. Alison is providing education and res

As the year draws to a close, The BLACK Collaborative Inc., along with the Center of EDEN Hub for Access to Care and the Community Care Closet, would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone we have had the privilege to serve. This season offers a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges, and to look forward with hope and determination. We wish you a happy, safe, and equitable holiday season filled with warmth and joy. The BLACK Collaborative Inc

Families with young children often face unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to securing necessities. The Community Care Closet, operated by The BLACK Collaborative Inc. through the Center of EDEN Hub for Access to Care, offers vital support to families with children from premature infancy through age 8. In partnership with AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, this program provides low-barrier access to essential supplies and connects families to supportive services. This upd

Mental health programs must respond quickly and effectively to the needs of participants. Early data from The BLACK BERRY: Building Emotional Resilience & Restoring You program highlights how structured screening tools like the GAD-7 anxiety scale can guide immediate and appropriate care. This approach ensures participants receive the right level of support from the start, improving outcomes and reinforcing the importance of a clear referral system. GAD-7 anxiety screening f

The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Bolden as the newest Board Member and Director of Cardiovascular Health. With more than 25 years of nursing experience, Dr. Bolden brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and a strong dedication to health equity. Her role will be vital in advancing the organization’s mission to improve the health and well-being of Black birthing persons and families. Dr. Stephanie Bold

The challenges faced by families in Hamilton County reveal a pressing need for targeted support. The November 2025 report from The Black Collaborative Inc Community Care Closet sheds light on the urgent demands of families referred for assistance. By examining four recent referrals, the report highlights key patterns in client demographics, service needs, and referral sources. Understanding these trends helps community organizations and stakeholders better address the materia

We are honored to welcome Dr. Kesha M. Nelson, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, ADHD-CCSP  as the newest member of The BLACK Collaborative Inc. Board of Directors , serving as our Director of Mental Health . Dr. Nelson is a powerhouse in psychiatric mental health, clinical practice, and equity-centered care. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, educator, and researcher, she brings an unwavering commitment to culturally responsive mental healt