Bakersfield, CA – April 16, 2026 – Across Kern County and the nation, Black women continue to face unacceptably high risks during pregnancy and the year following childbirth. Local data show that Black women in Kern County are nearly four times more likely to die from maternal complications than women of other racial and ethnic groups. These outcomes are not inevitable, and most are preventable.
During Black Maternal Health Week, observed April 11–17, Kaiser Permanente joins community partners in elevating the urgent need to address maternal mental health as a critical part of improving outcomes for Black mothers and babies.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorder are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting about one in five pregnant or postpartum women nationwide. Suicide and overdose are now the leading causes of maternal death in the first year after childbirth. Yet mental health concerns too often go undiagnosed or untreated, particularly among Black mothers.
“In OB/GYN care, mental health is just as important as blood pressure, bleeding or fetal growth,” said Dr. Jacqueline Williams Olango, an OB/GYN with Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. “When we screen early, listen closely and provide culturally responsive support, we can identify concerns sooner and help mothers get the care they need before a crisis ever develops.”
In Kern County, these challenges are compounded by barriers many families face when trying to access care. Delayed insurance coverage, transportation challenges, lack of childcare and limited access to consistent providers can prevent women from receiving timely prenatal and postpartum support, especially for mental health.
At Kaiser Permanente, we believe caring for mothers means caring for their whole health—before, during and long after pregnancy. That includes routine screening for depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and other risk factors during pregnancy and postpartum visits so concerns can be addressed with compassion and respect.
“We know that trust and feeling heard can directly affect health outcomes,” Dr. Williams-Olango said. “Supporting maternal mental health means meeting mothers where they are, honoring their experiences and ensuring they never feel alone in their care.”
Black Maternal Health Week is a reminder that progress is possible when we center mothers’ voices, address mental health alongside physical care and work together as a community.
In Kern County, improving Black maternal health means ensuring every mother feels heard, supported and safe, no matter where she receives care. At Kaiser Permanente, we remain committed to partnering with our communities to help make that vision a reality.