In today's newscast,
Black Maternal Health Week
Local advocates are calling for better outcomes for Black parents during Black Maternal Health Week.
State findings show that structural racism impacts the health of Black mothers and their babies.
Helen Diallo is a doula with Kweens' Kounsel, a group of birthworkers who support and advocate for families in Monterey County.
“Like other regions, Monterey County and the Black women who do end up giving birth here, do experience various stages of anxiety or crisis when it comes to engaging with the healthcare system,” Diallo said.
Diallo thinks strong partnerships between families, advocates and providers will improve care.
“I think we have the unique opportunity to really get it right," she said, "because the numbers are not very large here.”
Kweens' Kounsel is also working on collecting data about Black birthing experiences in Monterey County.
Swalwell departure creates Democrat shakeup
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s departure from California’s race for Governor means a major shakeup for Democratic candidates.
California polling expert Paul Mitchell told our news partner CapRadio that Swalwell’s exit means it’s less likely two Republicans will get the most votes in the June primary.
"Democrats, at least right now, are probably relieved that they’re not gonna face two Republicans in the runoff,” said Mitchell. “But they’re also very anxious about what this means for the race and where voters might coalesce in the coming days around the remaining Democratic candidates.”
Mitchell said the candidates most likely to pick up Swalwell’s supporters are billionaire Tom Steyer and former Congresswoman Katie Porter.
