🖤 Black Perinatal Outcomes Improvement Coalition

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Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an often misdiagnosed - serious form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or within twelve months postpartum. Black women are disproportionately affected and more likely to be misdiagnosed or go untreated.

BPOIC exists to bridge the gap in awareness, diagnosis, and care for African American mothers at risk for or diagnosed with PPCM. We center Black voices, Black-led solutions, and equitable access to maternal healthcare.

If you're pregnant or recently gave birth, talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
   
• Swelling in legs, feet, or ankles
   
• Fatigue or weakness
   
• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
   
• Difficulty breathing at night
   
• Unexplained weight gain
   
• Coughing (especially when lying down)
   

🧠 If you feel something isn't right—trust your instincts. Seek a second opinion.

We recommend seeing a cardiologist and an OB/GYN familiar with PPCM. Ask for:

• A BNP or NT-proBNP blood test
   
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
   
• A referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist
   

🔍 Find Culturally Competent Care Here:

• Black Women’s Health Imperative
   
•  Home | Mama Glow Foundation  

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance
   
• National Birth Equity Collaborative

•  Black Heart Association | Fighting Heart Health Disparities in Communities of Color  

If you or someone you know needs help affording care or navigating support services, these Black-owned or Black-led organizations may assist:

🏥 Medical & Mental Health Support

• Therapy for Black Girls – Culturally appropriate therapy
   
• Sista Afya – Affordable mental wellness resources for Black women
   
• Roots Community Health Center – Medical care for underserved Black communities
   

• The Loveland Foundation – Therapy fund for Black women and girls
   
• Black Girl Freedom Fund – Financial assistance for education & stability
   
• My Sister’s Keeper Success Program – Crisis support & emergency funding
   
• LetsTalkPPCM Emergency Relief – Request support here →
   

We are committed to holding systems accountable and creating space for Black-led change. Here's how you can help:

✔️ Share your story → Submit it here
✔️ Join our awareness campaigns on social media
✔️ Connect with Black maternal health doulas, midwives, and cardiologists
✔️ Donate to Black maternal health funds
✔️ Support legislation that prioritizes Black maternal health (e.g. the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act)

Become part of our coalition of survivors, advocates, doulas, medical professionals, and allies working to improve outcomes for Black mothers.

📧 Email: admins@letstalkppcm.org
🌐 Website: letstalkppcm.org
📍 Follow Us: @LetsTalkPPCM on IG, FB, & YouTube

“We carry life. We deserve to live, too.” — Brianna Harris-Henderson, PPCM Survivor & Advocate