Chicago Beyond

New York's governor recently announced an $8M investment to improve infant and #maternalhealth across the state, including a standing order to provide access to doula services. This is inspiring news. It is crucial that we see more states take steps like these to protect women and growing families. Via Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. for Forbes. https://lnkd.in/gC5Q55AQ

“It shouldn’t take a pandemic to get to see that people’s basic needs should be met” Listen to the latest interview with our Founder & CEO Liz Dozier on the podcast Hall Pass Break Podcast with Ms. Mac. http://hallpassbreak.com #education

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural birthFUND brunch, an event dedicated to transforming maternal health in the United States. It was so heartening to see such overwhelming support from so many influential individuals to tackle the maternal health crisis head-on.    This event truly underscored a critical truth: despite our nation’s wealth and advancement, maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high - but we know that our continued work to bring awareness and resources forward, and birthFUND’s commitment to expanding access to midwifery care, can make a profound impact and change lives. Thank you to the birthFUND team and Elaine Welteroth for having me! Photo Credit: Vivien Best #MaternalHealth #BirthFUND #MaternalHealthCare

Chicago Beyond’s Leader in Residence, Jeanine Valrie Logan, is building a reproductive health care safe haven with the Chicago South Side Birth Center (CSSBC).    CSSBC will be the first independent birth center on the South Side, welcoming not only a place for women to receive reproductive health care, but a space for the community to come together.   The work to build CSSBC inspired real change when Illinois Governor JB Pritzker introduced the Birth Equity Initiative, a $23 million investment to expand access to reproductive health care in our state - a monumental step forward for maternal health here and a model for others nationwide.    No mother should struggle to receive treatment due to hospital overcrowding or financial burden, and CSSBC will help families avoid those difficult hurdles. As Jeanine says, "We're putting the power of people’s health back into the people’s hands.”   We cannot wait to continue sharing this journey as we look forward to the center opening by the end of 2025. Learn more about CSSBC, Jeanine’s work, and our vision for the future in the Chicago Reader. https://lnkd.in/gG4wRVQq

Yesterday, our Chief Investments Officer, Shruti Jayaraman, and Leader In Residence, Jeanine Valrie Logan, joined Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and the Ms. Foundation for Women's Sona Smith to kick off the Funders for Birth Justice & Equity 2024 Birth Equity Funders Summit. The powerful panel discussed Jeanine's efforts to open the Chicago South Side Birth Center, Chicago Beyond's innovative investment in Jeanine's work, and government's responsiveness to community and investing in maternal health statewide. #maternalhealth #philanthropy

Taking a pause to shout out an incredible human. If you don’t know Tuan Huynh… you’re missing out. I met Tuan and his wife forever and a day ago. Through his artistry, service, how he thinks about the importance of connectivity across the city, Tuan is Chicago through and through! Tuan's coffee shop isn’t just about serving delicious Vietnamese coffee; it’s a way to share his family’s story and build a community. From his impactful work with youth programs to hiring those formerly incarcerated, Tuan embodies the path of creating better habits and making better decisions.   Your story, Tuan, and your dedication to fostering community and understanding through Vietfive is truly inspiring.    #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #Inspiration #VietnameseCoffee #Resilience https://lnkd.in/gxKACjxp

Improving maternal health isn't just a matter of equity—it's a benefit to society as a whole. By ensuring that all mothers receive the care they need, we create healthier communities and a brighter future for everyone. Learn more about our partner, Birth Center Equity here: https://lnkd.in/gsqc9JCT

The journey to open up Chicago’s South Side Birth Center is on its way to be a historical moment for our city, and a model for others nationwide. Learn more about our partner, CSSBC here: https://lnkd.in/gtFdzE3y

It's time to dismantle the barriers that hinder access to maternal healthcare and ensure well-being is a priority. Learn more about our partner, BElovedBIRTH Black Centering by visiting their website. https://lnkd.in/dbqKdVy

Serena Williams continues to be a beacon of hope and change for Black women, on and off the court. Her work with the BirthFund will impact generations to come, ensuring safer and more equitable birth experiences for Black birthing women. Thank you, Serena, for championing Black maternal health! Check out this TIME article to learn more about it: https://lnkd.in/d3FcvEmj