The 3rd Annual Latina Maternal Health Fair was recently held at Cal State Bakersfield, providing an opportunity for expecting families to educate themselves on their health. Kern County, with its large Latino community, has unfortunately seen many women experience pregnancy-related complications. The nonprofit organization, ‘Save a Mom Save a Family,’ has been working to address this issue by providing resources that were previously unavailable, particularly for families who have suffered a loss.
Co-Founder Michele Monserratt-Ramos expressed concern over the tragedies faced in Kern County, with the unnecessary loss of young mothers and babies. The nonprofit’s focus is not only on bringing resources to families but also on seeking accountability for these preventable losses. Families who have experienced traumatic losses are advocating for changes in the healthcare system. Their efforts led to the county recognizing the month of May for maternal health awareness, which has now expanded statewide.
The nonprofit has been working diligently to support families by pursuing medical board complaints in cases of negligence. One such case involved a Bakersfield OBGYN who faced penalties from the California Medical Board for approving pain medication for a pregnant woman who later died in 2020. The ‘Bakersfield Families Call to Action’ campaign was launched to raise awareness about maternal negligence and empower families to advocate for their loved ones. Kern County Board of Supervisor Leticia Perez, a guest speaker at the event, shared her own experience of miscarriages and the lack of information available on Latina Maternal Health.
Perez, like many others, had not received sufficient information or support during her own pregnancy experiences. The annual health fair is a crucial platform for educating families and pushing for accountability in the healthcare system. It serves as a way to honor the memory of those who have been lost due to pregnancy-related complications and to prevent further tragedies in the future. The collaborative efforts of organizations like ‘Save a Mom Save a Family’ are making a significant impact on maternal health awareness and advocacy in Kern County and beyond.