The loss of a mother is a trauma that doesn’t go away. Many people believe that children are resilient. But believe me, children NEVER get over the trauma of a mother’s death or growing up without a mother’s love. Researchers are starting to understand the link between childhood trauma and adult health. A growing body of knowledge suggests that this kind of trauma is intergenerational and can be evident in up to seven generations.
The Shalon Method is a comprehensive framework developed by Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project (DSMAP) to address racial disparities in maternal healthcare. It is built on four key pillars: Storytelling, Empowerment, Community-Building, and Education. This method leverages the power of personal narratives to foster empathy, equips women of color with essential tools and knowledge, strengthens community support systems, and provides cultural competency training for healthcare providers. The goal is to ensure equitable, respectful, and high-quality care for Black mothers and their families.
Believe Her 2.0 is our refreshed anonymous peer support app with the mission to increase awareness of the Black maternal health crisis and develop and promote evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes for Black birthing people and families.
At Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project, we are committed to driving impactful research that addresses the critical issue of maternal mortality within our community. This initiative, in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, focuses on identifying adults whose mothers tragically passed away during childbirth. The purpose is to shed light on their experiences.
Leveraging the wisdom and strength of grandmothers to support maternal health. This program brings together grandmothers to advocate for systemic changes, provide emotional and practical support to new mothers, and educate communities about maternal health.