Her name is a movement, not just a memory.
Jasmine Patton was a nurse practitioner, someone who spent her career caring for others. She died from a pregnancy-related complication after childbirth. Her story is not rare. Black women in the United States face a maternal mortality rate more than three times higher than white women, and the overwhelming majority of these deaths are preventable with earlier recognition and faster care.
Not Just Jasmine™ exists to close that gap. Not Just Jasmine™ is an official Miss Black USA national initiative, in partnership with the National Alliance of Faith and Justice — and this maternal health toolkit is my contribution to the mission.
Knowledge saves lives. Every resource on this page is free to download and share.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The disparity behind the movement
3.2x
higher maternal mortality rate for women of color, compared to white mothers — a gap that persists regardless of income or education.
1.6x
Higher risk of pregnancy-related death for Black mothers with a college degree than white mothers without a high school diploma.
57%
of pregnancy-related deaths happen between one week and one year postpartum — long after families stop expecting to watch for warning signs.
87%
of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable, which is why being heard early by a provider changes outcomes.
Sources: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, 2024 maternal mortality data; KFF analysis of CDC Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System data.
Behind every statistic is a mother, a baby, and a family.
While these numbers are sobering, they don't have to define the future. Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable through earlier recognition, timely care, and empowered advocacy. That's why each conversation, shared resource, and informed voice matters. Together, we can change these outcomes.
THE TOOLKIT
Downloadable resources that save lives
A message from Dr. Aliya Frederick, Ms. Black California 2026
A pocket-sized guide to pregnancy and postpartum warning signs.
Emergency symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
What to say when you're in the room and feel dismissed, or not being heard.
The pregnancy and postpartum conditions that are commonly missed.
Vetted organizations and support before, during and after pregnancy.
If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773.
IN HER WORDS
Their stories, their truth
COMING SOON
"A Mother's Story"
COMING SOON
"The Doula's Perspective"
COMMUNITY PARTNER
The Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence at Charles Drew University of Science and Medicine
Ms. Black California USA 2026 is proud to partner with The Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence at Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine to support the mission of Not Just Jasmine™. Together, we are raising awareness of maternal health warning signs, promoting self-advocacy, and connecting families with trusted, evidence-based resources. The Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence is dedicated to eliminating maternal health disparities through community-based care, research, education, and workforce development --- creating healthier futures for Black mothers, babies, and families
COMING SOON: Leading the Center of Excellence: A conversation with the Director of the Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence on closing the gap in maternal care
A shared commitment to improving maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and families with the Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence.
Scan to access the Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence at Charles Drew University of Science and Medicine
or visit
Education is how we close the maternal health gap.
Every conversation matters. Every shared resource matters. Every informed voice matters.
Download the toolkit, share it with someone you love, and help create a future where every mother is heard, believed, and receives the care she deserves.
#NotJustJasmine #MaternalHealthMatters #BlackMamasMatter #MissBlackUSA
Not Just Jasmine™ A Maternal Health Movement is an official Miss Black USA national initiative, in partnership with the National Alliance of Faith and Justice
