Santa Barbara-based nonprofit The Victoria Project (TVP) invites the community to join its inaugural Mother’s Day 2024 campaign, aimed at addressing the U.S. maternal health crisis.
“Together, we can create healthier outcomes for moms and babies in our community” said Deja Rabb, a local resident and TVP co-founder.
“The U.S. maternal mortality rate is 10 times higher than other high-income countries, with Black women dying at 3-4 times the rate of White women during and after childbirth. It’s time for this to change,” Rabb said.
The Victoria Project has dispersed $3.7 million in direct grants over the past three years, supporting 428 families in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
In partnership with the Santa Barbara Birth Center, TVP is currently helping local pregnant mothers and their families.
Those wanting to support the cause are invited to join The Victoria Project’s Mother’s Day 2024 Campaign. Businesses can donate a portion of proceeds and spread awareness when promoting the May 12 holiday. TVP urges people to choose participating businesses when shopping this Mother’s Day.
“Maternity mortality rates in the U.S. are alarmingly high – and four out of five are preventable, according to the CDC,” said Janelle Green, TVP president/co-founder.
“Many people aren’t aware of this and they think it doesn’t happen here,” she said. “What’s more is that it has become common for women to experience pregnancy and childbirth as disempowering, lonely and even traumatic.
“We want to change that. The Victoria Project is working to improve outcomes, build community and raise the standard of care for families in California and beyond,” Green said.
Working toward this change, TVP’s mission is to increase healthy outcomes for mothers by offering accessible maternity care options. Founded in 2020, the public charity emphasizes safe, dignified, empowering births, and aims to reduce the strain on healthcare systems.
By providing access to comprehensive maternity and perinatal services, TVP supports birthing mothers, newborns, and their families, especially in communities most at risk, regardless of their background or circumstances.
By funding and connecting families with practitioners, TVP is building a new type of maternal health care system, one where midwifery care is equally recognized and embraced alongside hospital-based care.
Donations can be made online at www.the-victoria-project.com a 501(c)3 charity, or by mailing a check to 1221 State St., PO BOX 90753, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. Nonprofit tax id FEIN# 85-3173347.
For questions or to sign up to take part in the Mother’s Day 2024 Campaign, contact Angela Schmidt at 805-699-5438, or angela@the-victoria-project.com.
Learn more at the-victoria-project.com.