Trone, Underwood Discuss Black Health and Wellness in Honor of Black History Month

Statement

In recognition of Black History Month, Congressman David Trone (MD-06) hosted a "Trone Talk" with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Rhonda Kaalund, Senior Employee Assistance Counselor in the House Office of Employee Assistance, on Black health and wellness in America. During the conversation, the group discussed the need to address health care inequality, improve mental health education, and break the stigma surrounding mental health treatment in Black communities.

"We are facing a mental health crisis among our nation's youth, and Black children are particularly at risk. Studies have shown that Black children under the age of 13 are dying by suicide at rates two-times higher than their white peers," Congressman Trone said. "These statistics are horrifying. We must take action to bring resources to these communities, and I'm eager to get the job done alongside my colleague Congresswoman Underwood."

"In our country, Black birthing people are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts -- and for every death, we have 70 near misses… There are so many of us who have experienced the loss of a mother, sister, partner, cousin, girlfriend, or a church member," Congresswoman Underwood said. "The majority of these deaths are preventable. This is a disparity that's been around my entire lifetime, and we've not seen widespread, widescale federal action to save moms' lives."

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