DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Black women are three times more likely to die during and after childbirth than any other race. Those alarming numbers have helped spark a national call to action known as Black Maternal Health Week. Experts say most of these deaths are preventable, especially when patients feel heard.

Dr. Sarahn Wheeler, chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Duke Health, says patients should be direct with their doctors if they feel their concerns are being ignored.

“Really be honest and upfront. ‘I do not feel like I am being heard. I don’t think you’re listening to me,'” Wheeler said.

Wheeler says Black maternal health remains a life-or-death issue and points to persistent disparities in outcomes.

“Every single dot on that line is a real person. I am very aware of the need for positive change. The immediacy of now,” she said.

While Duke Health provides health equity and implicit bias training for staff, Wheeler says some Black patients are choosing to book appointments only with Black doctors out of fear.

“What we want to make sure is that every single provider, no matter who they are, what they look like or background, they are ready and empowered to provide the highest level of care for you,” she said.

Duke Health also partners with community organizations such as MAAME, Inc. to help address the crisis by educating doctors and residents.

“Black women used to be the actual care providers in the South with the grand midwives. It was policy and legislation that took these women out of these communities,” said MAAME, Inc. founder Maya Jackson.

MAAME is an acronym for Mobilizing African American Mothers Through Empowerment. Jackson said the organization provides a wide range of maternal health resources from its base in Durham’s historic Hayti District. She also says she is seeing a rise in doula support.

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“I think it is just a revival for Black women to get back into an ancestral place that’s always been part of our story,” Jackson said.

Jackson attended an event Wednesday at the Governor’s Mansion where Gov. Josh Stein recognized Black Maternal Health Week. Over seven years, she says MAAME, Inc. has served thousands of clients.

Among them are Dior Gadson and her 11-month-old daughter, Mi-Soleil.

“Making me feel seen, heard, appreciated,” Gadson said.