Rev. Dr. Que English is leading the 2025 National Thrive Maternal Health Tour across 20 cities. The CEO of Elev8 Health Inc. created this initiative to transform maternal health care in Black and Indigenous communities. The tour addresses America’s shocking maternal mortality crisis that disproportionately affects Black women.
Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. Dr. English’s tour offers a comprehensive blueprint for saving lives through community-driven support systems.
National Thrive Maternal Health Tour Transforms Community Care
The 2025 National Thrive Maternal Health Tour represents both a movement and a reawakening of communal care. Each stop includes a community baby shower and an ecosystem of support for expectant families. Events feature expert-led panels, resource sharing, on-site screenings, and wellness checks for comprehensive care.
“When you think of the village, you think of what it’s going to take to improve our outcomes among Black women,” Dr. English explained during an exclusive interview. The village includes doulas, midwives, mental health specialists, OBGYNs, WIC programs, and housing support. This holistic approach addresses the multiple factors affecting maternal health outcomes.
The tour meets expectant mothers, fathers, and caregivers where they are physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This comprehensive strategy recognizes that maternal health extends beyond medical care. Dr. English emphasizes that successful outcomes require addressing social determinants of health.
Mental Health Crisis Among Black Mothers Drives Tour Mission
“Suicide and substance use disorder are the leading causes of death for women postpartum,” Dr. English revealed. Mental health providers must be included in the village of support surrounding Black mothers. The tour addresses this critical gap in traditional maternal care approaches.
Postpartum mental health challenges affect Black women at higher rates due to systemic barriers. Limited access to culturally competent mental health services compounds these risks. Dr. English’s tour specifically incorporates mental health screening and support into every event.
The integration of mental health care into maternal health services represents a groundbreaking approach. Traditional medical models often separate physical and mental health care. Dr. English’s comprehensive model recognizes that maternal wellness requires addressing both components simultaneously.
Dr. English’s Background Combines Grassroots Wisdom With Policy Experience
Dr. English brings unique credentials to the maternal health crisis as a Bronx native with Harlem roots. Before founding Elev8 Health, she served as Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the highest levels.
“I’m grassroots. Yes, I worked for Health and Human Services. Yes, I was top of the food chain. But everything I do is community-driven,” she emphasized. This combination of policy experience and community connection informs her approach. She understands both systemic barriers and grassroots solutions.
Dr. English also founded the 100 Million Reach Collective, a coalition of African American faith leaders. This organization addresses social determinants of health in underserved communities. Her work consistently bridges the gap between policy and community implementation.
Cultural Competency Drives Doula Certification Program
Cultural competency serves as a pillar of the Thrive Tour’s success strategy. During her prior M.O.M.S. Tour, Dr. English helped certify nearly 600 culturally competent Black doulas. This foundation is being expanded through the current tour to reach more communities.
“When I think about bringing our doulas to the forefront to engage with Black women, they are Black doulas,” she explained. Breaking stigma and building trust requires care providers who look like the communities they serve. This approach addresses the cultural barriers that prevent many Black women from seeking adequate care.
The emphasis on Black doulas addresses a critical gap in maternal health care. Many Black women report feeling unheard or dismissed by healthcare providers. Culturally competent doulas provide advocacy and support that can literally save lives.
Evidence-Based Approach Proves Doula Services Save Lives
Studies consistently show that doulas and midwifery services improve maternal health outcomes significantly. These services lower C-section rates, increase breastfeeding success, and reduce maternal mortality risk. However, many families still view birth workers as a luxury rather than a necessity.
Dr. English is working to change this harmful perception through education and advocacy. “We don’t need to treat doulas like a bonus. For me, they should be the baseline,” she stated. Every mother deserves support, not just families who can afford private services.
Many states have expanded Medicaid coverage to include doula services, making them accessible to more families. “It’s a lifeline. It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity,” Dr. English emphasized. This policy change represents a significant step toward equitable maternal care.
Tour Addresses Systemic Failures Through Community Solutions
The 2025 National Thrive Maternal Health Tour tackles the root causes of maternal mortality disparities. Dr. English’s approach recognizes that Black women aren’t broken—the healthcare system is. Her tour provides concrete solutions that communities can implement immediately.
The tour’s comprehensive model includes housing support, nutrition programs, and social services alongside medical care. This holistic approach addresses the social determinants that significantly impact maternal health outcomes. Dr. English understands that healthy pregnancies require stable communities.
Each tour stop creates lasting connections between families and resources in their communities. Rather than one-time events, the tour establishes ongoing support networks. This sustainable approach ensures that families have continued access to the village of care they need.
