Newark Mom’s Death Is Latest Tragedy In Grim NJ Trend, Advocates Say
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It was just a few months ago when Dreeah Austin kissed her family members, then headed out the door on a routine Sunday errand. Shortly after starting the car, the 30-year-old Newark resident – who had given birth only two weeks before – suffered a seizure and lost consciousness.
She never woke up.
Now, her grieving family and a nonprofit based in Essex County are questioning if a racial “gap” in maternal health care for women like Austin contributed to her death – and they’re demanding more action to prevent future tragedies.
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A GoFundMe campaign created for Austin’s family gives more details about what happened that fateful day:
“On July 21, 2024, Dreeah kissed her partner, Saladeen, and her newborn daughter, Sevyn, before heading out for a routine errand with her nephew. Shortly after starting the car, Dreeah experienced a seizure and lost consciousness. Despite immediate efforts by her partner and his mother to revive her while waiting for emergency medical support, Dreeah never regained consciousness. She was transported to a local hospital, where, after two days, her family was informed that she had no brain activity and would not regain function. On July 23, 2024, the heartbreaking decision was made to discontinue care, and Dreeah passed away, joining her mother and father, who also passed in the last year.”
“Dreeah’s death is believed to have been caused by a blood clot that traveled from her leg to her lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which blocked her airway and led to her heart stopping,” the campaign adds.
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>> Learn some ways to help Austin’s family members below
The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative, a nonprofit based in East Orange, said that Austin’s death is yet another example of a grim trend that many mothers across the state – and nation – are experiencing.
“According to the CDC, pulmonary embolism is the sixth leading cause of maternal death and the third leading cause of death for Black women,” the nonprofit pointed out. “Dreeah had a medical history of blood clots, a condition that requires careful monitoring and follow-up care. However, in the two weeks following her birth, Dreeah did not have any contact with her health care provider, a failure that highlights systemic issues in postpartum care.”
Traditional postpartum care models – which often delay follow-up appointments until three to six weeks after delivery – are insufficient for Black mothers, who face higher risks and need more immediate and ongoing support, the nonprofit said.
It’s a cry that other advocates across New Jersey have been raising over the past few years.
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According to recent studies, Black mothers are seven times more likely than white mothers to die from pregnancy-related complications. Meanwhile, Hispanic women in New Jersey experience twice the rate of infant mortality compared to white women.
“In New Jersey, 91 percent of all maternal deaths are considered preventable, with 53 percent occurring postpartum,” said Dr. Nastassia Harris, founder of the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative.
“It is devastating that despite the many programs and initiatives funded to improve maternal health, Black mothers like Dreeah continue to die from preventable causes,” said Harris, a registered nurse and certified lactation consult with more than 19 years of experience in perinatal nursing.
“The data is clear: Black mothers cannot afford to participate in traditional postpartum care that delays critical follow-up,” she urged. “New systems and structures must be developed to ensure that all mothers receive comprehensive, culturally sensitive care from pregnancy through postpartum.”
The group has launched a campaign in Austin’s name, which can be seen online here.
Sadly, if change comes, it will be too late for Austin, whose death leaves the world an emptier place, her family members say.
“Dreeah was such a shining light in many people’s lives and touched so many hearts with her kindness and sincerity – she will be truly missed,” her sister wrote.
HOW TO HELP THE FAMILY
According to the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative, here are five ways you can make a difference for the grieving family – and others like them:
DONATE BREASTMILK – “Dreeah was breastfeeding before she passed away and baby Sevyn has been having a hard time digesting formula. You can sign up to be a milk donor here.”
ONLINE FUNDRAISER – “Dreeah left behind her partner Saldeen Merritt and two daughters Sevyn (age 2 months) and Ella Peace (age 9). This was previously a two-income household that is now one. Anything you can give to help these two little ones have the life their mother would have wanted for them will go a long way. The GoFundMe is privately run by the family. You can donate here.”
AMAZON WISHLIST – “People can support Seveyn by purchasing much needed baby items here. Winter is approaching and winter clothes, jackets, etc. are also very much appreciated. People can mail items not on the Amazon list directly to the nonprofit’s headquarters: 280 S. Harrison St., Suite 311 East Orange NJ 07018.”
BUTTERFLY FUND – “The PHEI Butterfly fund provides a monetary unrestricted gift of $2,000 to the grieving family after the loss of a mother or a infant under age one. Since 2020 when the fund launched, we have supported eight families. We also provide grief counseling, legal support, and host of other needs to the family during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Your support allows us to continue to provide on the ground support to local families in need. You can read more about the Butterfly Fund and provide your gift here.”
SHARE HER STORY – “Dreeah was not a statistic. She was a loving mother, a daughter, and partner who loved life. People need to know who she was and how we lost her so we can take steps to make sure this never happens again. Dreeah’s campaign can be shared from our Google folder here, or you can share directly from our social media pages. We also encourage you to share with your local council members, assemblymen/women and other legislative folks to amplify her story and call for change.”
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