These Black maternal health groups laid groundwork for perinatal grants, then they were left out

By: Charlotte Rene Woods

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: May 5, 2026

Words: 1,659

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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Long before Virginia lawmakers and governors were using the word “Momnibus” and celebrating a series of bills aimed at bolstering maternal health, doula Kenda Denia and nurse Stephanie Spencer were tapped behind the scenes to lend their expertise.

Now, the work they helped lead has garnered state dollars, legislative support and public praise, but their community-rooted organizations weren’t selected to reap any of the funds.

The two women spearhead groups that …

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