Media & Press

For Journalists & Media.

We welcome thoughtful, accurate coverage of the Black maternal health crisis. Access our resources or reach out for interviews and statements.

Media Resources

Appearances

Conferences
& Summits

Mercedes Wells regularly appears at national summits and convenings on maternal health equity. Contact us for media credentials and interview opportunities.

Media Credentials Request

February 2026

American Nurses Association (ANA) Nurses Summit

Washington, DC

Mercedes Wells and the Luv2Love Initiative attended the American Nurses Association (ANA) Nurses Summit in Washington, DC after being invited by Katie Boston-Leary, Vice President of Equity & Engagement. This event brought together healthcare leaders to discuss maternal health equity and systemic change.

February 2026

The Mothers of Gynecology – Day of Reckoning

Birmingham & Montgomery, Alabama

Mercedes Wells participated in “The Mothers of Gynecology” Day of Reckoning event alongside Black maternal health advocates. The event honored history while advancing conversations around equity, accountability, and justice in maternal healthcare.

Hosted by Michele Browder

April 2026

Black Maternal Health Week at the Pennsylvania State Capitol

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Mercedes Wells participated in Black Maternal Health Week at the Pennsylvania State Capitol with Representative La'Tasha D. Mayes while advocating for statewide support of The Wells Act and improved maternal health protections.

April 2026

The Ebony Canal Film Screening (Black Maternal Health Week)

Red carpet screening of “The Ebony Canal,” an award-winning documentary by Emmai Alaquiva highlighting the Black maternal and infant health crisis in the United States.

June 10, 2026

4Kira4Dads Annual Advocacy Day – "Dads Got Something to Say"

Washington, DC

Mercedes and Leon Wells joined 4Kira4Dads during the annual advocacy event in Washington, DC, supporting fathers and families affected by preventable maternal deaths while continuing national advocacy surrounding The Wells Act.

2026

Speaking Out on Disparities in the Black Community

Mercedes and Leon Wells speaking out about what happened to them and addressing the many disproportionate disparities in the Black community.

View the Full Events Timeline

Media Coverage Guidelines

We ask that all media coverage of the Black maternal health crisis and Mercedes Wells' story adhere to these guidelines:

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Center the systemic nature of maternal health disparities, not individual blame

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Use accurate statistics from reputable sources (CDC, WHO, peer-reviewed research)

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Include information about solutions and policy reform alongside the crisis

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Respect the dignity of mothers whose stories are shared

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Download Press Kit

Access biographical information, high-resolution photos, key statistics, and official statements.