01/23/2026
Dr. Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old Black nurse-midwife and dedicated maternal health advocate, passed away on January 1, 2026, due to childbirth complications from severe preeclampsia. A South Carolina native and mentor, she worked to reduce racial disparities in maternal care before her own tragic, preventable death.
Despite her expertise, her death highlights that, regardless of education or income, Black women are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This should not have happened and is an example of why Maternal Healthcare is so important. This is a statement from one of our care coordinators:
Mental health in maternal care is very important because if you are aware of the signs, you can get help faster which can lead to positive outcomes. Missing signs or not getting help can lead to a dark path. That is what I experienced after giving birth to my third child on 08/15/2012. This was a dark time in my life. My postpartum depression led to me losing my job and being unable to function out in the world. My family finally sought help for me and that made a huge difference. My recovery took about 6 months, but this prepared me for any future pregnancy. As I look back, I feel now I had postpartum depression with my two oldest but due to not having the tools and knowledge we now have I was never diagnosed, nor did I speak up, as I was afraid that I could not handle motherhood.
Stories like these help to spread awareness of the risks involved with maternal health. At NOELA, our care teams are here to support any and all needs for pregnant women and postpartum women. From OB/GYN to psychiatric services, NOELA has the resources to aid you through your pregnancy and postpartum.
Call us to schedule an appointment today.
(504) 255-8665
13085 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans, LA 70129