2024 Racial Disparity in the nicu

In 2024, the Alliance for Black NICU Families surveyed 55 Black/African-American families about their NICU experiences. Parents described gaps in clear communication, feeling unheard, limited emotional support, and barriers to culturally responsive care. 

Quantitatively, 81.8% reported race-related challenges affecting care; roughly 85% believed greater Black representation would have improved their experience; ≈93% supported mandatory staff education on bias/trauma-informed care; and ≈89% said access to peer support would have helped.

The report translates these findings into practical steps hospitals and health plans can implement now—standardizing communication, investing in staff education, and building family/peer supports—to improve safety, discharge readiness, and outcomes for all families.  

• Communication & Trust
  Families frequently lacked clear, plain-language updates and a consistent point-of-contact.
   
• Education & Support
  Strong support for staff training and mental-health/peer supports to reduce stress and improve readiness.
   
• Representation & Respect
  Parents believed representation—and respectful care regardless of race—would improve experience and outcomes.