Black Maternal Health Week

The annual national Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign, founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, takes place every year from April 11 –17.

April is recognized in the United States as National Minority Health Month – a month-long initiative to advance health equity nationwide for all racial and ethnic minorities. Additionally, we are joining dozens of global organizations fighting to end maternal mortality globally, advocating that the United Nations recognize April 11th as the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights.

Pregnancy and childbirth should be a dignified, safe, and joyful experience for all. For far too many mothers, however, complications related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum can lead to devastating health outcomes — including hundreds of deaths each year.
– From “A Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week, 2022,” issued by President Biden on April 8, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/04/08/a-proclamation-on-black-maternal-health-week-2022/

Here are some ways to learn more about and support Black Maternal Health Week:

• Watch the first-ever roundtable at the White House with Kennedy’s Angel Gowns’ founder.
• Visit the Black Mamas Matter Alliance website at https://blackmamasmatter.org/ to learn about their work and find resources, toolkits, events, and ways to take action for Black maternal health.
• Follow @blkmamasmatter on Twitter and Instagram for updates, stories, calls to action, and more throughout BMHW.
• Use the hashtag #BlackMaternalHealthWeek to join the social media conversations and amplify awareness.
• Watch for local events in your community focused on Black maternal health and attend if possible.
• Donate to organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Black Women’s Health Imperative, National Birth Equity Collaborative, etc to support their work.
• Contact your local and federal representatives to advocate for policies that improve Black maternal health.
• Spread awareness of Black maternal health disparities by sharing information and resources with your friends, family, and networks.
• Listen to and amplify the voices of Black mothers sharing their stories and experiences.
• Recommend books, films, and other educational resources focused on Black maternal health.
• Volunteer or donate to local pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum support programs assisting Black mothers.