The inaugural Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), is taking place from April 11-17 this year.
The BMMA launched the effort to increase public attention around the state of Black maternal health in the U.S., along with the root causes of poor maternal health outcomes, and community-based policies, programs, and solutions.
Partners and collaborators include Sister Song, Every Mother Counts, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and the National Women’s Law Center.
The week-long campaign seeks to amplify the voices of Black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders, serve as a national platform for Black women-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth justice, and reproductive justice.
The Alliance offers a social media/online advocacy toolkit for download. A free webinar is scheduled for Monday, April 16 highlighting the challenges Black, African immigrant and undocumented women face in accessing equitable maternity care.
A tweet chat will take place Tuesday, April 17th at 3 pm Eastern time. Official Hashtags include #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, #BMHW18, and #BlackMamasMatter #IntlMHDay.
April is also recognized as National Minority Health Month – which seeks to advance health equity for all racial and ethnic minorities.