ABOUT
Black Maternal Health Week is a national initiative intended to build awareness, activism, and community building to help deepen the conversation about Black maternal health in the US. Black women (regardless of social & economic status) are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women.
Why…
Structural racism is the root cause of the US black maternal mortality crisis. However, social determinants like poverty, education, and access to resources are also contributing factors.
WHAT IS BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK?
In the state of a Nevada, a coalition of black birth workers, professionals, and community organizations are joining forces to organize a week full of festivities for Black Maternal Health Week, recognized annually April 11 – 17.
2025 Theme:
Empower, Uplift, and Unite: A Collective Path to Black Maternal Wellness
Overall, our initiative and purpose for hosting this event is to not only highlight the disparities and challenges faced by Black mothers during pregnancy and childbirth but also to actively support and amplify the programs and initiatives driving meaningful solutions.
OBJECTIVES
Raise
Awareness
- Increase awareness about the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among black women.
- Educate participants and the community about the factors contributing to these disparities, such as systemic racism, socio-economic factors, and healthcare inequities.
Advocate for
Policy Changes
- Advocate for policy changes at local, state, and national levels to address systemic issues contributing to maternal health disparities.
- Encourage participants to engage with policymakers and raise their voices for policy reforms that prioritize maternal health.
Inspire Action
Beyond the Events
- Motivate participants to continue advocating for black maternal health beyond the event by joining or supporting relevant organizations and initiatives.
- Provide resources for ongoing education, community engagement, and activism.
As a result of our efforts, through the events we also aim to: Promote Health Equity, Encourage Prenatal and Postpartum Care, Combat Stigma and Discrimination, Community Engagement. Collaborate with Healthcare Providers, Encourage Research and Data Collection, and Promote Wellness and Fitness.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday, April 11th – Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Friday, April 11th, 2025
BMHW NV Luncheon
Nurturing Connections:
The Power of Black Maternal Advocacy
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
Father’s Event
Fatherhood Redefined:
Nurturers, Partners, and Pillars
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Kinship Cookout & Walk
Steps to Wellness:
Kinship, Health, and Harmony
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Soulful Sisters Event