Did you know April 11 -17 is Black Maternal Health Week (#BlackMaternalHealthWeek and #BMHW18)?

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the inaugural week kicks off on Wednesday, April 11th. Many events are also planned for the duration of the week. Here are the states which have shared local events for #BlackMaternalHealthWeek:

California

Florida

Georgia

Maryland

Massachusetts

New Jersey

New York

Ohio

Texas

If you live in one of these states, you can find local events at Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s website link here.

 

Photo courtesy of Black Mamas Matter Alliance

 

#BMHW18 Pre-Launch Tweet Chat

I was really excited when I found out about #BlackMaternalHealthWeek. Earlier today, I was browsing my Twitter timeline and I saw a tweet announcing a Tweet Chat hosted by Black Mamas Matter Alliance and The Root. I learned valuable information about maternal health in the African American community and the need for better healthcare and support for mothers.

During the Tweet Chat, many organizations such as Black Women for Wellness (Los Angeles), WIN Network Detroit, and The Center for Black Women’s Wellness (Atlanta) joined the group chat and shared valuable information about maternal health.

 

Here are a few questions which were discussed during the #BlackMaternalHealthWeek Tweet Chat:

What are some challenges you’ve experienced accessing and/or receiving care as a Black Mama?

What kind of resources do you feel are critical to advancing better health for Black Mamas?

What are ways that we can uplift the voices of Black Mamas in our communities?

As a Black Mama, who do you call on for support?

 

National Minority Health Month

It should also be noted that the month of April is also recognized as National Minority Health Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the theme for 2018 is Partnering for Health Equity which highlights partnerships at the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels that help reduce disparities in health and healthcare.

 

April is also recognized as National Minority Health Month.

 

I think both initiatives – Black Maternal Health Week and National Minority Health Month – are great ways to raise awareness to general healthcare and maternal healthcare in the both the African American community and other minority communities.

You can visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website here if you’d like more information about National Minority Health Month.

 

Photo courtesy of Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Here’s how you can get involved with #BMHW18’s Online Activities:

Wednesday, April 11th @ 12PM EST: Black Maternal Health Week Launch Webinar
Register for this webinar to kick-off the first national BMHW and talk about the issues and policies impacting the health and rights of Black Mamas. You can also join us that day in leveraging social media to galvanize people and organizations around the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights! REGISTER NOW: http://bit.ly/bmhwwebinar1
Official Hashtags: #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, #BMHW18, and #BlackMamasMatter #IntlMHDay

 

Thursday, April 12th @ 12PM EST: “Best Practices in Black Mama Care Work” Webinar
Register for this webinar to discuss what Black women want and need around safe and respectful care.
REGISTER NOW: http://bit.ly/041218webinar
Official Hashtags: #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, #BMHW18, and #BlackMamasMatter

 

Monday, April 16th @ 12PM EST: BMHW Webinar Highlighting Black/African Immigrant Women Advocacy in Maternity Care
Help BMMA continue the momentum built throughout Black Maternal Health Week by exploring the unique challenges facing Black/African immigrant and undocumented women, and what’s needed to ensure they can access quality and equitable care.
REGISTER NOW: http://bit.ly/416webinar
Official Hashtags: #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, #BMHW18, and #BlackMamasMatter

 

Tuesday, April 17th @ 3PM EST: BMHW Finale Tweet Chat
To close out Black Maternal Health Week, BMMA will host a finale tweet chat to help continue momentum built up throughout the week, and provide information on how to increase mobilization in support of Black Mamas.
Official Hashtags: #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, #BMHW18, and #BlackMamasMatter

 

Photo courtesy of Black Mamas Matter Alliance

 

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].