The City of Columbia, in partnership with the Black Maternal Health Collective, held a press conference to announce a series of events for the very first Black Maternal Health Week. Black Maternal Health Week, based on the Black Mama’s Matter Initiative, is a week of awareness, activism and community-building with the goals of deepening the statewide conversation about Black maternal health in the US; Amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions; Center the voices of Black Mamas, women, families, and stakeholders; provide a platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice; Councilwoman Aditi Bussells announced the City’s signature event, a health and resource fair, which will be held on April 6 at the Drew Wellness Center. Speakers also announced plans for a full week of educational forms and other activities to bring awareness to Black Maternal Health Week.
Speakers at the press conference included Councilwoman Aditi Bussells, Councilwoman Tina Herbert, Rhonda Sims, Founder of the Black Maternal Health Collective, and Dr. Kari-Claudia Allen Harrington, M.D., Prisma Health, Family Medicine Physician, Coroner Naida Rutherford, District 77 Representative Kambrell H. Garvin, and Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presented a proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week.
See all event details below:
Thursday, April 4 – Forum “The Future of Black Maternal Health” An Intimate Conversation with Future Generations
Location: University of South Carolina Campus – Bates West Social Room, 1399 Whaley Street
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Kick starting the event is an open forum on April 4th that delves into “The Future of Black Maternal Health.” This intimate conversation will explore how the current state of maternal health impacts and shapes the decisions of future generations as citizens. Collaborating with state, city, and county leaders, birth organizations, providers, and community organizations, the forum aims to spark meaningful dialogue, restore hope and drive positive change.
Saturday, April 6 – “Mom’s Market”: Health Fair for Moms, Families, and Babies
Location: Drew R. Wellness Center, 2117 Walker Solomon Way
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Community market fair that includes vendors providing an array of information and resources to support moms, families and babies through prenatal planning, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. Our vendors will range from mental health organizations, loss support groups, community birthing advocates, and nutrition specialist. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear from experts in maternal health rights, advocating your voice as a patient and learn about health challenges that impact black and brown families.
Sunday, April 7th – Yoga In the Park w/ Balloon Release *Bring Your Mats*
Location: MLK Park, 2300 Greene Street
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Yoga In the Park session on April 7th will be led by an instructor and dedicated to mothers and families impacted by loss due to inequities in maternal health. This hour-long yoga session provides a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance. The event will also include a Balloon Release to honor those who have experienced loss and to foster connections and relationships within the community for mutual support.
Thursday, April 12th – “Talk with Doc” Part 1
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Join us for an open conversation with Black led OB physicians about safe labor, delivery, navigating the hospital, how to create a livable birth plan.
Saturday, April 13th – Birthing Justice Film with Panel Q&A
Location: Epic Events, 125 Outlet Pointe Boulevard Suite A&B, Columbia, SC 29210
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Join us to view the cutting edge film on Birthing Justice” by Olympic medalist Allyson Felix. After viewing the film there will be an open Q&A discussion with leaders who support birthing families.
Wednesday, April 17th “Talk with Doc” Part 2
Location: Richland County Library Main 1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201
Time: 5:30pm -7:00pm
Come and join us for an open dialogue on topics such as medicated vs un-medicated births, how to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and how to choose your care team to support you during and after pregnancy.
Black Maternal Health Facts:
In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women (Source: CDC).
In the U.S. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. CDC notes that more than 80% of pregnancy related deaths are preventable (Source: CDC).
To register and learn more about all Black Maternal Health Week events, visit this link: Columbia Black Maternal Health Week (colabmhweek.com)
