Black women in Cuyahoga County have higher infant and maternal mortality rates than other women in the county.
In Cuyahoga County, Black women have disproportionately higher rates of severe morbidity than other racial groups, according to the latest data report from the Ohio Department of Health's Pregnancy-Related Mortality Research (PAMR) Committee. Black infants in the county are twice as likely to die before their first birthday, according to the 2023 Cuyahoga County Child Mortality Investigation Report.
Local organizations focused on reducing these disparities are celebrating Black Maternal and Child Health Week to highlight critical issues surrounding maternal and child health disparities in Black communities and seek solutions that help families thrive. We are hosting events.
Black Mothers' Health Week is held each April as part of National Minority Health Month, an effort to advance health equity for all races. It was officially recognized by the White House on April 13, 2021, and has been adopted by similar Black-led groups across the country, including the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
See a list of local events below.
Hey mom!Let's talk about minority health.
Thursday, April 11th, 11am-noon, Zoom (virtual event)
Birthing Beautiful Communities and Sister Haven will host an online event to discuss important topics regarding minorities, maternal health, and the importance of doula services. Panel experts will share insights and strategies to improve maternal health outcomes within minority communities.
Hey mom!Let's talk about breastfeeding
Thursday, April 11th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Zoom (virtual event)
Project Milk Mission will host virtual sessions to share self-care tips, resources, and community support for breastfeeding mothers. Click here to register for the event.
black professional women group
Thursday, April 11, 7-8:30 p.m., The Village of Healing, 22344 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid.
The Black Professional Women's Group is for Black women age 30 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher. This group serves as a safe and empowering support space for professional Black women. For more information, visit villageofhealing.com or contact Program Manager Jacquelyn Bradshaw at 216-815-4325 or admin@villageofhealingcle.com.
Celebrating resilience: Client experiences of gratitude
Thursday, April 11, 12-2 p.m., Pregnant With Possibilities Resource Center, 20700 Southgate Blvd., Maple Heights
Join Pregnant With Possibilities and experience client appreciation. With this event, the group aims to break down the stigma surrounding “strong” Black women and celebrate and recognize the deep resilience of Black mothers. The pampering event includes manicures, massages, facials, make-up, light refreshments, and more. Register using this link or visit pregnantwithpossibilities.com.
Holistic Wellness Fair: Connecting Minds, Empowering Lives
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Maple Heights Senior Center, 15901 Libby Rd., Maple Heights
Join Pregnant with Possibilities, which champions total health and fosters meaningful community connections. This event celebrates mental, physical and emotional health before, during and after pregnancy, including spiritual wholeness. Register using this link or visit pregnantwithpossibilities.com.
Black Mothers Health Equity Summit
Sunday, April 14th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm in the Glasscock Ballroom, Student Center, Cleveland State University.
Northern Ohio's Clinical and Translational Science Coalition is collaborating with more than 25 state, regional, and national stakeholders to host the first Black Maternal and Child Health Equity Summit (BMHES).
The half-day event brings together stakeholders from a variety of industries whose formal and informal education, life and work experiences contribute to research that promotes health equity for Black mothers, and by extension, all mothers. questions and provides evidence-based solutions. Click this link to register.
“American Delivery” Cleveland International Film Festival
Availability: April 14th to 21st
The film focuses on the nurses at Cleveland's MetroHealth System who work to fight for the care that mothers and families deserve, especially women of color. emotional and hopeful, american food delivery It follows an expectant mother's unique birth journey from pregnancy to birth to the postpartum period.
Mental Health Monday, Breaking the Stigma
Monday, April 15th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm via Zoom
Pregnant with Possibilities invites you to this virtual panel to challenge and break down mental health stigma within the Black community. With a particular focus on the mental health of Black mothers. For more information, visit preganantwithpossibilities.com.
“Black Motherhood Through a Lens”
Monday, April 15, 6-8:30 p.m., Cleveland Public Library, 525 Superior Ave., Cleveland.
Village of Healing, in partnership with Neighborhood Family Practice and the Cleveland Public Library, will host a free film screening of the documentary “Black Motherhood Through the Lens” at CPL’s Lewis Stokes Building. Producer/Director Dr. Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi joins him for a fireside chat.Registration required. Reserve your spot.
