TAMPA, Fla. — As the USF College of Public Health kicks off Tampa Bay's first Black Maternal and Child Health Week, a variety of events are planned to honor, celebrate and recognize the importance of Black mothers and childbirth.
Organizers said the initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for improved maternal health outcomes within the Black community.
This year's theme is “Our bodies are ours: Reclaiming Black autonomy and joy!”
Black Maternal Health Week was originally created by the Black Moms Matter Alliance in 2018 to promote maternal care for Black mothers across the country. Black mothers were four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications in the United States, according to the USF College of Public Health. Florida in 2020.
A variety of events are planned throughout the week, including a 5K road race, fun run, community block party, health fair, and webinars.
Black Maternal and Child Health Week begins April 11-17. See the list of events.
