FLINT, Mich.— April 11 to April 17 is Black Maternal Health Week in Michigan.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring the week to honor the prenatal through postpartum experiences of Black mothers.
“Every parent deserves quality, accessible healthcare that helps them focus on what matters: welcoming their precious baby into the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II. “Many Black women in the United States experience barriers to accessing quality pre- and postnatal care. Here in Michigan, we have been working diligently to eliminate that disparity by expanding Medicaid coverage for up to a year post-partum and allocating funds to implement recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force that will improve access to health services. We’ve gotten a lot done to support Michigan mothers in every community and we will keep working to make Michigan the best place to raise and grow a family.”
April 11-17 is also recognized nationally as Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, which “amplifies the voices of Black Mamas and centers the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements,” according to their website.
Black women are 2.8 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In Flint on Thursday, April 11, state Representative Cynthia Neeley will gather with community members and healthcare workers to discuss the Black maternal mortality rate. Along with Neeley, Black mother of two Brandee Cooke and OB-GYN Omari Young will speak.
The press conference begins at 11 a.m.