COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The city of Columbia is tackling an important issue that some say may not be getting the attention it deserves. The city is partnering with the Black Maternal Health Collective to host a health fair on Saturday, April 6.
Called the “Mom’s Market” by organizers, the fair will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Drew R. Wellness Center on Walker Solomon Way.
Partners in mental health, loss support, community birthing, and nutrition will be in attendance.
In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, the health fair for moms, families, and babies will bring awareness to the disproportionate burden of maternal mortality among black women, specifically in South Carolina.
According to a 2023 report by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), black infants suffer disproportionately, dying at a rate nearly 2.5 times that of white infants.
The difference is worse for mothers. In 2020, research shows black women were 4.2 times more likely to die than white women in South Carolina
Vendors will provide information and resources to support moms, families, and babies through prenatal planning, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. The vendors range from mental health organizations, loss support groups, community birthing advocates, and nutrition specialists. Experts in maternal health rights will also be in attendance.
The event is part of the city’s inaugural Black Maternal Health Week, which city and community leaders kicked off on Thursday.
Officials say the main focus of the week is to bring awareness to the disproportionate burden of maternal mortality black women face– particularly in South Carolina.
You can click here to register for the event, which lasts until Wednesday, April 17.
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