Babies Born Healthy is the topic of Montgomery County’s 5th annual ‘Right from the Start’ event to support Black maternal and child health.
The free event is set for Saturday, April 12 at Holy Cross Hospital, 1500 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The county’s Department of Health and Human Services Babies Born Healthy program (BBH), the African American Health Program (AAHP), DHHS’ Early Childhood Services (ECS) and the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program are hosting the community event to provide health support to Black children and families, from preconception through early childhood.
This year’s event coincides with Black Maternal Health Week from April 11-17 and National Public Health Week from April 7-13.
In 2022, Black/African American births accounted for 35% of fetal and infant losses despite representing approximately 21% of all births in Montgomery County.
“Infants born to mothers without proper care face higher risks, including low birth weight and infant mortality,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release.
“Ensuring proper care during pregnancy is essential for both mother and child’s health. Our prenatal programs aim to reduce disparities, improve outcomes and give every child a healthy start. Prenatal care is crucial for all families,” he said.
Some of the topics to be discussed include preconception, prenatal health, breastfeeding, community support for families, doula support, developmental milestones and mental health.
“Every baby deserves to be born healthy,” said County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis. “While our community has made progress in reducing health disparities faced by Black mothers, more work remains to be done. Our hope is that this event will raise greater awareness and advocacy within our communities so that we can continue to positively impact the health of our families.”
Besides Davis, other speakers include Nina Ashford, chief of public health services at the county’s Department of Health and Human Services; Laurie-Anne Sayles, county councilmember; Vanessa Da Costa of Chilombo Consulting; Tiffaney Mills, psychotherapist/clinical social worker at Milestone Mental Health Services; Jayshree Surage and Salena Jacob from Groundroots Healing; Dionne McDonald and Aya Iwai-Folk of Mamatoto Village; Christin Statkiewicz of Start More Infants Living Equally healthy program (S.M.I.L.E.).
Registration is highly encourage. To register, visit the ‘Right from the Start’ Eventbrite website. Free on-site childcare will be provided.