Howard University will host a series of events during Black Maternal Health Week

WASHINGTON – The Howard University Women’s Health Center of ExcellenceDC Health sponsors a week-long series of events to commemorate Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17). According to the Black Mammas Matter AllianceThis year’s theme is “Our Bodies belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy & Joy!”

Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), a group that advocates for Black mothers and birthing women, created the week-long campaign to raise awareness, support activism and build community.

Howard was responsible for organizing the Howard events. Eve Boyle, PhDIn collaboration with many partner organizations, he is the associate director of training strategy and engagement strategy at the Howard University Centers of Excellence.

“The maternal mortality rate for Black women in Washington continues to be among the worst in the nation, and mothers in Ward 7 and Ward 8 are particularly affected by issues such as delayed prenatal care and preventable pregnancy complications,” Boyle said. “No one institution or intervention is going to solve this. We are hosting this week of events to bring together maternal health experts, community organizations, healthcare providers, birth workers, and DC residents to not just raise awareness, but to determine ways to move forward on collaborative initiatives that will make a real change.”

The Biden-Harris Administration recognized the week in 2022. Hugh Mighty MD, Howard University senior vice-president of health affairs is calling for action from the Washington community.

“Mothers and healthy babies are the foundation of a healthy society,” Mighty said. “The continued poor outcomes for Black pregnant women and their infants demand a constant call to action until we make a significant difference.”

These are the main events:

Tuesday, April 11 – Kickoff event and keynote address – noon to 2 p.m.

All Howard University residents, DC residents, as well as community organizations working to support the health and wellbeing of Black mothers, are invited to this event. The event will be held at the Centers of Excellence Lobby located at 2301 Georgia Ave NW. Lunch will also be provided. RSVP is required.  

The kickoff event will include remarks from:

• Hugh Mighty MD, Howard University senior vice-president of health affairs
• Guoyang LuoHoward University Women’s Health Center of Excellence Director, Dr.
• BoyleThis will include a brief history of Black Maternal Health Week
• Layo GeorgeWolomi founder and CEO will be the keynote speaker

Wednesday, April 12 – Ward 8 Maternal Health Summit – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Ward 8 Maternal Health Summit will occur at The Well at Oxon Run (300 Valley Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032) from 1 p.m. to 4 pm on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. The Ward 8 Health Council and Howard University Women’s Health Center of Excellence collaborated to create the event. All Ward 8 residents and community stakeholders are invited to attend, including mothers. 

The event’s first half will include a discussion about maternal health issues in Ward 8 with tea and water. Rochanda Mitchell, MD, from the Women’s Health Center of Excellence, will participate. The second half will include a resource exchange and health fair, which will bring together more than 30 health professionals, community organizations, as well as health care providers. 

Thursday, April 13 – Doulas 101 and Yoga at Martha’s Table – 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Participants are invited to participate in this event. Martha’s Table programs, in collaboration with the Howard University Women’s Health Center of Excellence. Howard University Women’s Health CPE perinatal health specialist Erin Clark The importance of support from a doula throughout the entire reproductive health journey will be addressed. Afterwards, Nova Cosmotionz will lead participants in a relaxing yoga class.

Media contact: Sholnn Freeman; [email protected]