City of Columbia hosts first Black Maternal Health Week events

Black Maternal Health Collective The City of Columbia, in partnership with the Black Maternal Health Collective, held a press conference on April 4 to announce a series of events for the very first Black Maternal Health Week. Black Maternal Health Week, based on the Black Mama’s Matter Initiative, is a week of awareness, activism, and community-building with the goals of deepening the statewide conversation about black maternal health in the U.S. by amplifying community-driven policy, research, and care solutions; centering the voices of black mamas, women, families, and stakeholders; and providing a platform for black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth, and reproductive justice. Councilwoman Aditi Bussells announced the City’s signature event, a health and resource fair, which was held April 6 at the Drew Wellness Center. Speakers also announced plans for a full week of educational forms and other activities to bring awareness to Black Maternal Health Week. Speakers at the press conference included Councilwoman Aditi Bussells; Councilwoman Tina Herbert; Rhonda Sims, founder of the Black Maternal Health Collective; Dr. Kari-Claudia Allen Harrington, M.D., Prisma Health, Family Medicine Physician; Coroner Naida Rutherford; and District 77 Representative Kambrell H. Garvin. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presented a proclamation for Black Maternal...