City of Columbia launches first Black Maternal Health Week

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — The City of Columbia kicked off the city’s first Black Maternal Health Week on Thursday. The press conference took place at Columbia City Hall at 11 am. Councilwoman Aditi Bussells, Councilwoman Tina Herbert and Rhonda Sims, Founder of the Black Mental Health Collective, and representatives from partner agencies attended the event. Columbia’s Black Maternal Health Week, based on the Black Mama’s Matter Initiative, is a week of awareness, activism and community-building to deepen the statewide conversation about Black maternal health in the US. The week also amplifies community-driven policy, research, and care solutions, as well as centers the voices of black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders. It also provides a platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice. Councilwoman Bussells announced the city’s signature event, a health and resource fair, which will be held on April 6 at the Drew Wellness Center. Speakers also announced plans for a week of educational forums and other activities to bring awareness to Black Maternal Health Week.