City of Columbia, local groups to host multiple educational events for Black Maternal Health Week

6 hours ago COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Research shows that Black women die at a 400% greater rate from childbirth complications than White women. A new week-long initiative by the City of Columbia and local community groups are aiming to lower that number through education and awareness. Based on the “Black Mamas Matter” initiative, the events happening through April 17th (available below) are meant to raise awareness around community-driven policies, research, and care solutions regarding Black mothers. Councilwoman Aditi Bussells and members of the Black Maternal Health Collective helped kicked off the week at City Hall. “Black women are three or four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications compared to White women. And there are a multitude of reasons why including a lack of access to healthcare, discrimination in healthcare, lack of access to resources such as transportation and housing, and stressors that are often associated with poverty. This is unacceptable, and I passionately believe that it is our duty as elected officials to do our part to address this injustice head on,” says Bussells. The week of events was ignited by local USC student Ebony Christie who says she contacted Bussells after completing research for her...