Springfield celebrates Black Maternal Health Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield officials will be joining together on Thursday for a special Black Maternal Health Week celebration. Car accident leaves trail of damage on State Street in Springfield According to the CDC, Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year from April 11-17 to bring attention and action to improving Black maternal health, as Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. These disparities exist because of structural racism, variation in quality healthcare, chronic medical conditions, and implicit bias, which makes it harder for people of color to have fair opportunities for their economic, social, and emotional health. On Thursday, there will be a celebration at Springfield City Hall to educate the community and bring awareness to the health of black moms and the support needed to end disparities. Mayor Domenic Sarno, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, and Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford will join together at the celebration, which begins at 10:30 a.m. Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank my Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford, who is also the Founder and Owner of Heart to Heartbeat Lactation and Wellness, for helping to coordinate this awareness celebration for...