TAMPA, Fla. — Various events are lined up to honor, celebrate and recognize the importance of Black mothers and birthing persons as the USF College of Public Health continues their Black Maternal Health Week of Tampa Bay.
This initiative is designed to raise awareness and advocate for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the Black community.
Black Maternal Health Week was originally created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018 to help advance maternal care for Black mothers throughout the U.S. According to USF College of Public Health, Black mothers were four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications in Florida in 2020.
Black Maternal Health Week kicks off April 11 - 17. View a list of the events:
April 10 | The Black Birth Experience
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of Motherhood - St. Petersburg, FL (Map)
Photography exhibit and showcase, #BMHWofTampaBay Kick-off Event
April 11 | Momma Fest
Friday, 5 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds - Tampa, FL (Map)
Community Block Party, Birth Expo and Health Fair
April 12 | Race for black mommas
Saturday, 7 a.m. at the USF Tampa Campus - Tampa, FL (Virtual Option)
Race for Black Mommas and Maternal Health: 5k road race, fun run & walk
April 14 | Reframing Resilience
Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the Sunshine Health Welcome Room - Tampa, FL (Virtual Option)(Map)
Community Healing and Mental Health, Interactive Wellness Workshop
April 15 | Men in the Movement
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at the GZL Education Resource Center - Tampa, FL (Virtual Option)(Map)
Supporting Brothers in the Journey Through Fatherhood
April 16 | Girl Talk
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at The Well at USF Tampa Campus - Tampa, FL
Stay Ready: Make a Plan & Be Prepared, Sexual and Reproductive Well-being
April 17 | State of Black Maternal Health
Thursday, 12:30 p.m. at the Stetson University Tampa Law Center - Tampa, FL (Virtual Option)(Map)
Engaging the Community, Interdisciplinary Lunch N' Learn
