Title
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK for the purpose of recognizing April 11 -17th as the annual Black Maternal Health Week; to bring county wide attention to maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.
Background
Black Maternal Health Week is observed annually on April 11-17th. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black Maternal Health is a serious issue across the nation as Black women in the United States are 2.6 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes. Here in Prince George’s County, we have some of the highest rates of maternal mortality rates in the State of Maryland. In order to improve maternal health outcomes, an investment must be made in maternity care policies that support and promote affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care that is free from gender and racial discrimination. Therefore, this week is used to observe the challenges, advocacy work, medical ground breakings and awareness of Black Maternal Health.