Pontiac, MI - Oakland County Health Division is celebrating Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) from April 11-17.
In recognition of this observance, Oakland County Health Division is spotlighting testimonials from local Black mothers on the Oakland County Blog. The testimonials will share the mothers’ experiences with Health Division services and advice on motherhood.
“Black women experience higher rates of pregnancy-related mortality than other races,” said Calandra Green, Health Officer. “Every maternal death is tragic, especially since the majority of deaths are preventable. Our services help support a healthy, thriving pregnancy by providing care and resources to improve our client’s health outcomes.”
The Health Division provides supportive programs to families such as:
- Children’s Special Health Care Services
- Community Nursing Services
- Nurse-Family Partnership
- Nurturing Parenting Program
- Nutrition Services
- Women Infants Children (WIC)
All mothers featured in the article are current or former Health Division clients. Kadejah, a mother from Pontiac describes her experience in the Nurturing Parenting Program, “ I received positive feedback from her which was wonderful to hear, especially from an outsider that I was doing well.”
The BMHW, founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), is a week of awareness, activism, and community-building aimed at amplifying the voices of Black Mamas, bringing visibility to Black-led maternal health initiatives, and centering the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. BMMA is a national network of Black women-led organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals who work to ensure that all Black Mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.
Visit www.cdc.gov/hearher to learn how to reduce pregnancy-related mortality. Learn more information about Health Division services and programs at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or