Black women in Cuyahoga County have higher rates of infant and maternal mortality than other women in the county.
In Cuyahoga County, severe morbidity rates for Black women are disproportionately higher than other racial groups, according to the most recent data report from the Ohio Department of Health’s Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) committee. Black babies in the county are two times more likely to die before their first birthday, according to a 2023 report from the Cuyahoga County Child Fatality Review report.
Local groups that focus on lowering these disparities are hosting events for Black Maternal Health Week to highlight the critical issues surrounding maternal health disparities in Black communities and explore solutions to help families thrive.
Black Maternal Health Week takes place every April as part of National Minority Health Month, an initiative to advance health equity for all races. It was officially recognized by the White House on April 13, 2021, and has been adopted by similar Black-led collectives across the country, such as Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
Check out the list of local events below:
Hey Mama! Let’s Talk about Minority Health
Thursday, April 11, 11 a.m. to noon, Zoom (virtual event)
Birthing Beautiful Communities and Sister Haven will host an online event to discuss important topics around minorities, maternal health and the importance of doula services. Panel experts will share insights and strategies to improve maternal health outcomes within minority communities.
Hey Mama! Let’s Talk about Breastfeeding
Thursday, April 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Zoom (virtual event)
Project Milk Mission will host a virtual session to share self-care tips, resources and community support for breastfeeding moms. Click here to register for the event.
Black Professional Women’s Group
Thursday, April 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., The Village of Healing, 22344 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid
The Black Professional Women’s Group is for Black women who are 30 and older and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The group serves as a safe and empowering support space for professional Black women. For more information, visit villageofhealing.com or contact Program Manager Jacquelyn Bradshaw at 216-815-4325 or [email protected].
Celebrating Resilience: A Client Appreciation Experience
Thursday, April 11, 12 to 2 p.m. at Pregnant With Possibilities Resource Center, 20700 Southgate Blvd., Maple Heights
Join Pregnant With Possibilities for a client-appreciation experience. With this event, the group aims to shatter the stigma surrounding “strong” Black women, celebrating and acknowledging the profound resilience of Black mothers. The pampering event will include manicures, massages, facials, makeup artistry and light refreshments. You can register at this link or visit pregnantwithpossibilities.com.
Holistic Wellness Fair: Connecting Hearts, Empowering Lives
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maple Heights Senior Center, 15901 Libby Rd., Maple Heights
Join Pregnant with Possibilities as they champion holistic wellness and foster meaningful community connections. This event is a celebration of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, encompassing psychological wholeness—before, during and after pregnancy. You can register at this link or visit pregnantwithpossibilities.com.
Black Maternal Health Equity Summit
Sunday, April 14, 12 to 4 p.m. at Cleveland State University in the Student Center’s Glasscock Ballroom
The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio is teaming up with more than 25 state, regional and national stakeholders to hold its first Black Maternal Health Equity Summit (BMHES).
The half-day event will gather stakeholders from diverse industries whose formal and informal education, lived and work experience will help inform research questions and evidence-based solutions to advance health equity for Black mothers, and, consequently, all mothers. To register, click this link.
“American Delivery” Cleveland International Film Festival
Stream available: April 14 to 21
The film highlights nurses at Cleveland’s MetroHealth System working to ensure mothers and families fight for the care they deserve, particularly for women of color. Emotional and hopeful, American Delivery follows pregnant mothers on their unique birth journeys from pregnancy through childbirth and through the postpartum period.
Mental Health Monday, Breaking Stigmas
Monday, April 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Pregnant with Possibilities invites everyone to this virtual panel on challenging and dismantling mental health stigmas within the Black community, with a particular emphasis on Black maternal mental health. To learn more, visit preganantwithpossibilities.com.
‘Black Motherhood Through The Lens’
Monday, April 15, 6 to 8:30pm at Cleveland Public Library, 525 Superior Ave., Cleveland
Village of Healing, in partnership with Neighborhood Family Practice and Cleveland Public Library, will host a free movie screening of the documentary “Black Motherhood Through The Lens” at the Louis Stokes wing of CPL. Producer/Director Dr. Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi will participate in a fireside chat. Registration is required. Reserve your spot.