Nationwide, organizations and community members are gearing up to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), April 11-17, to address health disparities threatening the lives and health of Black mothers and babies in and outside of the birthing room.
Nationally spearheaded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), the birth and reproductive justice organization has dedicated this year’s weeklong celebration to the overarching theme, “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy.” BMMA aims to galvanize efforts between Black birthing organizations to further drive systemic change in the maternal health space.
“The theme acknowledges the persistent legacies of systemic oppression(s), reproductive injustices, and health inequities that have disproportionately affected Black Mamas and people. It emphasizes the need for healing at both individual and community levels while addressing the need for restorative approaches to maternal health care,” BMMA stated in a BMHW25 press release.
While the annual observance celebrates the leadership and expertise of Black community-based organizations catering to maternity care, locally, various agencies and community organizations are doing the work to bolster greater maternal health outcomes among Black mothers across the region.
In Montgomery County, on April 12, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is hosting the fifth annual “Right from the Start” event, at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, “to provide health support for Black children and families.”
Also on Saturday, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center is holding a community Block Party, welcoming all residents and families across the District to celebrate the Ward 8 community. The newly minted hospital is preparing to officially open its doors for service on April 15.
“When we open Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health, this will be a facility that residents can trust, a hospital that is modern and financially stable,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said. “Today, I am grateful for all the workers, healthcare partners, and teams who are helping me keep this promise and delivering D.C.’s first new full-service hospital in over 20 years.”
Uplifting Black Mothers and Families Locally
The state of maternal health outcomes in the U.S.has garnered increasing concern with a high and rising maternal mortality rate, and a significant disparity compared to other high-income countries.
Just weeks ahead of Black Maternal Health Week, The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit pushing for safer patient care, released its 2025 Maternity Care Report providing an extensive analysis of distinctive national data from hospitals representing 80% of inpatient beds across the nation.
Various findings from the report reveal that, “In 1 out of every 5 hospitals, Black patients are significantly more likely to have a C-section than white patients, even when treated at the same facility”, as cesarean rates for low-risk, first-time mothers are not improving, remaining at a high rate of 25.3%.
Cesarean delivery (C-section), while often necessary, carries serious risks including infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, pain, and potential complications in future pregnancies, including placenta accreta, according to Mayo Clinic.
The practice of midwifery, a healthcare specialty focused on providing expert care to women throughout their reproductive lifespan, has long served a critical role in the maternal health space, providing a comprehensive range of services found to improve birthing outcomes.
Leapfrog’s report finds that only 60% of hospitals offer access to certified midwives – yet midwife care is linked to fewer unnecessary C-sections.
Although the nation’s capital houses some of the leading hospitals and health care facilities in the country, massive gaps in access to care across the city have left Black women facing significant maternal health disparities, including a maternal mortality rate that is three to four times higher than that of white women.
That’s why in the District, maternal health organizations like Mamatoto Village are continuing to lessen disparities for mothers and children residing east of the Anacostia River, providing accessible tools and perinatal support services for families facing the greatest disparities in the city.
“At Mamatoto Village, we are deeply committed to transforming Black maternal health by improving birth outcomes through a holistic, community-centric model of care. What truly sets us apart is that our team reflects the community we serve,” said Aza Nedhari, (CPM, LGPC) executive director and co-founder of Mamatoto Village.
Leading up to Black Maternal Health Week, Nedhari emphasized the importance of educating families on how to overcome challenges, advocate for themselves, and access care options.
“What truly sets us apart is that our team reflects the community we serve. This lived experience allows us to deliver services in a culturally humble and affirming way, centering the voices, needs, and lived realities of the individuals and families we support,” she told The Informer. “We recognize that sustainable improvements in birth outcomes require collaboration, and we work hand-in-hand with clinical providers and social support teams to offer comprehensive, wraparound care. In tandem with service delivery, Mamatoto Village also advocates for bold, equity-driven policies that dismantle barriers and drive systemic change.”
This year, BMMA underscores the importance of maternal health organizations working in concert to enforce change in the maternal health landscape for Black women.
“Advancing collective action highlights the essential role of collaboration between Black-led organizations, advocates, and communities to lead advocacy efforts, shape policies, and amplify solutions. This week underscores the necessity of unity and the power of community to create a future where Black Mamas, families, and communities thrive,” said BMMA.