PBMHC commemorates Black Maternal Health Week with resolution, events

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus    April 8, 2024 | 9:31 AM

HARRISBURG, April 8 – Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chairs state Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, introduced a resolution and will host a series of events in Harrisburg to commemorate Black Maternal Health Week.

Each year, BMHW raises national awareness to Black maternal morbidity and mortality rates, health conditions affecting Black mothers, and improving maternal health outcomes.

Cephas, Curry, and Mayes said, “In Pennsylvania, Black women have the highest rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, and these rates continue to increase. As co-chairs of PBMHC, we must address this public health crisis now before we lose more lives of women and birthing individuals on the pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum journey. This crisis is impacting families and communities across Pennsylvania at an alarming rate. The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus will introduce a resolution to commemorate Black Maternal Health Week in Pennsylvania, as well as host a series of events in the Capitol to advocate for passing the MOMNIBUS, a legislative package of eight bills that invests in maternal health care and in the health of Black mamas.”

The resolution would recognize Thursday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 17 as Black Maternal Health Week. The House Human Services Committee unanimously reported the resolution of out committee.

The events include:

  • Special film presentation and reception at 6 p.m. Monday, April 15 in the Main Capitol Rotunda.
  • Breakfast briefing at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 in 60 East Wing in the state Capitol Complex.
  • News conference on Black Maternal Health Week at noon Tuesday, April 16 in the Main Capitol Rotunda.
  • Luncheon at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at the Keystone Building’s Public Utility Commission Hearing Room.
  • MOMNIBUS fireside chat at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 in the Capitol Media Center.
  • Brunch & Learn at noon Wednesday, April 17 via Microsoft Teams and in Room B-31, Main Capitol.

Register for the events here. Additional events hosted in the caucus co-chairs’ and caucus members’ legislative districts are listed here.

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