SSM Health DePaul Hospital is partnering with BKM 4 Life Foundation for Fitness and Health to present a pair of events to bring attention to the alarming mortality rates of Black mothers and the subsequent complications Black mothers face during pregnancy.
The Family Birthplace 5k Run/Walk is at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 12, and the Community Baby Shower will follow on that Saturday at 10 am.
Both events will be held at SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis, 12303 De Paul Drive, Bridgeton, Missouri, 63044
The Community Baby Shower is for expecting mothers seeking education on their birthing journey and will provide resources for them from partnering local organizations.
Black women have higher rates of preeclampsia, diabetes, and other pregnancy-related illnesses, and Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It’s important for us to raise awareness of Black maternal health and be an active partner in the solution, especially [for] mothers who feel unheard by the healthcare community,” said Dr. Jade James Halbert, department chair of obstetrics and gynecology at SSM Health DePaul Hospital.
Briant K. Mitchell, BKM 4 Life founder and executive director, said, “the Black maternal health crisis is not just a women’s issue.”
“As husbands, fathers, and brothers, maternal morbidity impacts us as well.”
Registration for both events is required. Please visit BKM 4 Life Black Maternal Health 5K; Black Maternal Health Week Community Baby Shower