AAHP proudly participated in Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) from April 11-17 and the Montgomery County Council's proclamation on Tuesday, April 11. The annual campaign, founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, aims to raise awareness, activism, and community-building around Black maternal health. This year's theme, "Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy," highlights the importance of Black women taking control of their bodies and healthcare decisions. 

On August 11, during BMHW, Councilmember Laurie-Ann Sayles presented the BMHW proclamation with AAHP’s SMILE nurse case manager Christin Statkiewicz in attendance. AAHP greatly appreciates the Council and the County for understanding the importance of Black maternal health and recognizes that this proclamation is only one part of the progress that needs to be made in improving Black maternal health in Montgomery County.

AAHP's S.M.I.L.E. (Start More Infants Living Equally healthy) Program empowers and equips Black mothers with essential tools and unwavering support to promote Black maternal health. Given the alarming statistics that Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die in childbirth, and Black babies are more than twice as likely to die compared to White babies, the S.M.I.L.E. Program plays a vital role in ending health disparities in Montgomery County. AAHP will continue diligently working towards improving the health and well-being of Black mothers and babies in Montgomery County.

View a brief clip highlighting Black Maternal Health Week in Montgomery County. The video showcases Christin Statkiewicz, nurse case manager at the African American Health Program, and includes footage from the Montgomery County Council's 2023 BMHW Proclamation.