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A Resolution recognizing April 11 through April 17, 2022, as Black Maternal Health Week.
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WHEREAS, the month of April is recognized in the United States as National Minority Health Month, a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week campaign, which is celebrated from April 11 to April 17 each year and was officially recognized by President Biden on April 13, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Black Maternal Health Week was founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance; and
WHEREAS, Black Maternal Health Week is a week of awareness, activism, and community building to deepen the conversation about Black maternal health in the United States, amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solution, center the voices of Black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders, provide a national platform of Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice, and enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 700 women die each year in the U.S. as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, Black women were most disproportionately affected with a mortality rate of 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 19.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, and 18.2 deaths per 100,000 live births for White and Hispanic women, respectively; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. has an infant mortality rate of 5.6 per 1000 live births in 2019, with a health disparity among Black babies at a rate of 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Black women are 3 to 5 times more likely to have a maternal death than White women in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Black mothers are more likely to suffer from PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) like postpartum depression, in silence, and without clinical help; and
WHEREAS, the theme for 2022 is “Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Black Families, and Black System of Care”; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize April 11 through April 17, 2022, as Black Maternal Health Week and commit to fighting for healthcare equity for Black women and mothers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing April 11 through April 17, 2022, as Black Maternal Health Week.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.