TAMPA, Fla. — Various events are lined up to honor, celebrate and recognize the importance of Black mothers and birthing persons as the USF College of Public Health launches their inaugural Black Maternal Health Week of Tampa Bay.

What You Need To Know

  •  University of South Florida's College of Public Health will be starting their Black Maternal Health Week of Tampa Bay 

  • Organizers said the initiative is designed to raise awareness and advocate for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the African American community

  • A range of events will include a 5K road race and fun run, a community block party, a health fair and webinars planned throughout the week

  • Black Maternal Health Week kicks off April 11 - 17

Organizers said the initiative is designed to raise awareness and advocate for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the Black community.

This year’s theme is, “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!”

Black Maternal Health Week was originally created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018 to help advance maternal care for Black mothers throughout the U.S. According to USF College of Public Health, Black mothers were four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications in Florida in 2020.

A range of events will include a 5K road race and fun run, a community block party, a health fair and webinars planned throughout the week.

Black Maternal Health Week kicks off April 11 - 17. View a list of the events: