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Kitsap Public Health District logo: a stick figure person that represents the "K" in Kitsap in a dark green-blue color.
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Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Black Maternal Health Week: Improving maternal health outcomes for Black moms

  • katiebaker9
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read
Black Infant Thrive wellness event - October 2024
Black Infant Thrive wellness event - October 2024

Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is a time to uplift the voices, experiences, and leadership of Black mothers and birthing people. By addressing systemic inequalities and investing in community driven solutions, we can build a future where Black mothers and their families thrive – creating a stronger and healthier Kitsap County community. 

 

In the U.S., Black women are experiencing higher maternal mortality rates than White women. Black women are also affected by higher rates of: 


 

 

Kitsap Public Health is committed to collaborating with our community to ensure that all people in Kitsap County have a fair and just opportunity to live safe and healthy lives. 

 

In 2023, we established the Black Infant Thrive program, dedicated to supporting Black mothers and birthing families. Our work focuses on reducing the impacts of racism and promoting healthy child development by:  


  • Hosting gatherings for Black moms and families 

  • Sharing information about parent and child health with Black families 

  • Collaborating with local organizations 

  • Connecting Black families to quality and culturally competent prenatal and postnatal care 

 

 

While we work to increase access to quality maternal healthcare, we are also working to reduce inequities for all people in Kitsap County. 

 

In 2021, the Kitsap Public Health Board adopted Resolution 2021-01, which declared racism a public health crisis and committed the Health District to taking meaningful action to address health inequities and racist systems. 

 

In 2022, we created the Health Equity Collaborative to bring together public health professionals, healthcare partners, and community leaders to promote systemic change in our county. 

 

If you have questions, suggestions, or want to partner with us, please email BIT@kitsappublichealth.org  

 

 

Resources 

 

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