HOUSTON, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Across the country from July 19-25, mental health leaders, government officials, and non-profit organizations are gathering virtually and in-person for the Shades of Blue Project's Black Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week with one common mission: to uplift and empower more black birthing people with the mental health resources they need to thrive. Hosted annually by the non-profit organization The Shades of Blue Project, this year's #BMMHW2021 is dedicated to promoting health equity for more black birthing people across their birth experience so they can reclaim their joy and reinstate their peace of mind.
These conversations couldn't be more important as 2020 was a year of reckoning for birthing people due to the disproportionate mental health impact of COVID-19. It exposed existing racial disparities and inequalities in a system that continues to lack acknowledgement, respect, and support for their everyday lives.
Their year's week-long series of events includes participation from organizations such as the White House Maternal Health Council and ACOG, as well as celebrity allies including actress Cherie Johnson and famed hip-hop DJ & producer Spinderella.
Highlights of the week's festivities include t the Grand Opening of The Shades of Blue Project's Maternal and Mental Health Resource Center in Houston, The State of Black Maternal Mental Health Roundtable, the INSPIRE Community Brunch, and the INSPIRE Postpartum Depression Awareness Walk.
With July being Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the focus on birthing people underscores a population of birthing people who continue to be underdiagnosed, underserved, and misrepresented.
"Black Maternal Mental Health Week was created to help push awareness during Minority Mental Awareness Month and enact action around Black maternal mental health complications affecting Black birthing people during and after childbirth," said Kay Matthews, Executive Director of The Shades of Blue Project. "This year's campaign is issuing a Call-to-Action to commit to incorporating black maternal mental health in all areas of maternal health practices, thus changing the current way maternal mental health goes untreated among black birthing people. The time is now to make shift happen."
For more information on how you can help amplify the movement, head to www.shadesofblueproject.org
#BMMHW2021 #WeDeserveMore #EncouragingBlackJoy #MakeShiftHappenTogether
Contact: [email protected]
Related Images
black-maternal-mental-health-week.png
Black Maternal Mental Health Week
SOURCE Shades of Blue Project
These press releases may also interest you
|