In Montgomery County, fetal and infant losses occur at a higher rate in the Black community. In 2022, Black births accounted for 35 percent of fetal and infant losses, but only represented approximately 21 percent of all births, according the the County Health Department.
The “Right from the Start’ event hopes to reduce this health disparity by focusing on prenatal and infant health care. Presentations and information on numerous topics—preconception and prenatal health, breastfeeding, community support for families, Doula support, developmental milestones, and mental health—are planned for the event.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Register online here or call 240.777.3118 for more information or for help to register. The “Right from the Start” event takes place on Sunday, Aug. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. at the White Oak Community Center, located at located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.
Dr. Kisha Davis, the County health officer said in a statement about the event, ““Every baby deserves to be born healthy. While our community has made progress in reducing health disparities faced by Black mothers, more work remains to be done. Our hope is that this event will raise greater awareness and advocacy within our communities, so that we can continue to positively impact the health of our families.”
Dr. Davis is scheduled to present opening remarks, followed by several guest speakers. In addition to Dr. Davis, speakers include:
- Laurena White, The Eudaimonia Center
- Layo George, Wolomi
- Michelle Roberts-Borden, Adventist White Oak Medical Center
- Tiffany Mills, Milestone Mental Health Services
- Whitney Dula, Babies Born Healthy program
- Azeb Ataro Adere, Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community of Montgomery County
There will be activities for kids, prizes and giveaways, and free refreshments.
