A Call to Action Beyond April:

Reflecting on Black Maternal Health Week

Black Maternal Health Week, observed April 11–17, is more than a moment at Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership. It is a reminder of why we do this work every single day.

NMPP remains committed to improving maternal health outcomes, uplifting the voices of women in our communities, and advancing care that is respectful, high-quality, and culturally responsive. Yet Black women continue to face disproportionate maternal health inequities rooted in systemic racism, chronic underinvestment, and longstanding gaps in policy and care.

Too often, Black women’s symptoms are not taken seriously. Too often, they are dismissed or unheard by the very systems meant to care for them. When patients are not believed, care is delayed, and outcomes suffer.

Black women deserve to be seen, heard, believed, and supported at every stage of their maternal health journey.

NMPP reaffirms our commitment to working alongside partners, providers, policymakers, and community leaders to center community voices, advocate for change, and support care that truly meets the needs of Black women and families.

Give Back

A Call to Action

Black maternal health cannot be addressed in a single week. It requires daily action, sustained investment, and accountability.

We call on health care providers, stakeholders, policymakers, and community leaders to move beyond recognition and into action. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that Black women receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve — not only during Black Maternal Health Week, but every day.

Collective Self-Care

Persistent toxic stress, trauma, and systemic violence continue to take a toll on our bodies, minds, families, and communities.

NMPP encourages women — particularly Black women — to prioritize self-care, practice self-love, and give themselves permission to pause. Rest is not a luxury. It is essential.

It is okay to power down, step back, and protect your peace.

Caring for yourself is a powerful act. It supports healing, restores energy, and strengthens your ability to show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

Resources for Community Residents

Healthy Eating

The basics of healthy eating are similar for everyone: choose nutritious foods most of the time and limit highly processed options when possible. Women also have unique nutritional needs that may change across different stages of life, including pregnancy, postpartum, and caregiving.

Balancing healthy eating with daily responsibilities can be challenging, but even small improvements matter.

Physical Activity

Being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to improve and maintain your health. Regular movement supports heart health, reduces stress, boosts mood, and increases overall energy.

Start where you are. Whether it is a short walk, stretching, dancing, or gentle movement throughout the day, every step counts.

Learn more:

Healthy Eating and Women

Resources for Providers

Providers and health care partners can help advance Black maternal health by committing to practices that center dignity, trust, and accountability.

Consider these action steps:

Commit to ongoing training in implicit bias and culturally responsive care
Center patient voices by listening, trusting, and acting on what Black women share
Build partnerships with community-based organizations, doulas, and trusted advocates
Strengthen data collection and accountability to address disparities
Advocate for policies that expand access, improve quality, and protect maternal health

Click links below to learn more:

Home Visiting Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Families

Project TEACH Maternal Mental Health Training

Upcoming Events & Programs

NMPP invites families and community members to stay connected through our upcoming workshops, wellness programs, and community events this spring.

Ask the Pediatrician Series

Continuing through June 2026

This series provides families with trusted health information and practical guidance from medical professionals.

Upcoming Session: Thursday, April 30: Potty Training

Mommy and Me Wellness

Every Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

A supportive space for mothers to connect with one another, receive peer support, and access individual counseling sessions.

Childbirth Education + One-on-One Consultation with Our Maternal Nurse

Every Thursday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Pregnant individuals and families can receive childbirth education and personalized support from our maternal nurse.

Free ESL and Computer Classes

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Free classes are available to support English language learning and computer skills.

Weekly Nutrition Classes

April 14 – June 2

Join us for weekly nutrition classes focused on supporting healthy habits for individuals and families.

Six-Month Mentorship Program, Cohort 3

March – August 2026

NMPP’s six-month mentorship program is underway. This cohort will match a total of 32 pregnant women with doulas for support throughout their maternal health journey.