For expectant mothers, having a baby can be a wonderful experience. Yet, for many in Los Angeles, pregnancy comes with serious worries.
To address these concerns, a nonprofit called Project Pit is hosting its first Maternal Health Summit this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. This free event will focus on the maternal health challenges, especially affecting Black and brown communities.
“Many Black women feel scared when giving birth,” said creative director Maryam Dorsey. “We bring life into this world but are often at risk ourselves.”
The statistics tell a painful story. Black and Indigenous women face the highest rates of maternal mortality. Shockingly, 80% of these deaths could be prevented with better care and education, according to Project Pit.
The summit aims to empower women to speak up for their health. Attendees can look forward to various activities, including panel discussions and a kids’ zone, all designed to promote well-being.
A community baby shower will also take place, in partnership with It’s Bigger Than Us LA. This event will provide free diapers, baby formula, wipes, and breast pumps while supplies last. Dorsey, a mother of three who has faced multiple miscarriages, emphasized how vital such resources are. She noted, “Many women struggle with finances or insurance. Offering these services for free is invaluable.”
The summit will also recognize two celebrity advocates, Halle Bailey and Faith Evans. Evans runs a nonprofit called Ryders Room, which helps families with children who have disabilities.
With the growing need for better maternal health resources highlighted by the recent U.S. Maternal Mortality Report, events like this could make a real difference. By raising awareness and providing support, Project Pit aims to forge a path toward healthier pregnancies for all women.
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza is located at 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Los Angeles.
For more information on maternal health statistics and research, you can check this recent report from Health Affairs.
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Project Pit, Maternal Health Summit, Halle Bailey, Faith Evans, free diapers, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw Plaza, 17527689
