KCHD recognizes Black Maternal Health Week

Knoxville, Tenn. – The Knox County Health Department is celebrating Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17, in partnership with the Knox Birth Equity Alliance (KBEA). This week centers around bringing attention and action to improve Black maternal health outcomes.

Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women and Black babies have an infant mortality rate more than four times that of white babies in Knox County. Most of these deaths are preventable. This highlights the importance of coming together as a community to reduce these disparities.

“Families are affected by these tragedies in Knox County every day,” said KCHD Health Planner Chelsea Gouty. “These events are a platform for elevating, celebrating, and uplifting the voices of Black moms.”

The week kicks off with a Family Park Meetup on April 11. Other local events include the second annual Black Maternal Health Conference, a Taste and Paint event and a community baby shower.

For a list of all the events and information on how to get involved, visit KCHD’s website.

About Knox County Health Department

The first health department in Tennessee to achieve national voluntary accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is dedicated to ensuring the conditions in which every resident can be healthy. For more information, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.