Community Engagement
Black Maternal Health Week
Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) takes place annually from April 11 to April 17. Originally instituted by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018, BMHW is crucial to advancing Black maternal health in the United States and dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the African American community. Specifically in Florida in 2020, Black mothers were four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications. Our mission is to unite our community across the Tampa Bay area and serve as a catalyst to mobilize in a collective effort towards a brighter future. We aim to honor, celebrate, and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and importance of Black mothers, shedding light on their unique social circumstances and healthcare challenges.
#BMHWofTampaBay was created in collaboration with the Community Hub at USF's College of Public Health to develop a platform to raise awareness and advocate for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the African American community. This initiative strives to promote optimal Black maternal health outcomes in Tampa Bay through an intentional and coordinated campaign to engage the community, local organizations, stakeholders, students, faculty, and staff at the University of South Florida and in the surrounding Tampa Bay area!
In a collaborative effort, BMHW Tampa Bay will host a range of events, including a 5K road race & fun run, community block party/health fair, panel discussions, webinars and more! See the Schedule of Events below for information on how to RSVP.
Schedule of Events - Register Now!
April 11: Girl Talk
Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m.
Kick off #BMHWofTampaBay as we create a safe space to pose questions, identify concerns, and learn about tangible, evidenced-based strategies to help plan for your reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health, both now and in the future.
April 11: Girl Talk
April 12: State of BMH
Friday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Join dynamic speakers Drs. Tricia Penniecook and Roneé Wilson for an engaging discussion highlighting the purpose and importance of Black Maternal Health Week, and a special guest presentation from Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers!
April 12: State of BMH
April 12: Momma Fest
Friday, April 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a community block party, health fair and family fun day with activities for the entire family! This celebration will include wellness booths, health screenings and support services, bounce houses, obstacle courses, music, food trucks and more!
April 12: Momma Fest
April 13: Race for BMH
Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 a.m.
This event provides several opportunities for participation including walk, fun run, or timed 5k that welcomes participants of all skill levels. Additionally, this is a hybrid race with a virtual option taking place anytime during Black Maternal Health Week.
April 13: Race for BMH
April 15: The Road to Resilience
Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for an engaging discussion with a diverse panel of experts as they provide tangible stress mitigation strategies and education on the importance of self-care and mental health as people, students, and professionals.
April 15: The Road to Resilience
April 16: Men in the Movement
Tuesday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Husbands, fathers, partners and young men, this event is for you! Join us for a community conversation centered on engaging partners in their role in the Black Maternal movement and reproductive justice and how we as community can support their involvement.
April 16: Men in the Movement
April 17: It Takes a Village
Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Conclude our Inaugural #BMHWofTampaBay with special guest Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell for an interdisciplinary dialogue to help bridge the gap in Maternal Health and address needs by connecting community with research, policy and advocacy.
April 17: It Takes a Village
Special Guests
Marissa Bell
Marissa is an author, speaker, content creator and mom of two. With over half a million followers she frequently features Black-owned brands in big box stores highlighting the importance of convenience and diversity on the retail shelves. Her mission is to improve the consumer shopping experience, educate the consumer about processes and policies in the retail world, and support brands in their retail journey.
Kayla Bishop
Kayla Bishop is a dedicated force in the realm of maternal wellness known on social media as “your curly homegirl making motherhood relatable”. Living in the Tampa Bay area since 2019, she is a devoted girl mom to 3 year old daughter. Kayla has found success in transparent content creation online and a passion for inspiring Black women and millennial moms. Kayla is a mother member & serves as the co-chair of the community service committee of the Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at the University of South Florida where she stands at the intersection of academia and advocacy.
-
-
Diamond Sponsor - $25,000+
- Full page insert in #BMHWofTampaBay 2024 Program
- Logo on event signage, email blasts, social media posts and website
- Logo on Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts - Back (Prominent)
- Swag added to #BMHWofTampaBay Swag Bags
- 25- Free Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- 25 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts & Medal
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest & Race for Black Maternal Health
- Photo Opportunities with MOMMA Fest Special Guests
Platinum Sponsor - $10,000
- Half page insert in Black Maternal Health Week 2024 Program
- Logo on email blasts, social media posts and website
- Logo on Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts - Back (Small)
- Swag added to #BMHWofTampaBay Swag Bags
- 15 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- 15 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts & Medal
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest & Race for Black Maternal Health
Gold Sponsor - $5,000
- Quarter page insert in Black Maternal Health Week 2024 Program
- Logo on email blasts, social media posts and website
- Swag added to #BMHWofTampaBay Swag Bags
- 10 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- 10 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts & Medal
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest or Race for Black Maternal Health
Silver Sponsor - $2,500
- Small logo in #BMHWofTampaBay 2024 Program
- Company name included on website
- Swag included in added to #BMHWofTampaBay Swag Bags
- 5 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- 5 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts & Medals
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest or Race for Black Maternal Health
Bronze Sponsor - $1,000
- Company name on ‘Thank You’ Page #BMHWofTampaBay 2024 Program
- Company name included on website
- Swag included in #BMHWofTampaBay Swag Bags
- 3 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- 3 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts & Medal
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest or Race for Black Maternal Health
Educational Collaborator - $300
- Company name on ‘Thank You’ Page #BMHWofTampaBay 2024 Program
- 1 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- 1 - Free Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts & Medal
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest or Race for Black Maternal Health
All donations are welcome! If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact us directly at BMHWofTampaBay@gmail.com. Click the buttons below for more information.
Support #BMHWofTampaBay Sponsorship Opportunities Flyer Partner Letter
-
Black Maternal Health Week of Tampa Bay
BMHWofTampaBay@gmail.comMarshara Fross, PhD, MPH, CPH
Postdoctoral Scholar & Research Fellow
frossm@usf.eduRoneé Wilson, PhD, MPH, CPH
Director of the Community Hub
rewilson@usf.edu