For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Free Community Event Will Support Black Maternal and Child Health with Resources, Expert Panels, and Family Activities
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Babies Born Healthy (BBH) program, Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Programs, and Peridom Insights will host a free community event to support Black parents and families from preconception through early childhood. The sixth annual “Right from the Start” event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at Holy Cross Hospital, located at 1500 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring.
This event coincides with Black Maternal Health Week (April 11 to 17) and National Public Health Week (April 6 to 12), which highlight the need to raise awareness, advocate for change, and improve outcomes for Black birthing individuals and families.
In 2022, Black or African American births accounted for 35% of fetal and infant losses in Montgomery County, despite representing approximately 21% of all births across the County.
“We are committed to ensuring every family in Montgomery County has access to the prenatal care they need to thrive,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The health disparities facing Black mothers and infants are unacceptable and represent a life-or-death issue for our community. By providing dedicated resources and support right from the start, we can improve birth outcomes and ensure that a person’s race or ZIP code does not determine their health or the health of their child.”
Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis will open the event with a community walk and conversation. Opening remarks will be provided by Councilmembers Kristin Mink and Laurie-Anne Sayles, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Montgomery County Chief of Public Health Dr. Nina Ashford will moderate a panel discussion featuring pregnant and postpartum moms sharing their real-life pregnancy and birth experiences, the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between. Together, they will highlight the importance of self-advocacy, speaking up, and being heard throughout the maternal health journey.
The discussion will highlight both positive birth experiences and the challenges families face, creating space for learning, reflection, and community dialogue.
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Featured speakers include:
- Dr. Nina Ashford, chief of Public Health Services, DHHS
- Kelli Dominique Hudson, principal, Peridom Insights
- Tiffaney Mills, LCSW-C, psychotherapist and clinical social worker
- Councilmember Kristin Mink
- Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles
- Eugene Schneeberg, founder and president, Fathers Forward
- Jayshree Surage and Salena Jacob, yoga therapists, Groundroots Healing
The event will also include more than 20 community organizations and County programs offering resources on breastfeeding, doula support, mental health, and fatherhood involvement.
“Every baby deserves to be born healthy,” said Dr. Davis. “While progress has been made in reducing health disparities affecting Black mothers, more work remains. We hope this event will increase awareness and strengthen community advocacy to improve outcomes for families.”
The event will feature children’s activities, prizes, and complimentary refreshments. Free child care will be available for children ages 2 to 10. Registration is required and available on the “Right from the Start” Eventbrite page.
Read the original article at mcgov