This will be the organization’s fifth annual Black Maternal Mental Health Week, an event designed to address and raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges Black women face.
“Mental health conditions accounted for 21% of all pregnancy-related deaths, and 12% were attributed to discrimination,” Matthews said in a news release. “We can’t continue to have conversations around Black maternal health and not have conversations about mental health.”
In Texas, severe morbidity rates for Black women are disproportionately higher than other racial groups, according to a December report from the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review and Department of State Health Services.
July 19: INSPIRE Method Training
This culturally sensitive training educates health care professionals, such as doulas, midwives and clinicians, on how to better support Black mothers and their babies. A certification is issued through the Commonsense Childbirth Institute. Lunch and snacks are provided.
- Register by July 10
- $225
- https://shadesofblueproject.dryfta.com
Hosted in conjunction with the UT Health School of Public Health, this two-day summit features guest speakers Khaliah O. Guillory, CEO of The NapBar; Mohamed Kamara, CEO and founder of INOVCARES; and Monica Simpson, executive director of Sister Song. All meals and snacks are provided, and admission includes a mix-and-mingle event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 20.
- Register by July 10
- 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (July 20), 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. (July 21)
- $175-$325
- Houston Marriott North, 255 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Houston
- https://shadesofblueproject.dryfta.com
A 3K walk event raises awareness for Black maternal mental health. All participants will receive a medal at the end of the walk, and free food, games and prizes will follow in the park.
- Register by July 21
- $25 (in-person or virtual participation)
- 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Lents Family Park, 540 Cypress Station Drive, Houston
- https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Houston/INSPIREWALKFORBMMHWEEK
Admission includes a brunch buffet and swag boxes.
- Register by July 21
- 2-5 p.m.
- $75 (individual), $425 (table of eight)
- Houston Marriott North, 255 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Houston
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inspire-community-gospel-brunch-tickets-631043286457
A virtual roundtable discussion will cover the state of Black maternal mental health. Registration is free but required.July 25: Movie night and facility tour
Shades of Blue Project hosts a facility tour and screening of the movie “For Colored Girls.”
- 5-9 p.m.
- Free, open to the public
- Shades of Blue Project, 3303 FM 1960 W., Ste. 130, Houston
- www.shadesofblueproject.org/black-maternal-mh-week
