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Kalamazoo County proclaims April 11–17 Black Maternal Health Week after YWCA presentations
Summary
Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring April 11–17 Black Maternal Health Week following presentations from YWCA Kalamazoo speakers urging county partnerships to address racial inequities in maternal health.
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted on March 18 to proclaim April 11–17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the county after hearing remarks from YWCA Kalamazoo staff who urged action on racial disparities in maternal outcomes.
"This proclamation makes a crucial milestone in our collective efforts to address the health disparities facing black women in Kalamazoo County," DJ Perry, public policy manager for maternal and child health at YWCA Kalamazoo, told commissioners during public comment. Perry urged county support for partnerships and sustained, measurable policy change.
Adrienne Zayah, director of public policy and advocacy for YWCA Kalamazoo, emphasized that Black Maternal Health Week is a time for awareness and to center reproductive and birth‑justice frameworks. "Black mothers have always played a critical role ... As the gaps in maternal and birth outcomes widen ... it's ever more important to bring visibility to black led maternal health initiatives," Zayah said.
YWCA speakers described local programs — including home visitation, Cradle Kalamazoo collaborative participation and reproductive‑health services — and asked the county to continue partnering with community groups to expand access and support systems for Black mothers and birthing people.
The board accepted the proclamation by voice vote. Commissioners thanked the presenters and recognized the proclamation as an official county acknowledgment of the issue.
Ending: The proclamation was adopted; YWCA and county staff said they will continue coordination on awareness and support activities tied to Black Maternal Health Week and ongoing maternal‑health initiatives.
