Board hears first readings for Black Maternal Health Week proclamation and for support of MEC BEAD application

The board heard two first readings March 4: a proclamation recognizing April 11–17 as Black Maternal Health Week in Kalamazoo County, and a resolution supporting Midwest Energy and Communications’ (MEC) application for state BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funds to expand fiber service.

The nut graf: Both items were presented as first readings only; commissioners agreed to consider final votes at future meetings after formal publication and the normal second‑reading process.

Commissioner Tammy Ray read a proclamation that notes national disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates and urges community action to address systemic factors affecting Black birthing people. The proclamation acknowledges work by local providers and community organizations and calls for expanded access to culturally competent maternal health care and policy reforms to improve outcomes.

Commissioner De Lue read a resolution expressing Kalamazoo County’s support for MEC’s application to Michigan’s BEAD allocation. The resolution described MEC as a cooperative expanding fiber service to additional addresses and asked the county to provide a letter of support for MEC’s BEAD planning and deployment application. Commissioners noted that support letters are routine and do not preclude the county from supporting other qualified applicants in geographic areas that would benefit.

Both items were scheduled for future board action under the normal second‑reading and publication requirements.