Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Maternal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New Blue Rose Foundation seeks council support for programs addressing Black maternal and infant health
Summary
Founders of the Blue Rose Foundation described plans to provide peer support, education, referrals and limited financial assistance to Black women and families navigating infertility and maternal health, and sought council recognition and connections to city programs.
The founders of the Blue Rose Foundation asked the Birmingham City Council on Feb. 4 to support and recognize a new nonprofit focused on Black maternal health and infant outcomes.
Regina Weathersby and Erica Simpson described the group's plans to offer education, peer navigators, a monthly podcast and newsletter, doula and counseling referrals, infant CPR classes and a small financial endowment to help with unexpected costs related to infertility, IVF or adoption. They cited Alabama's elevated infant and maternal mortality statistics and said the foundation will focus outreach in Birmingham neighborhoods where infant- and maternal-health disparities are most acute.
Councilors and city staff responded with referrals and noted an existing city program, BOLD (Building Opportunities for Lasting Development), within the Innovation and Economic Opportunity Department that has supported similar community organizations. Staff suggested a connection to Birthwell Partners (doulas) and said the city's BOLD program and other local nonprofit partners could offer suggestions or potential technical assistance.
Founders asked the council to consider financial and community support. Council members thanked them for the presentation and noted the importance of local peer-support and navigation for families facing pregnancy-related complications and infant mortality disparities.
