Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), held annually from April 11–17, is a campaign founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) to raise awareness, activism, and community-driven solutions for the U.S. Black maternal mortality crisis.
The week focuses on dismantling systemic disparities—where Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes—and promoting reproductive justice, midwifery, and doula care.
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Significance: Black women in the U.S. face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related deaths, with over 80% being preventable, often due to inequitable healthcare quality and social determinants.
- The week is intentionally held during National Minority Health Month and begins on April 11th annually to join dozens of global organizations in marking this day as International Day for Maternal Health and Rights – an opportunity to advocate for the elimination of maternal mortality, globally.
- The activities and conversations hosted throughout the week intentionally center the values and practices of the birth and reproductive justice movements The week features workshops, panels, and community events focusing on health equity, birth justice, and celebrating Black families.
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For a full list of 2026 events and initiatives, you can visit the official Black Maternal Health Week site or follow the Black Mamas Matter Alliance for updates.
2026 Black Maternal Health Week theme: "Rooted in Justice & Joy"
The 2026 Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW26) theme, “Rooted in Justice & Joy.” Join BMMA in celebration as we mark 2026 as our 10-year anniversary. We honor the power of our collective movement, nurturing thriving families and shaping a liberated future rooted in justice, healing, and joy.
This milestone theme reflects the strength and resilience of Black-led perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health organizations that have cultivated change and healing across communities. It acknowledges the enduring legacies of systemic oppression, reproductive injustices, and health inequities that continue to impact Black Mamas and birthing people, while calling for a liberated future rooted in restoration, justice, and joy.
#BMHW26 celebrates the leadership and expertise of Black community-based organizations as the foundation for advancing equity and ensuring transformative, sustainable improvements in Black Maternal Health. Advancing collective action highlights the essential role of collaboration between Black-led organizations, advocates, and communities to lead advocacy efforts, shape policies, and amplify solutions.
2026 National Minority Health Month theme: "Be the Source for Better Health"
National Minority Health Month in April 2026 focuses on "Be the Source for Better Health," with a theme highlighting how cultures, communities, and connections impact health outcomes. The month emphasizes advancing health equity, addressing social drivers of health (SDOH) like food access and transportation, and reducing chronic disease disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations.
The observance, championed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to reduce disparities and promote healthier, more equitable outcomes.
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Theme: The overarching theme, “Be the Source for Better Health,” encourages, as stated on the Office of Minority Health (OMH) National Observances page, strengthening community connections.
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Focus on SDOH: Programs focus on non-medical factors such as housing, economic stability, and transportation that impact health.
- Actionable steps: Key actions include conducting SDOH screenings, promoting culturally competent care, and connecting patients to community resources, according to guidance on the UHC provider portal.
- Events: Throughout April, health fairs and screenings are held nationwide to raise awareness, notes the National Center for Health Equity.
