‘Doing it for M.O.M.’: 2nd annual Black Maternal Health Summit aims to save lives, help families

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Women from across Philadelphia were invited to Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church to attend an event aimed at saving lives and helping families.

The second annual Black Maternal Health Summit Expo and Community Baby Shower was held on Saturday. This year’s theme was “Doing it for MOM”, where “mama” stands for mothering.

At the event, expectant mothers, mothers, parents with children under the age of 2, grandparents, midwives, religious leaders and community members received health-related resources and screenings.

This included space for maternal mental health support and health screenings for HIV, hepatitis and the heart.

There was also entertainment and resources for a new baby.

Officials said the goal is to allocate resources, expand the obstetrician workforce and reduce high maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States, particularly among black mothers.