Every Baby Guilford invites the Guilford County community to attend Black Maternal Health Week 2026: Walk & Family Day, an interactive health fair promoting access to maternal health resources, education and support. This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Center City Park in Greensboro.
Held annually from April 11 to 17, Black Maternal Health Week amplifies the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of mothers most impacted by infant and maternal health disparities in Guilford County. This second annual Black Maternal Health Week: Walk & Family Day will feature a wide variety of activities led by health professionals, community leaders and maternal health advocates. The event is hosted in collaboration with TCC Community Health Foundation, N.C. A&T Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program, The Peculiar Dad Network, Family Support Network of Central Carolina and Advance Carolina.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the unique maternal health challenges faced by mothers most impacted in our community, engage in conversations about maternal health and discover perinatal health resources and support services available in Guilford County for all families. Key highlights of the event include a two-mile walk, alternative body movements such as Chair One Fitness, an Introduction to Dancing for Birth class, a special photo opportunity, storytelling recordings, a youth zone, a live DJ and raffles.
The Guilford County community is invited to register to attend and get involved in the effort by:
- Showing up in numbers to join the walk. T-shirts will be available for the first 300 individuals who register, though registration is not required for the event.
- Sharing the event with others.
- Volunteering for the event.
“Our Black Maternal Health Week: Walk & Family Day is more than just an event," said Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. "It is a commitment to the well-being of mothers, babies and families across our community. By coming together, we raise awareness, promote healthier lifestyles and ensure that every mother has access to the care and support she deserves. We invite families, partners and neighbors to join us in strengthening connections and advancing maternal health in Guilford County.”
Every Baby Guilford, a collective action movement launched in 2021, has been at the forefront of initiatives to address infant mortality in the region. Statistics reveal that Guilford County's infant mortality rate stands at 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, consistently exceeding state and national averages. Infant mortality is highly pronounced within the Black community, where Black infants make up 70% of Guilford County’s infant mortality. Of the 53 infant deaths in 2023, 37 were Black, six Hispanic, six Asian or Native American and four White.
“This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the voices and lived experiences of local families and individuals while building a stronger, more connected community,” said Jean Workman-Elms, Program Manager, Guilford County Division of Public Health. “Participants will engage with valuable resources and educational tools that emphasize the critical importance of maternal health.”
The event is sponsored by The Cemala Foundation and The Basics Guilford with continued support from partners SisterSong, UnitedHealthcare Community & State and Cone Health Foundation.
Register online to attend the Black Maternal Health Week 2026: Walk & Family Day event.