Right From The Start Health Event For Kids, Families Planned For Saturday

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A free “Right from the Start” health event focused on support for Black families and children from preconception through early childhood will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.

In 2021, Black/African American women accounted for 43 percent of all fetal and infant losses in Montgomery County, although they represented approximately 20 percent of all births in the County—an indication of ongoing disparities in birth outcomes, county officials noted. Losses among Black women continue to account for one-third or more of all losses in the county.

The event is scheduled during National Breastfeeding Month and will offer information on breastfeeding and include activities for children, refreshments and random prizes. The keynote speaker will be Lima Redhead, a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist.

“Every baby deserves to be born healthy,” Jacquelyn Williams, co-chair of the African American Health Program’s executive committee, said. “While we as a county have made progress in reducing the health disparities faced by Black mothers, more work remains to be done. Our hope is that this event will raise greater awareness and advocacy within our communities, so that we can continue to positively impact the health of our families.”

Attendees at the event will learn about:

• Healthy habits in the years before pregnancy.
• Racial disparities, healthy pregnancy and how to advocate for oneself, self-advocacy.
• Speaking up for yourself with healthcare professionals and educators.
• Taking care of yourself and your children from infancy through kindergarten/first grade.
• Developmental milestones in early childhood.
• Mental health for the Black Community.

Be sure to register online for the free event.