Bay Area

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Hosts Education Fair to Improve Black Maternal, Infant Health Outcomes

Published

7 years ago

January 16, 2020

To address the alarming Black infant mortality statistics in Oakland and throughout Alameda County, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, in conjunction with True Vine Ministries, will host a Project Cradle Care workshop on Jan. 18, 2020, at the West Oakland Youth Center, located at 3233 Market St., Oakland.

Project Cradle Care empowers women of child-bearing age with prenatal and postnatal education and care information which allows them to take control of their own health and the health of their babies.

Black women suffer the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality rates in the United States.

According to the Alameda County Public Health Department, between 2013 and 2017, infant mortality among African Americans is 8.7 per 1,000 live births. By comparison, the number for whites is 3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, 4.6 for Hispanic/Latinos, and 1.9 for the Asian population.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority alumnae chapters across the nation simultaneously host Project Cradle Care education fairs in collaboration with local hospitals, managed care organizations, community-based prenatal care providers.

The workshop will offer a wealth of information, resources, and tools for black women of childbearing age in Alameda County to help ensure a safe delivery and a healthy baby and to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by increasing the number of women who better understand proper infant care and child development.

Pediatrician, Dr. Donna Carey of Highland Hospital and Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, author of Focus on Your Own Best Health, will be the guest speakers. The program starts at 11:00am and admission is free.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. Our goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. Our members, affiliates, staff, and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with our vision.