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Montgomery County to Host Fifth Annual ‘Right from the Start’ Free Event to Support Black Maternal and Child Health on Saturday, April 12 in Silver Spring

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Babies Born Healthy program (BBH), along with the African American Health Program (AAHP), DHHS’ Early Childhood Services (ECS) and the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program, will host a free community event to provide health support to Black children and families, from preconception through early childhood. The Fifth Annual “Right from the Start” event will take place from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Holy Cross Hospital, located at 1500 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring. 

Right From The Start Graphic

This year’s event coincides with Black Maternal Health Week from April 11-17 and National Public Health Week from April 7-13, highlighting the critical importance of raising awareness, advocating for change and supporting Black birthing individuals. In 2022, Black/African American births accounted for 35% of fetal and infant losses despite representing approximately 21% of all births in Montgomery County. 

“Infants born to mothers without proper care face higher risks, including low birth weight and infant mortality,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Ensuring proper care during pregnancy is essential for both mother and child’s health. Our prenatal programs aim to reduce disparities, improve outcomes and give every child a healthy start. Prenatal care is crucial for all families, and I encourage our residents to attend the ‘Right from the Start’ event.”

The event will feature expert speakers, including Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis, who will give the welcome. In addition, this year’s “Right from the Start” event introduces the Community Impact Awards, which honor outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to improving public health, Black maternal health, education and social justice.

The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit the “Right from the Start” Eventbrite website. Free on-site child care will be provided.

Topics covered at the event will include: 

  • Preconception and prenatal health
  • Breastfeeding
  • Community support for families
  • Doula support
  • Developmental milestones
  • Mental health

“Every baby deserves to be born healthy,” said Dr. Davis. “While our community has made progress in reducing 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.” 

Guest speakers include: 

  • Kisha Davis, Montgomery County Health Officer (Welcome) 
  • Nina Ashford, Chief of Public Health Services, Montgomery County DHHS 
  • Laurie Anne Sayles, Montgomery County Councilmember (Keynote Speaker) 
  • Vanessa Da Costa, MPH, Chilombo Consulting
  • Tiffaney Mills, LCSW-C, Psychotherapist/Clinical Social Worker, Milestone Mental Health Services
  • Jayshree Surage and Salena Jacob, Groundroots Healing
  • Dionne McDonald and Aya Iwai-Folk, Mamatoto Village
  • Christin Statkiewicz, AAHP, Start More Infants Living Equally healthy program (S.M.I.L.E.)

The event also will feature fun activities for kids, prizes, giveaways and complimentary refreshments.  

The BBH program works to reduce disparities and decrease infant mortality rates among babies born to Black/African American women by providing care coordination services that connect at-risk pregnant women with necessary resources and help them stay healthy through their pregnancies. For more information, visit the BBH website.

The AAHP, one of DHHS’ three minority health programs, focuses on eliminating disparities and improving the quality of life for Black/African Americans and people of African descent. For more information, visit the AAHP website. 

ECS provides essential services to support a strong and successful child care delivery system through coaching, consultation, professional development and individualized support. For more information, visit the ECS website. 

The Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program works to increase healthy pregnancy outcomes and address related racial disparities by improving health care systems and community resources. For more information, visit the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program website.

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Release ID: 25-131
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Consumer, Education, Health