As we recognize Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), held annually by Black Mamas Alliance from April 11–17, the National WIC Association (NWA) reaffirms its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and families nationwide! This year’s theme for BMHW is Rooted in Justice & Joy. This theme reflects the strength and resilience of Black-led perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health organizations and the collective effort required to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure that all families receive the care and support they need.
At NWA, this work is not limited to just one week. Supporting Black maternal health is embedded in our mission to strengthen WIC, improve health equity, and support the staff and agencies who serve millions of families every day.
Supporting Families Through Everyday Care
Across the country, WIC staff support mothers, including Black moms, through consistent, trusted support, care, and service delivery.
This support includes:
These services reflect core WIC benefits as outlined by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (WIC Benefits).
Together, these everyday interactions are how WIC supports moms. This includes helping moms access care, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support, as well as providing support while navigating pregnancy, the post-partum period, and early childhood, an effort further strengthened by NWA’s work.
Advancing Black Maternal Health Through NWA’s Work
NWA’s commitment to Black maternal health is reflected in our ongoing efforts to strengthen WIC and support the workforce behind it. Through our Center for Innovative Practices in WIC (CIP-WIC) team, NWA advances work that focuses on advancing equity, improving service delivery, and elevating participant experience, particularly for communities that have historically faced barriers to care and services. This work includes:
At the same time, NWA continues to invest in WIC staff through training, professional development, and resources that support a more diverse workforce equipped to serve every family with dignity and respect. As this work shows, supporting Black maternal health means looking beyond traditional services to support the full well-being of these families. As Stacy Davis, Director of CIP-WIC, who leads this work, states:
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Ways to Support Black Maternal Health This Week & Beyond
The following resources and opportunities provide ways to stay engaged and support Black maternal health beyond this week:
NWA Resources:
External Resources:
WIC Hub Resources:
Black Maternal Health Week is an important moment to recognize progress, but this work continues every day. At NWA, we remain committed to strengthening WIC, supporting staff, and improving outcomes for families nationwide year-round!