Healthy Baby Network’s 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health Walkathon: Walking for Wellness

Healthy Baby Network, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting expectant parents and families for nearly three decades, is partnering with Monroe County to host the Second Annual Black Maternal Health Walkathon. The event, aimed at fostering wellness and raising awareness about Black maternal health disparities, will take place at Marketplace Mall on Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m.

Participants will engage in a morning of physical activity, educational opportunities, and community support. The event will feature a mini health fair, yoga sessions, and giveaways from 20 local vendors. Organizers expect more than 150 walkers to take part.

Walkathon attendees will learn about the critical challenges affecting Black maternal health. In the Finger Lakes Region, the maternal mortality rate is 60% higher than the New York State average.

More than 84% of maternal deaths are preventable, yet Black women are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications. Healthy Baby Network’s Community-Based Doula program has significantly lower preterm birth rates, NICU admissions, and low birth weight rates compared to county and state averages. Additionally, the program boasts a 98% breast/chestfeeding initiation rate.

The walkathon will take place at Marketplace Mall, located at 1 Miracle Mile Drive (West Entrance), with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event will feature notable speakers, including Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, a representative from Senator Samra Brouk’s office, Josie McClary, Monroe County Chief Community Engagement Officer, Katherine Lyness of Monroe County Health Services, Sherita Bullock, President & CEO of Healthy Baby Network and a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree, and Jasmine Brewer, Doula Program Manager at Healthy Baby Network.

Local organizations will be present, including Eastman Dental, Common Ground Health, Willow, Foodlink, Fidelis, Helio Health, and multiple Monroe County programs such as Health Services, Human Services, Childhood Prevention Program, and Traffic Safety.

Healthy Baby Network is committed to ensuring that all parents in the Rochester community have access to the resources and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and a nurturing home. The organization provides pregnancy-related education, support services, and partnerships to help vulnerable families achieve optimal health for themselves and their babies.

For more information, visit www.healthy-baby.net.