Wake County will observe Juneteenth on June 19, closing its offices for the day. This announcement comes ahead of the Black Maternal & Infant Health Conference scheduled for August 14 in Raleigh. The event is organized by The Black Pearls Society, Wake County Government, and Wake Area Health Education Center.
The conference aims to address the high infant mortality rate among African Americans in the United States. It will take place at the McKimmon Conference & Training Center at NC State from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson emphasized the importance of systemic change, stating, “The number of infant and adult lives lost is a clear calling for an urgent response.” She added that resilience should not be demanded from Black mothers without addressing underlying causes.
This year’s theme, “Healing the Water: Transforming Systems for Black Maternal & Infant Health,” focuses on improving systems rather than placing responsibility on individuals. Participants will discuss strategies to enhance care environments for Black birthing people.
Dr. Stephanie Baker, co-chair of the conference and Associate Professor of Public Health at Elon University, noted, “We are doing a better job as a society to talk the talk of understanding the impact of systems and structures.” She hopes attendees will focus on systemic solutions rather than individual issues.
The registration fee is $50, covering sessions, meals, materials, and parking. Continuing education credits are available through Wake AHEC.
Now in its third year, the conference originated from an initiative by the Black Pearls Society to highlight racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Previous events were held in Guilford and Durham Counties.
Sponsorship opportunities are open for organizations interested in supporting this cause. Sponsors will be acknowledged during the event and in conference materials.
For more information or to register, visit wake.gov/BMIH.
