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Detroit Medical Center, Aetna Better Health of Michigan, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and more uplift for Black Maternal Health Week
Events focus on improving health outcomes for Black moms and babies
The Detroit Medical Center is once again joining with community partners to uplift Black moms and babies in honor of Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17.
The DMC’s and community partners’ events during Black Maternal Health Week are meant to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by Black moms in healthcare and to foster meaningful dialogue around solutions to improve health outcomes.
“While dedicated to providing the highest levels of care for our community year-round, the DMC spends this week bringing additional awareness to the challenges Black moms and babies face and addressing those issues,” DMC Group CEO Brittany Lavis said. “The DMC and our partners are united in our efforts to support Black moms and their families, now and year-round.”
DMC is partnering on the Black Maternal Health Week efforts with Aetna Better Health of Michigan, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Rho Omega Chapter in Detroit, and Royal Oak Ford – all organizations determined to support Black mothers and babies.
“Aetna Better Health of Michigan is determined to see Black mothers, their babies and families thrive,” said Teressa Smith, President and CEO of Aetna Better Health of Michigan, a Medicaid managed care organization serving more than 47,000 beneficiaries, focusing on health outcomes improvement, reducing social determinants of health impacts and community investment. “We do that by working together as a community, uplifting, and educating, providing support, and showing we care about those who we serve. We are excited to be involved in these efforts with DMC as a part of our ongoing collaboration and commitment to improve maternal health outcomes.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., kicked off the 2026 Black Maternal Health Week efforts with a Babies Supply Drive, part of the sorority’s 2026 initiative ‘Uplift our Local Community, at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital on Sunday, March 29. The AKAs collaborated with the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and fellow ‘Divine Nine’ organizations, a collection of historic Black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities formed to foster brotherhood, sisterhood, academic excellence and community service.
“Supporting mothers and babies strengthens entire communities, which is central to our mission,” said Chapter President Remonia Chapman. “We are thrilled by the success of the Baby Supplies Drive and grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to ‘Service to All Mankind’ by caring for our youngest and most vulnerable.”
Royal Oak Ford also made a sizeable monetary donation during the drive to purchase dozens of car seats to keep new babies safe.
“Us being in the car industry, we know how important safety is, and how important it is for everyone to get where they need to go safely,” said Evan Hall, Vice President of Operations for Royal Oak Ford.
All items donated – from diapers and wipes to car seats and cribs – are provided free to moms who give birth at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital through the Mothers’ Closet, and those who attend the DMC Black Maternal Health Week Community Baby Shower on April 13.
The Community Baby Shower will host more than 300 expectant and new mothers (given birth within the past six months) and their family members. The event features food, entertainment and educational speakers providing valuable information about maternal health from a variety of experts. Vendors will include health plans, healthcare providers and community organizations supporting mothers and babies. Registration is required for the event, which will be held at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. For more information or to register, visit www.dmc.org/maternal
“At Greater Grace Temple, we believe caring for mothers and babies is a sacred responsibility,” said Bishop Charles H. Ellis III. “This community baby shower during Black Maternal Health Week is more than an event – it’s a demonstration of love, equity and commitment to ensuring every mother has the support she needs for her baby’s healthy start.”
DMC will also be hosting Dinner with Doulas on Friday, April 17, at DMC Hutzel Women’s Hospital. The private event is designed to build relationships between doulas, providers and DMC care teams.
“The Detroit Medical Center recognizes doulas as an integral part of support for moms before, during and after birth,” CEO Lavis said. “Building these relationships now helps moms – and particularly Black moms – when they need support the most.”