Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health

The Tampa Bay Black Maternal Health Week Initiative at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health is hosting the Inaugural #BMHWofTampaBay and we are thrilled to announce the Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health on Saturday, April 13, 2024! This event provides several opportunities for participation including walk, fun run, or timed 5k that welcomes participants of all skill levels. Additionally, this is a hybrid race with a virtual option as well. Virtual Race for Black Maternal Health will take place anytime during Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, 2024.

During the #BMHWofTampaBay, we hope to plan a race day filled with education, empowerment and encouragement to promote health & wellness for all. By joining together, we believe we can foster a healthier and more supportive community for our Black Mommas and babies. This is an opportunity to come out and join us as we lace up our shoes to Race for Black Maternal Health! The Race for Black Maternal Health is much more than just a race & walk; we are creating a platform to acknowledge Black Mommas, Black Maternal Health Week and raise awareness about the importance of safe and respectful perinatal care for all mothers. Our goal is to encourage more equitable hospital birth environments in light of the stark disparities and unique circumstance experienced by Black mothers in Florida.

Registration

Each race registration competed before Friday, March 29, includes #BMHWofTampaBay Race Swag Bag. The #BMHWofTampaBay Race Swag Bag includes a bib, t-shirt, medal & bag. Participate by registering for one of the following options:

• 5k Race for Black Maternal Health on April 13, 2024 (In-Person)
• 1k Fun Run & Walk for Black Maternal Health on April 13, 2024 (In-Person)
• 5k Race for Black Maternal Health anytime between April 11-17, 2024 (Virtual)
• 1k Fun Run & Walk for Black Maternal Health anytime between April 11-17, 2024 (Virtual)

Race for Black Maternal Health Event Schedule

Early Packet Pick-Up Options

• MOMMA Fest Early Packet Pick-up - Pick-up your #BMHWofTampaBay Race Swag & Packet Pick-Up on Friday, April 12, 2024 between 5:00-8:00pm at the University Area Community Center (14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa FL 33613) during the MOMMA Fest. Come for your packet and stay for the FREE fun, MOMMA Fest is a community block party, health fair and family fun day. Registration is required, sign up for the MOMMA Fest today!
• Ship #BMHWofTampaBay Race Swag via USPS to the address on the race registration for an additional fee. Shipping available to Domestic United States only. Participants must register by 3/29/2024 to qualify.

Race Day Schedule

• Race Day Packet Pick-Up: 6:30-7:00am
• Race Day Warm-Up: 7:00-7:30am
• Events Begin: 7:30am
  1. 5K Race for Black Maternal Health
  2. 1k Fun Run & Walk for Black Maternal Health
• Closing & Gratitude

About #BMHWofTampaBay

In Florida, Black Mommas were nearly 4 times more likely to pass-away due to pregnancy-related causes in 2020. Racial inequality in birth outcomes in Florida continues to persist despite years of voiced concern about inequitable access and provision of perinatal care. Black Maternal Health Week was created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018 and is celebrated annually during National Minority Health Month on April 11-17. 

The Tampa Bay Black Maternal Health Week Initiative is a collaborative space led by the Community Hub in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida in partnership with several community organizations across the Tampa Bay area. In Tampa Bay and beyond, we hope people across all races, ethnicities and nationalities will join us during Black Maternal Health Week of Tampa Bay and support efforts to improve the disparate birth outcomes among African American and Black Mommas and babies. Interested in learning more? Find more information about this initiative, our events and more ways to get involved here. 

Opportunities to Support

Interested in contributing? Here is various ways you can support: 

• Register and attend the in-person Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health on April 13, 2024.
• Can't attend in-person? Register and participate in our Virtual Race for Black Maternal Health. Participate anytime between April 11-17, 2024!
• Share the Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health with family & friends!
• Support us in this work to help save Black Mommas and babies by donating directly to the Black Maternal Health Week Fund at the University of South Florida Foundation, Inc.
• Join us for other #BMHWofTampaBay events! Learn more here.