RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JANUARY AS MATERNAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
WHEREAS, Maternal Health Awareness Month is observed annually in January to raise awareness about maternal mortality, maternal morbidity, and the health challenges faced by mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; and
WHEREAS, maternal health is a critical public health issue and a vital indicator of overall community health and economic stability, affecting mothers, infants, families, and future generations throughout the City of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, the United States continues to experience unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity compared to other developed nations; and
WHEREAS, Black, Latina, Indigenous, and women from low-income communities experience disproportionately higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and deaths due to systemic inequities, structural racism, and barriers to accessing quality healthcare; and
WHEREAS, many pregnancy-related deaths and complications are preventable through timely access to quality prenatal care, extended postpartum care, maternal mental health services, and culturally responsive, bias-informed healthcare; and
WHEREAS, maternal health encompasses physical health, mental health, nutrition, housing stability, economic security, and access to social supports before, during, and after pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, community-based services and programs, including doulas, midwives, home-visiting services, and maternal health education initiatives, improve outcomes for mothers and infants; and
WHEREAS, local government has an essential role in advancing maternal health through public awareness, policy advocacy, partnerships, and support for families;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of
Yonkers hereby recognizes “January as Maternal Health Awareness Month” and reaffirms its commitment to promoting maternal health, addressing disparities, and supporting efforts to improve maternal health outcomes for mothers and families in the City of Yonkers.