For Immediate Release
August 10, 2023
Contact: Chantal Fuller, Communications Director
202-355-8431
cfuller@dccouncil.gov

                                                                        Join Councilmember Henderson and the Arika Trim Foundation for Black Mamas Community Wellness Day

Washington, DC—This Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 10am-1pm, at Bard High School Early College (1351 Alabama Ave, SE), Councilmember Christina Henderson and the Arika Trim Foundation will host the Black Mamas Community Wellness Day.

D.C. residents are invited to come take advantage of the resources from several community and local organizations, including Mamatoto Village, District MotherHued, PAVE, Mary’s Center, the George Washington University Hospital, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of the Tenant Advocate, the Black Nurse Collaborative, and more. DC Health will have a mobile vaccination station with licensed nurses who will provide necessary routine shots for school-aged children, and other partners will provide blood pressure checks, refreshments, goodie bags, backpack giveaways, lactation consultation and support, and prenatal yoga.

“Black Mamas Community Wellness Day isn't just an event; it's a heartfelt call to awareness and action,” said Mrs. Donna Trim-Stewart, mother of Arika Trim and Chairperson of The Arika Trim Foundation. “Remembering Arika on her birthday, who tragically left us a week after bringing her son, Djai, into the world, serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to ensure maternal health and safety. By partnering with Councilmember Henderson, we aim to be advocates for change, ensuring that every mother has the chance to witness the milestones of their child's life. Today, we celebrate Arika's life, recognize the struggles faced by Black mothers, and work towards a brighter, safer future for them all.”

“Ms. Trim, like countless other Black women, fought the fight of her life, only to have been failed by a healthcare system that was supposed to keep her and her baby healthy. I’m excited for what this event means in terms of building and maintaining trust between birthing women, their families, and the healthcare professionals who serve them. For many Black birthing people in DC, the maternal health outcomes are jaw-dropping. Based on the District’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee, 70% of pregnancy-related deaths occur in communities in Wards 7 and 8. These Wards also experience the highest cases of preterm birth and the least access to prenatal care. Awareness and resources can change these statistics for our Black birthing neighbors,” said Councilmember Henderson.  

To attend, please RSVP at: https://arikatrimfoundation.org/rsvp. Attendees will be required to complete a security check and must present a valid ID. DC Health is requesting that those who wish to use the vaccine clinic pre-register by calling C3 Cares at 202-888-6440.

Bard is located half a block from the Congress Heights Metro Station, which is accessible via the Green Line, as well as the DC Circulator, V7, W1, W2, W3, W4, and 92 bus lines. Limited parking is available on the blacktop to the left of the school, but there is ample street parking along Congress Street SE and Alabama Ave SE. For more information, please contact Councilmember Henderson’s Office at 202-724-8105, or email obalkus@dccouncil.gov.

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