The House Concurrent Resolution recognizes the week of April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont, highlighting the significant racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes for Black Americans. According to recent data, Black American women face a pregnancy-related mortality rate of 49.4 per 100,000 births, compared to 14.9 for white American women, and Black infants have a higher mortality rate of 10.9 per 1,000 live births versus 4.5 for white infants. The resolution emphasizes the need for awareness and action to address these disparities.

The resolution also acknowledges the work of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), which focuses on improving Black maternal health through innovative research, holistic care approaches, and amplifying the voices of Black mothers. The theme for Black Maternal Health Week in 2026, "Rooted in Justice & Joy: 10 Years of Building the Black Maternal Health Movement," celebrates a decade of progress while recognizing ongoing challenges. The General Assembly's resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this resolution to BMMA, reinforcing Vermont's commitment to addressing these critical health issues.