Dear Mama: A Block Party for Black Maternal Mental Health

Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 10a - 4p

The Lawson Academy

5052 Scott St., Houston, TX 77004

The ALLICE Collective for Mental Health & Community Engagement is partnering with Jessica Ramos, LCSW, PMH-C maternal mental health expert and CEO of J Soulae Therapy, PLLC to bring Dear Mama: A Block Party for Black Maternal Mental Health to the historic neighborhood of Third Ward in Houston, Texas, a known “maternal mortality hotspot.”

Black maternal mental health is a critical public health concern, as Black women face disproportionate rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) compared to their white counterparts. These mental health conditions not only impact the well-being of the mother but also have adverse effects on infant health outcomes and family dynamics.

According to a fact sheet published by the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) in July 2023, mental health is the leading cause of maternal death, and Black women experience maternal deaths at 2-3 times the rate of white women.

Additionally, single Black mothers are six times more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Despite the existence of interventions to address maternal mental health, Black women continue to face barriers in accessing and engaging with these services, exacerbating existing disparities.

Our goal for Dear Mama is to enhance the mental well-being and emotional resilience of Black mothers through a curated community event filled with education, networking, resources, and meaningful collaborations with local Houston organizations.

What to Expect

  • mental health, wellness, & community resource vendors

  • group yoga, meditation, healing circles, & other wellness activities

  • raffles prizes & give-aways

  • kids’ zone

  • maternal mental health screenings

  • panel discussions & “meet the doc” stations

  • mama relaxation room

  • dad’s only wellness lounge

  • cooling stations & chill zones

  • music by DJ Skai

Volunteers Needed

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in the following areas:

  • Setup: 6am - 10:30am

  • Teardown: 4pm - 7:30pm

  • Kids’ Zone: 10am - 1pm | 1pm - 4pm

  • General Event: 9am - 1pm | 12:30pm - 4:00pm

Vendors

Please complete our request form if you offer health and wellness products or services and would like to donate raffle items, or have an interest in becoming a partner, collaborator, or sponsor.

Contact Us:

O: 832.536.5948 | E: community@theallice.org

About:

The ALLICE Collective for Mental Health & Community Engagement is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 86-3986124

The mission of The ALLICE Collective is to improve the mental and emotional well-being of the Black diaspora by fostering community connections and providing holistic, culturally competent therapy services.

Learn more about our services at www.theallice.org.