SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis is hosting The Family Birthplace 5k Run/Walk and Community Baby Shower to raise awareness about the Black maternal health crisis, a health issue that has claimed the lives of celebrity mothers such as Olympic track star Tori Bowie and entrepreneur Kira Dixon Johnson. SSM Health DePaul Hospital is partnering with BKM 4 Life Foundation for Fitness and Health (BKM 4 Life) to present The Family Birthplace 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, April 12, at 8 am. The Community Baby Shower will also be on Saturday, April 12, at 10 am.

Both events are organized to bring attention to the alarming mortality rates of Black mothers and the subsequent complications Black mothers face during pregnancy. The Community Baby Shower is for expecting mothers seeking education on their birthing journey and will provide resources for them from partnering local organizations.