SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts state and local officials filled city hall with deep emotions as they talked about their connection to supporting Black mothers, birthing people and families. If they don't say something, they told 22News, it doesn't help anyone. They're hoping others do the same. This year, communities across the U.S are Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy. That's the 2025 theme for celebrating Black Maternal Health Week. "It is such a critical time, especially in our country right now, where we all need to collectively come together to advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities," said Shenell Ford, Springfield Mayoral Aid. Studies show that black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues compared to white women. Therefore Massachusetts officials are applying their voices. "We looked at 10 years of public testimonies from black and brown women and folks in the healthcare industry and found out one of the real sticking points was midwives. In Massachusetts not like many other states, you had to be a licensed nurse in order to be a midwife. We worked on that eight to ten years, we finally got the policy changed, "Rep. Bud Williams, (d) 11th Hampden. The 2024 maternal health bill allowed midwives to get trained through midwifery schools and apprenticeships. It also expanded access to more birth centers, doula services, and an established Board of Registration in Midwifery. Right now, 2 new initiatives are in the works: Breastfeeding Beyond The Call and Divine Nourishment. Those are to support first responders and black breastfeeding. But advocates said the movement shouldn't stop there. "Continue to use your voice, It starts at home," said Ford. The next upcoming event is Expanding Maternal Health Access. That will be on April 14th at Educare in Springfield. You must register by calling the mayor's office. ...read more read less