September 14, 2026
WHEREAS, every child born in Michigan deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, and the true measure of our state’s well-being is reflected in the safety, health, and survival of our most vulnerable infants; and,
WHEREAS, profound and persistent racial disparities in infant mortality exist across the state, with Black infants in Michigan dying at significantly higher rates than white infants due to systemic inequities in healthcare access, institutional barriers, and environmental factors; and,
WHEREAS, these disparities are not natural or inevitable, but are heavily influenced by the social determinants of health, implicit bias in maternal care, and a historical lack of culturally congruent resources for families of color; and,
WHEREAS, Black Infant Mortality Awareness Week serves as a crucial platform to center the lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing partners, promote safe sleep education, and advocate for comprehensive reproductive justice; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan remains actively dedicated to expanding birth equity by supporting community-led prenatal care, protecting postpartum wellness, and expanding insurance coverage for vital, life-saving support services like doulas and midwives; and,
WHEREAS, addressing this crisis requires a unified effort from state agencies, local public health departments, medical professionals, and community organizations to eliminate bias and build a truly equitable healthcare system;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of September 14th - 20th, 2026 as BLACK INFANT MORTALITY AWARENESS WEEK throughout Michigan, and I encourage all residents, healthcare providers, and lawmakers to join in dismantling systemic health inequities to ensure safe pregnancies, healthy births, and thriving futures for all Black families.
