Equality Health Foundation and March of Dimes promote maternal health and well-being education for all moms and their families on International Women’s Day
Equality Health Foundation, in collaboration with March of Dimes, the leading organization fighting for the health of moms and babies, and premier sponsor Mercy Care, is pleased to present the Healthy Mama Festival and Diaper Bag Giveaway on Saturday, March 8 at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in South Phoenix. This free event, on International Women’s Day, is dedicated to promoting health and well-being education for all mothers, soon-to-be mothers and their children.
In addition to the 500 diaper bags filled with mom and baby resources, event attendees will benefit from a variety of maternal health and well-child educational activities. Medical screenings will include free dental screenings with fluoride treatment, immunizations for adults and children, and hearing and vision screenings for children. Attendees can also meet pregnancy and newborn healthcare providers and community organizations, and visit the March of Dimes’ Phoenix Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center®, which will offer hypertension screenings and maternal and infant health resources.
“Too many families in the U.S. face significant barriers to accessing the care and resources needed for a healthy start,” said Dr. Amanda P. Williams, March of Dimes interim chief medical officer. “March of Dimes is proud to help host the Healthy Mama Festival—bringing essential education, access, and support to communities in need. By coming together, we can improve the lives of Arizona moms and their families and work toward a future where every mom and baby has the opportunity to thrive.”
Arizona’s Maternal Health Crisis
Arizona is grappling with a maternal and infant health crisis. March of Dimes and Arizona Department of Health Services reporting have provided a detailed overview of the state of maternal and infant health in Arizona. The preterm birth rate has climbed to 9.9% in 2023, with a disproportionate impact on Black (13.2%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (12.1%) communities. Infant mortality increased by 11% in 2022, resulting in 425 infant deaths, primarily due to birth defects, preterm birth, and maternal complications. The state’s maternal mortality rate of 31.4 per 100,000 live births far exceeds the national average. What’s more, a staggering 90% of Pregnancy-Associated deaths were deemed preventable, with American Indian/Alaska Native women bearing the highest burden. This preventable nature of the deaths should invoke a sense of responsibility in all of us. Severe maternal morbidity remains a significant concern, driven by chronic conditions like hypertension and gestational diabetes. Limited access to maternity care, especially in underserved communities, continues to exacerbate health disparities, putting Arizona’s mothers and babies at greater risk.
“ I am thrilled to announce our partnership with March of Dimes for the Healthy Mama Festival. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to empowering mothers and ensuring the health and well-being of families in our community ,” said Tomás León, president of Equality Health Foundation. “Together, we are creating a supportive environment where every mother has access to the resources and care they need to thrive. We look forward to celebrating this special event and making a positive impact on the lives of many.”
Mercy Care Partners to Expand Whole-Person Care
Equality Health Foundation, a local Valley nonprofit with a mission to level the healthcare playing field in culturally diverse and underserved communities, is thrilled to partner with the March of Dimes and Mercy Care in this well-being initiative. Equality Health Foundation works to expand access to whole-person care, accelerate health education, and eliminate healthcare inequalities for all.
“Mercy Care is committed to educating, referring and assisting members and their families in accessing community health resources,” said Debbie Hillman, Mercy Care chief administrative officer. “Mercy Care is honored to collaborate once again, with our long-standing partners Equality Health Foundation and March of Dimes. We’re proud to sponsor this event offering expectant moms supplies, resources, and education and look forward to this impactful community activity!”
The Healthy Mama Festival will take place on March 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1401 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85034. For more information on Equality Health Foundation and the festival, please visit Healthy Mama 2025
About Equality Health Foundation
Established in 2019, Equality Health Foundation envisions a world of vibrant and inclusive communities where all individuals have the opportunity to live healthy lives. A bold vision like this cannot be accomplished alone and requires extensive collaboration across local communities around the country to make a sustainable and transformative change—a movement for advancing equal health for all. For more information about Equality Health Foundation, visit equalityhealthfoundation.org/ or follow @EQHFoundation on Facebook, @EQHFoundation on Twitter, and @eqhfoundation on LinkedIn.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Follow us on social at @marchofdimes.
About Mercy Care
Mercy Care is a not-for-profit Medicaid managed care health plan, serving AHCCCS members in Arizona since 1985. Mercy Care is a local company sponsored by Dignity Health and Ascension Health. Mercy Care provides access to physical and behavioral health care services for Medicaid-eligible families, children, seniors, and individuals with developmental/cognitive disabilities. Learn more at MercyCareAZ.org.