April 10, 2026
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
(757) 236-0529
Norfolk Health Department Highlights Black Maternal Health Week; Working to Give Every Family a Healthy Start
NORFOLK, Va. — Pregnancy is a time of joy, but it can also bring many questions. During Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, the Norfolk Department of Public Health is working to ensure more families have safe and healthy pregnancies.
Currently, Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. they are also more likely to face heart-related health issues during pregnancy. To help change this, Norfolk’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs provide vital support. WIC connects families to healthcare, healthy food and the tools they need to raise healthy babies.
“Every mother in Norfolk deserves a safe pregnancy and a healthy start for their child, yet the data shows a big difference in health outcomes for Black women,” said Dr. Susan Girois, health director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “Through our WIC programs, we are working to close those gaps by providing the respectful care and nutrition that save lives and strengthen our families.”
The Norfolk WIC program has a team of experts ready to help families succeed, including:
- Nutrition consultants who help plan healthy meals.
- Breastfeeding specialists trained to support new parents.
- Parenting educators who teach pregnant women about childbirth and what to expect.
These team members understand different cultures and beliefs. They are trained to coach families through the physical and emotional changes of having a baby. They also help people find healthy food and navigate the healthcare system.
WIC is designed to give children the best possible start in life. Pregnant women and children up to age 5 who qualify receive monthly food benefits. These benefits are provided on an eWIC card to buy healthy foods such as milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Thousands of families in Norfolk turned to WIC for support. Families in the program often have healthier births and higher breastfeeding rates.
To be eligible, applicants must show a financial need and a nutritional risk. Families can sign up for services by calling 757-683-9280 or visiting NorfolkPublicHealth.com.
“Black Maternal Health Week reminds us that the health of a mother affects the health of our whole community,” Girois said. “We encourage every expectant family to reach out to our WIC offices to get the support and education they need to thrive.”
# # #