April 21, 2026
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov
Every Family Deserves a Healthy Start
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Supports Healthy Pregnancies During Black Maternal Health Week
WARRENTON, Va. – Pregnancy is often a time of joy and uncertainty. During Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is working to help more families experience safe, supported and healthy pregnancies.
Black women are twice as likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than White women and more likely to die from cardiac related causes. Doulas, BabyCare, and the Women Infants and Children (WIC) programs provide support and connect families to healthcare, nutritious food, and items needed to support healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
“Supporting Black maternal health is essential to building a healthier community for everyone,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “The continuing disparities demand focused attention and strong partnerships.”
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District offers several services that can help families thrive. RRHD has few certified doulas and few community health workers (CHWS) who are trained to support pregnant and parenting people in the community. These trusted individuals teach pregnant women about childbirth. They understand different cultures and beliefs so they can help to eliminate disparities in care. They are trained to coach families through the emotional and physical process of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. They can also help connect people to resources such as healthy food and help navigate the healthcare system.
A free home visiting program for pregnant individuals and families of children up to age two, the BabyCare program meets families right where they are. A registered nurse will come to the family’s home and help work through any questions or issues. Nurses can assist with things such as physical and mental wellness checks, high risk pregnancies, connecting families with pediatricians, breastfeeding support, finding baby care supplies and more. In 2025, 15 localities served 1,361 total baby care clients including 537 mothers and 824 infants with the goal to reduce low birth weight improve prenatal care and address health disparities.
The WIC Program is designed to give children the very best beginning through healthy foods, nutrition education and access to health care. Pregnant women and children (up to age five) who qualify receive monthly food benefits. Benefits include breastfeeding support and eWIC cards for healthy foods such as milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District served 5232 WIC clients last year with 962 new enrollments. Those who participate in the WIC program have improved birth outcomes and increased breastfeeding rates. To be eligible for the program applicants must show they have a financial need and nutrition risk.
These programs help every family get a healthy start. Families can sign up for any one of the services by calling 1-888-942-3663 or going to www.rrhd.org. Every Black mother deserves to be heard, respected, and cared for. The disparities we see in maternal health are not inevitable, they are preventable, and they demand action.
# # #