January 24, 2025

Virginia Celebrates Maternal Health Awareness Day with a Special Proclamation 

Richmond, VA – On January 23, 2025, maternal health professionals, advocates, and community members came together for the Maternal Health Awareness Day Welcome Breakfast in Richmond, Virginia. Hosted at the Patrick Henry Building, this event marked an important moment in the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to prioritize maternal health. 

The highlight of the morning was Governor Glenn Youngkin’s declaration of January 23, 2025, as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Virginia. Governor Youngkin praised the unwavering dedication of maternal health workers who tirelessly support mothers and families across the state. He emphasized the vital role these professionals play in ensuring the well-being of both mothers and babies, noting their passion, collaboration, and commitment to making a positive impact. 

Governor Youngkin’s remarks echoed the collective appreciation for the efforts of maternal health workers and advocates. From obstetricians and midwives to doulas and community members, these individuals form a network of care that strives to address the complexities of maternal health. The official proclamation of Virginia’s Maternal Health Awareness Day served not only as a recognition of their work but also as a call to action to continue addressing challenges such as maternal mortality, healthcare disparities, and access to quality care. 

In a special moment during the ceremony, Governor Youngkin awarded the official proclamation to Shanea Albergottie-King, a dedicated local doula whose work embodies the spirit of maternal health advocacy. Albergottie-King’s contributions to her community highlight the essential role doulas play in providing emotional and physical support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Her recognition underscored the importance of doula care and community support in improving maternal health outcomes and reducing the health disparities impacting maternal health patients. 

The Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative team was among the attendees, reaffirming the VNPC’s commitment to enhancing maternal and neonatal health across the state by working collaboratively with partner organizations, hospitals, clinicians, and community members. By bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates, this event provided a space for attendees to network, share ongoing initiatives and ideas for future projects, and nurture collaborative partnerships. The first official Maternal Health Awareness Day was an opportunity to reflect on and honor the past, acknowledge present efforts, and look toward a future where maternal health is a priority for all.