Angel Babies Matter Network: AIDS in Shattering Stigmas and Empowering African Americans on Mental Health

Houston, TX  

On May 7, 2024, Angel Babies Matter Network proudly participated as a program exhibitor at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Eta Omega Chapter, and Word of God Christian Fellowship Church’s Rapid Response Ministry 2nd Annual Shattering Stigmas: Empowering African American Mental Health Symposium. This important event took place at the Word of God Christian Fellowship Church and brought together a community committed to addressing the mental health inequities that disproportionately affect the African American population.

The symposium featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Jennifer Hatchett Stover, PhD, LPC, NCC, CSC, CCTOP, RYT; Marlon Runnels, Chief of Police at Klein Police Department; Reginald Jefferson, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT, NCC of Prairie View A&M University; and Amber Lane, LCSW-S, Owner of Lane and Contributors Counseling. Each speaker brought unique insights into the challenges and opportunities in improving mental health services and support within our communities.

In addition to Angel Babies Matter Network, other exhibitors included Greater Houston Counseling Center, Vibe Wellness & Aesthetics, Destined Health and Wellness, and Safe Police Response. The diverse group of mental health experts and law enforcement representatives provided attendees with valuable resources and information to enhance understanding, care, treatment, and accessibility to mental health services in the Cypress community.

Our founder and CEO, alongside Director of Communications Felicia Moore, Board President Tracey R. Hilton, and Board Treasurer Linda M. Burnett, represented Angel Babies Matter Network at the event. We were honored to share our mission of supporting and empowering mothers and families coping with pregnancy and infant loss. We provided information on our partnerships and ways to connect for future events, emphasizing the importance of grief support, advocacy, and fostering community partnerships.

Angel Babies Matter Network’s participation in this event was a significant opportunity to connect with over one hundred attendees, many of whom stopped by our exhibit to learn more about our services. We were grateful for the chance to share details about our care packages, which are provided to mothers via hospitals and healthcare facilities. These care packages include mental health resources for postpartum support, a remembrance gift for the angel baby, and thoughtful items for the mother and her family, such as a journal, seeds to plant a garden, a scented candle, a handmade mini baby quilt, crisis and suicide hotline information, and materials on how to get connected to our network for future events.

Events like the Shattering Stigmas symposium are vital in our mission to raise awareness, provide support, and create a more equitable future for mental health in the African American community. We are committed to continuing our work in empowering families and fostering partnerships that make a difference.

For more information on how to get involved with Angel Babies Matter Network or to learn more about our upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can continue to shatter stigmas and empower our community.