COUNTY BOARD TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS DONATE LIFE MONTH, BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK APRIL 11-17, AND NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEK APRIL 18-24
April 08, 2021
County Board Chair Analiese Eicher, (608) 571-6823
The Dane County Board of Supervisors will hold its regularly scheduled virtual meeting at 7:00 p.m. tonight. At the meeting, the Board will recognize Donate Life Month, Black Maternal Health Week, and National Infertility Awareness Week.
April is Donate Life Month, which promotes a greater understanding about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. By recognizing April as Donate Life Month in Dane County, the Board honors donors, and encourages individuals to register as an organ and tissue donor at a WI Department of Motor Vehicles facility or online at www.DonateLifeWisconsin.org.
"Donating organs, tissue, or corneas is one of the most selfless things we can do as humans. I am honored to be able to recognize those that have done so. I encourage everyone　to register as an organ and tissue donor and let their family know of their decision" said County Board Supervisor Kristen Audet (District 17).
The Board will also recognize the week of April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week in Dane County. The resolution says that Black Maternal Health Week is an appropriate way to bring awareness to an issue that directly affects Black pregnant people and Black infants in the community. It also states that systemic racism is prevalent in many healthcare systems and prevents Black pregnant people and Black infants from receiving proper care.
"We need to raise awareness of this issue," said State Representative and County Board Supervisor Shelia Stubbs (District 23). "Black women and babies need our help. We need to change the systems that have resulted in the disparities in healthcare for Black families."
April 18-24 will also be recognized in a Board resolution as National Infertility Awareness Week. The resolution acknowledges that Dane County joins the National Infertility Association, the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health, and dedicated volunteers, health care professionals, and members of the infertility and family building community in recognizing April 18-24, 2021 as National Infertility Awareness Week.
The World Health Organization and American Medical Association define infertility as a disease; and infertility affects women and men equally and does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic level.
"Infertility is incredibly common, yet often not openly discussed, and is often paired with physical, emotional and financial stress. By bringing awareness to this issue we are helping to remove barriers and support people's family building experience," said County Board Supervisor Cecely Castillo (District 4).
The Board meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Members of the public can find information to connect and register to speak at the top of the agenda.