Community baby shower provides direct relief for local families

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Sunday afternoon Rochester Senator Samra Brouk hosted a community baby shower to collect supplies for new parents and to provide direct relief for local families..

The event included a resource fair, a supply drive, fun activities for children and families and about 200 community members attended.

Senator Brouk joined other community organizations to celebrate and support new parents in the Rochester area and to help combat our region’s infant mortality rate.

Maternal mortality rates in the United States are highest when compared to other wealthy nations, with New York having a significantly higher rate than many other states. Black mothers are roughly five times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, while 78% of those dearths are considered preventable, according to the New York State Department of Health.

“Now more than ever, people need to feel united and connected with one another,” said Senator Samra Brouk. “A Community Baby Shower is not only a great way to bring people together, but also supports our community in a time when accessing resources can be a challenge. We know that happy, healthy mothers have happy, healthy babies, and that happy, healthy babies grow up to be strong adults that can make a difference in our community. We all need to be doing our part to make sure that children and families have the support they need to be successful.”

Brouk welcomed her first child this year and supports legislation to make maternal health and supporting families a priority.