MAAME, Inc.'s 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll

Run for moms, walk for doulas, stroll for birth justice.

📅 Saturday, April 4, 2026
📍 W.G. Pearson Center: 600 E Umstead St, Durham, NC 27701
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

MAAME, Inc.’s 3rd Annual Run, Walk & Stroll

Run for Moms. Walk for Doulas. Stroll for Birth Justice.

📅 Saturday, April 4, 2026
📍 W.G. Pearson Center | 600 E. Umstead St, Durham, NC
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Why We Run, Walk & Stroll

Maternal health in North Carolina demands attention and action. The state recently received a D+ on the March of Dimes maternal and infant health report card, reflecting ongoing challenges in birth outcomes across our communities.

Between 2018 and 2022, North Carolina’s maternal mortality rate was approximately 26.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. In 2023, 834 infants died before their first birthday — about 6.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Too many families continue to face barriers to timely prenatal care, trusted support, and coordinated services during pregnancy and postpartum.

Many of these outcomes are preventable.

Community-based doulas are part of the solution.

Doulas provide continuous, non-clinical support before, during, and after birth. They help families navigate the healthcare system, prepare for labor, initiate breastfeeding, and access critical postpartum resources. Research shows that doula support is associated with improved birth experiences, fewer unnecessary interventions, and stronger maternal and infant health outcomes.

Our 3rd Annual Run, Walk & Stroll takes place during Community-Based Doula Week — a time dedicated to honoring this essential workforce and investing in community-rooted solutions.

This event is more than movement. It is a commitment to expanding access, strengthening the maternal health workforce, and building healthier beginnings for families across North Carolina.

Every step moves us closer to safer births and stronger families.

About MAAME, Inc.

MAAME, Inc. is a community-rooted maternal health organization working to close gaps in care, strengthen families, and build a sustainable, culturally grounded maternal health workforce.

Today, MAAME provides direct services across 11 core communities in North Carolina, including:

Community-based doula care
Postpartum support
Lactation services
Maternal mental health programming
Fresh food and family resource initiatives

In addition to these primary service areas, MAAME also supports families in surrounding and historically excluded communities through partnerships, virtual services, and special initiatives.

Much of this work—including outreach, training, mental health groups, mutual aid, and care coordination—is not reimbursable through traditional funding sources. Community events like the Walk, Run, & Stroll help sustain these essential services.

Vendor & Community Health Fair

The Vendor & Community Health Fair will run alongside the event and provide opportunities for vendors to:

Share products or services with families
Provide health education and resources
Build relationships with community members
Increase visibility among a mission-driven audience

Ideal Vendors Include

Health and wellness providers
Maternal and infant care services
Child and family resource organizations
Fitness and nutrition businesses
Local artisans and small businesses
Community-based nonprofits

Vendor Registration Fees

Vendor Type	Fee
Community Vendor (nonprofits, grassroots groups, small community orgs)	$100
Small Business Vendor	$175
Health & Wellness Vendor (clinics, providers, health services)	$250
Corporate Vendor	$500

All vendor registrations include:

One vendor table space at the event
Recognition on event materials
Access to hundreds of community participants

Vendor registration deadline: March 30, 2026

📧 For questions or to register, contact:
Naeemah Kelly at naeemah@maameinc.org

We look forward to building a healthier, stronger village—together.

Testimonials: Why This Event Matters

💜 MAAME Maternal Health
"My delivery experience was everything I wanted, plus more. My doula was proactive, supportive, and helped me understand the connection between my mental health and womb health."
— J. Smith

💜 MAAME Eat Well Program
"EatWell has been such a great benefit to my family. We’ve been able to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into our meals, and I’m feeling much better."
— K. Wells

💜 MAAME Maternal Mental Health
"I feel more confident in my day-to-day life. The program gave me coping tools, community, and support."
— K. Green

MAAME, Inc, 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll Vendor Page

By MAAME, Inc.

MAAME, Inc, 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll Vendor Page

Vendors Page

Team Members