Your Stories: Local Sorority Spearheads Donation to Mercy’s Family Life Center

Sapphire Cauley, Event Chair of Black Maternal Mental Health Week and Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., (far right) and members of the Family Life Center Team.

The western Massachusetts alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. held their inaugural Black Maternal Mental Health Week in April to combat these statistics. Built on the pillars of advocacy, education, and wellness, several events were held to address health disparities and share resources within the Springfield community. With Mercy Medical Center and the UCONN Health Disparities institute as partners, the week featured virtual wellness chats with area providers, community service, and a scholarship brunch in celebration of expecting mothers and their loved ones. Participants also took part in a blanket-making workshop that resulted in the creation of 20 beautiful blankets that were donated in July to Mercy’s Family Life Center for distribution to new and expecting moms.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., is one of the largest historically black Greek-lettered organizations, with over 500 chapters both domestic and international, and boast 95,000 members worldwide. They aim to enhance the quality of life within their communities. Public service, leadership development, and the education of youth are the hallmarks of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically. The Lambda Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter has been serving the western Massachusetts region since 2009. For more information about their programs and services, visit sgrhowesternmass.com.

Submitted by Nicole Taylor, Marketing Specialist, Mercy Medical Center.

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