An Afternoon of Film, Conversation, and Community: Bloom at District Music Hall

On Sunday, March 22, more than 100 community members gathered at District Music Hall for a screening of the documentary Bloom. The film offers a powerful look at the role doulas play in filling maternal health care gaps and what is possible when families have the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Sponsored by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation in partnership with the Norwalk Film Festival, the afternoon brought together local nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, advocates, and residents to learn about efforts to create safer, more joyful birth experiences in Fairfield County where current infant mortality rates are 3 times higher for Black babies than white babies.

Before the film, attendees had the opportunity to learn about resources available in the community and meet representatives from local organizations providing them, including Ministerial Health Fellowship, the Connecticut Hospital Association, and Bridgeport Hospital that are working every day to improve maternal health outcomes.

After the screening, an incredible panel of local leaders shared more about efforts to improve maternal health outcomes so that every Fairfield County family has the opportunity for a healthy and supported start. Moderated by FCCF’s Vice President of Grants and Programs, Lutonya Russell Humes, panelists Ayesha Clarke of Health Equity Solutions, Janet Alfano of The Diaper Bank of Connecticut, and Cynthia Hayes of DoulaTogether, Inc. discussed the importance of listening to the community, and how collaboration between partners is critical to creating policy level change. A recent highlight of this collaborative advocacy is Connecticut’s new policy allowing Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, an important step forward for families.

Through community conversations and events like these, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation invests in bringing people together to understand pressing local issues and present meaningful ways for community members to get involved, raise awareness and lend their voice.

Right now, there are several proposed policies addressing the health and well-being of families being considered in Connecticut’s current legislative session. Joining the Foundation’s Allies Advocacy community is one way to stay connected to clear and timely opportunities to act in support of these and other issues such as the child tax credit, access to healthy school meals, housing protections for renters, diaper access, and more. Real and lasting changes happen when a community shows up together.

We are grateful to our partners, panelists, and everyone who spent part of their Sunday with us. We hope the conversation and connections from the day continue and that many will stay engaged in this work alongside us.

To join the Allies Advocacy community, click here.

The In Community film screening of Bloom is part of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s broader commitment to women and girls, supported through the Fund for Women & Girls, which invests in efforts that advance the health and well-being of women and girls across our region.