ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Senator Samra Brouk hosted a community baby shower Sunday to celebrate and support new parents in Rochester in an effort to combat the region’s infant mortality rate.

Officials said the event included a resource fair with local organizations to serve new parents, a supply drive to collect and donate items, and activities for families.

Officials said that black mothers are roughly three times more likely to die from complications related to pregnancy. In Monroe County, the rate is 46% higher than the national average.

Officials added that Senator Brouk knows local mothers need additional support and has sponsored legislation to combat maternal mental health, difficult access to doula care, the increase of dangerous cesarean sections, and more.

“We want to meet people where they are,” Senator Brouk said. “So we want to go into the city, use rec centers where people are familiar with attending and coming in here so it’s not a barrier for them to get the resources and help that they need.”