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Black Infant Health Program


Description

The Black Infant Health Program provides service to American-born African-American women for the purpose of eliminating the disproportionate rate of African-American infant mortality in the Sacramento community. African-American women experience two-and-a-half times the rate of infant deaths than other racial and ethnic groups in our community.
 
The Black Infant Health Program provides a support group intervention that encourages empowerment and social support in the context of a life course perspective. In addition, social service case management is provided to ensure access to community and health-related services. The services provided in the Black Infant Health Program are done in a culturally-relevant manner that respects the woman’s beliefs and cultural values while promoting overall health and wellness. The support group session will cover the following topics:
 
  • African-American History
  • Understanding and managing stress
  • Resources and services in the community
  • Myths vs. medical facts related to pregnancy
  • Nutrition and exercise
  • Fetal development/danger signs of early labor
  • Breastfeeding
  • Parenting styles
  • Baby safety
  • Postpartum depression and baby blues
  • Nurturing touch and its impact on bonding
  • Intimate relationship issues including improving communication
  • Sexual health
  • Planning for your future/goal setting
 
Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board
 
Black Infant Health Program staff support the members of the Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board.  The Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board meets each month to review needs of the program and provide action and activities which will bring additional support to Black Infant Health Program clients.  Members of this committee also participate in community events which are sponsored by the Black Infant Health Program.
 
The Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board is dedicated to pursuing and addressing solutions which will best serve this targeted population. The board also collaborates with other relevant programs and service providers that encourage healthy behaviors such as breastfeeding and smoking cessation, and provide education regarding SIDS and many other resources.  These collaborations enhance the work done by the Black Infant Health staff.  Meetings of the board are held every third Tuesday of the month and the community is welcome to attend.

To Qualify

​The Black Infant Health Program is established through funding from the California Department of Public Health Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program.  Eligibility criteria is set up to serve low-income, American-born African-American pregnant and/or parenting women with children up to 3 months of age.  Pregnant teens are referred to appropriate teen mother programs unless they state they would prefer the Black Infant Health Program.  For more information, call the Pregnancy Referral Program toll-free at 1-888-824-BABY.

African American Infant Health Week- February

Each year the Governor of California designates the third week in February as "Black Infant Health Week". Activities and forums are held to bring awareness to the need for improvements in prematurity rates, positioning a baby on his/her back while sleeping, SIDS, breastfeeding, immunizations and many other health concerns which negatively impact this segment of the community.

Cost

​Not Applicable

Contact Information

9333 Tech Center Drive Suite 800
Sacramento
CA
95826
(916) 876-5504
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