About Us
Black Infant Health (BIH)
Anti-Black Racism, as well as social and economic stressors, play a major role in poor birth outcomes—babies born too early and too small—for Black women. Within a culturally supportive environment, and honoring the unique history of Black women, California Black Infant Health (BIH) aims to help women have healthy babies.
BIH implements an evidence-informed intervention that uses a group-based approach, where participants get to meet, interact and build a sisterhood with other Black women. Group sessions are complemented with client-centered life planning, goal setting and referrals to services for participants and their families. This powerful combination serves to help women enhance life skills, learn proven strategies to reduce stress and build social support. Ultimately, this two-pronged approach impacts not only participants themselves, but future generations of Black women, infants and families.
Mission
The California Black Infant Health (BIH) Program aims to improve health among Black mothers and babies by empowering pregnant and mothering Black women to make healthy choices for a brighter future.
Who We Serve
The BIH Program focuses exclusively on empowering Black/African American women by connecting them with the vital care and support needed to promote healthy behaviors during pregnancy and continuing after her baby is born.
Our Goal
To improve Black infant and maternal health as well as decrease health inequities in infant and maternal mortality rates.
We Serve
Black women who are 16 years or older, pregnant or up to six months postpartum at the time of enrollment regardless of income.
Service Delivery
Services are free and provided by Family Health Advocates, Group Facilitators, Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Workers.
Outcomes
Current science supports an empowerment-focused, group-based intervention as a promising strategy for improving Black women’s birth outcomes.
Funding
Federal Title V MCH Block Grant Funds, Federal Title XIX (Medicaid) Funds and State General Funds.
Program Services
Culturally appropriate services that respect the participant’s values and beliefs.