The Black Infant Health Program of the County of Santa Clara
By Evelyn HuynhHappy Black History Month!
This month, and every month, we at Family GIving Tree like to take time to shine a light on organizations doing the work of uplifting the Black community of the Bay Area. Today, let's take a look at the Black Infant Health Program of the County of Santa Clara, and all that they do for our neighorhoods.
There is an extra level of effort and care that needs to go towards expectant mothers. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes in order to support fetal development. It is a critical time to meet their physiological and psychological needs to ensure the best chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. According to the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, women who do not receive prenatal care are three to four times more likely to suffer from pregnancy-related fatalities than those who do receive care, and infants whose mothers did not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight which, if less than 5.5 pounds, increases infant mortality by 5x.
The Black maternal mortality rate in the United States is significantly higher than other racial groups. Factors such as socioeconomic barriers, limited access to health care and education, along with institutional racism, contribute to 80% of health outcomes in Black women. Stressors from such challenges lead to higher risks of heart disease and negatively impact their general health according to the Boston University Slone Epidemiology Center 22-year Women’s Health Study.
For pregnant Black and African American people, access to public health care is one of many areas in which they have experienced disparities in support in comparison with their white counterparts. This highlights the true importance of advancing perinatal equity by providing meaningful support and resources to Black families.
For nearly 2 decades, Family Giving Tree has partnered with Black Infant Health to grant holiday wishes for pregnant and mothering Black women through Black Infant Health Programs in Santa Clara County. The mission of Black Infant Health is intended to address the issues of poor birth outcomes and health disparities that affect Black women and their babies. This program has served Santa Clara County since 1991.
Black Infant Health provides:
-
Opportunities to connect in pregnancy and new mom groups (virtual/in-person options) for prenatal and postpartum support
-
Support in reaching personal goals through individualized life planning work with a focus on health, relationships, and finance
-
Access to resources to learn about topics including (but not limited to) what to expect when pregnant, how to manage and reduce stress, how to nurture and bond with your baby
-
Connection with a personal Black Infant Health Public Health Nurse for support with home visits, breastfeeding consultations, home safety assessments, health education, postpartum depression screenings, and medical case management
The following are guidelines for this no-cost program eligibility:
-
Pregnant African/African American women
-
African/African American mothers with an infant under 6 months of age
-
16 years of age or older
-
Santa Clara County residents
