The Black Infant Health Program provides service to women for the purpose of eliminating the disproportionate rate of African American infant mortality seen in the Sacramento community. African American women experience two-and-a-half times the number of infant deaths than other racial and ethnic groups in our community.
The Black Infant Health Program subcontracts services with two non-profit community based organizations to conduct case findings and care coordination with “at risk” pregnant and parenting African American women, children and infants up to one year of age. These activities include the provision of assistance in accessing appropriate prenatal and/or pediatric care and other family support services which are identified by the subcontract organizations.
The Black Infant Health Program also implements projects and activities to educate and increase awareness among the African American community and the community-at-large, regarding health disparities for families. The activities include outreach and education strategies implemented during the African American Infant Health Week celebrations which are recognized annually during the month of February. Black Infant Health Program participates in numerous community activities and health fairs throughout Sacramento.
Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board
Black Infant Health Program staff support the members of the Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board (BIH-CAB). The BIH-CAB meets on a monthly basis to review needs of the program and provide action and activities which will bring additional support to the Black Infant Health Program clients. Members of this committee also participate in community events which are sponsored by the Black Infant Health Program.
The BIH-CAB 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 and subcontractors. Meetings of the board are held every second Tuesday of the month and the community is welcome to attend.
Program Eligibility Requirements
The Black Infant Health Program is established through funding from the State Department of 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 their first birthday. Pregnant teens are referred to appropriate teen mother programs unless they state they would prefer the Black Infant Health Program. Information for and enrollment can be made by calling the Toll-Free Family Line at 1-888-824-BABY.
Several Program Activities occur each year, including:
African American Infant Health Week- February
Resolutions from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors have provided recognition to the issues which affect mothers and infants in this targeted population of our community. Activities and forums are held to bring awareness to the need for improvements in low-birth weight infants, positioning baby on back while sleeping, SIDS, breastfeeding, immunizations and many other health concerns which negatively impact this segment of the community.
Contact Our Office for more information at (916) 875-5471.
