The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved $484,310 today to enhance health outcomes for African-American babies. This funding, part of the California Perinatal Equity Initiative, aims to combat issues such as low birth weight and premature births, which are influenced by bias and racism in healthcare.
In San Diego County, Black infants face a higher risk, with death rates before age one five times greater than those of White infants. Additionally, Black infants are 50% more likely to be born prematurely. In California, Black women are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their White counterparts.
Launched in 2018, the County’s Perinatal Equity Initiative expands the Black Infant Health program, which provides culturally relevant support to African-American families. Funds from this initiative have been allocated to a fatherhood program for new dads, implicit bias training for healthcare professionals, and the Black Legacy Now public awareness campaign.
A community advisory board, consisting of 200 members, offers feedback and guidance on program activities to ensure effectiveness.
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