Background
The Black Infant Health Program (BIH) was created at the State level as a result of
California Senate Bill 165 of the Budget Act of 1989 to address
the high rate of infant mortality for African American families. Los Angeles County was among the first health jurisdictions to receive
funding from the State to implement a culturally specific perinatal intervention aimed
at reducing the African American infant mortality rate.
Despite a gradual decline in African American infant
mortality in LA County since 2007, African American
infants continue to die at more than 3 times the rate
observed for white and Asian infants, the two
racial/ethnic groups with the lowest infant mortality
rates.
Los Angeles County
African American Infant Mortality factsheet
Program Description
Within a culturally affirming environment and honoring
the unique history of African American women, the BIH
Program uses a group-based approach with complementary
client-centered case management to help women develop
life skills, learn strategies for reducing stress, and
build social support. BIH clients participate in weekly
group sessions (10 prenatal and 10 postpartum) designed
to help them access their own strengths and set
health-promoting goals for themselves and their babies.
In addition to helping clients reinforce the skills and
knowledge they develop in the group sessions, one-on-one
case management ensures that clients are connected with
the appropriate community and social services to meet
their needs. Each woman culminates her participation in
the program by developing her own individual Life Plan
to guide her continued progress after BIH.
Program Goals, Objectives and Activities
General Program Eligibility (*18 years of age and older)
- Pregnant African American women living in the designated service area - to see the service areas, please click on the Los Angeles County BIH Community Based Organization Contractors link below.
Links:
Los Angeles County BIH Community Based Organization
Contractors
Black Infant
Health - Building A Legacy of Health and Wellness
State BIH Program
