Goal
To eliminate the health disparity for African American infants.
Objectives
- To reduce African American infant mortality through a comprehensive community based effort by assuring that at risk pregnant and parenting women and their infants and children up to age two have access to quality maternal and child health services
- To increase the number of African American women obtaining prenatal care in the first trimester
- To reduce the number of African American infants born with birth weights below 2,500 grams (5.5 lbs)
- To reduce the number of African American women who smoke, use alcohol, and/or non-prescription drugs during pregnancy
- To reduce the number of African American babies who die due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- To reduce African American maternal mortality
Activities/Services Group Sessions: BIH provides 10 prenatal and 10 post-partum sessions designed to empower and support participants. Group sessions are offered in a culturally aesthetic setting that respects participant values and beliefs. Attendees interact with other mothers and women who are pregnant. The sessions offer engaging activities from a women’s health perspective that explore pregnancy and parenting.
Session Topics
- Cultural Heritage as a Source of Pride
- Healthy Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery
- Nurturing Ourselves & Our Babies
- Prenatal, Postnatal & Newborn Care
- Stress Management
- Healthy Relationships
- Celebrating Our Families
Complementary Case Management: BIH acts on the assumption that participants have the strength and resilience to improve their health for themselves and their families. Through case management, participants receive guidance and referrals on a range of topics, including health insurance application assistance and family planning counseling. Women become empowered to make positive choices in their life.
