Together, we can make a difference to help ensure that all babies are born healthy!

African-American babies are more than twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Our mission is to help more babies make it to their first birthday by ensuring their mothers have health pregnancies. Our program is designed to empower women to make healthy life choices for themselves and their families by building on their strengths. We honor the unique history and traditions of African-American people by presenting information in a culturally affirming manner. From the space the groups are held in to the topics we discuss, everything is centered around the African-American woman and her needs.

Purpose

The Black Infant Health Program works with participants to develop life skills, reduce stress, build social support, and improve overall health and wellness. BIH provides education on the importance of early and continuous prenatal care, well-child checkups, breastfeeding, and timely and complete immunizations to ensure babies are born healthy and grow into healthy children.

Who is Eligible

• Self-identified African-American woman
• 18+ years of age
• Currently 26 weeks pregnant or less

Services Provided

• All of the services we provide are free!
• We offer individualized life planning that helps moms plan for their future.
• We also provide mother support groups during and after pregnancy.
• The groups offer fun and interesting activities that will help our mothers:
  
  • Gain support from other women
  • Learn what to expect when pregnant
  • Nurture and bond with your baby
  • Get infant care and feeding tips
  • Manage and reduce stress

How to Enroll

• To be a participant of the Black Infant Health Program, call (707) 553-5055.
• Providers may fax a MCAH Central Referral Form to (707)784-2229.

BIH Community Advisory Board

The mission of the Black Infant Health (BIH) advisory board is to reduce infant mortality rates in African-American families by providing strategies that reduce barriers to prenatal care and advocate around health issues relating to the African-American community.

Resources

• Black Infant Health Program Brochure
• Black Infant Health State Website

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