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Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health

   
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MCAH Programs


Contact Information

Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health
Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health Programs

600 S. Commonwealth Ave.,
8th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Tel: (213) 639-6400
Fax: (213) 639-1034
Black Infant Health (BIH) Program

Mommy and Baby 

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.

 Annual Infant Mortality Rate by Race/Ethnicity, Los Angeles County 2004-2014

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

SisterStory: Stories from the Black Infant Health Program
 

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