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.
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 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.
To eliminate the health disparity for African American infants.
Specific, measurable outcomes that support the achievement of the main goal.
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.
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.
Pregnant African American women 18 years of age and older living in the designated service areas. Click here to view the Los Angeles County BIH Community Based Organization sites list.
We'd love to hear from you! Fill out the form and we'll get back to you.