Black Infant Health Celebrates 20 Years of Service Dedicated to Improving the Health of African American Infants

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In San Diego County, African American infants are twice as likely to die during their first year of life, and nearly twice as likely to be born with low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs). Compared to other infants, African Americans are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to be born premature (before 37 weeks) in comparison to other infants. 

Recently, the San Diego County Black Infant Health (BIH) program celebrated over 20 years of service.

BIH works to reduce these health disparities through a client-centered program that empowers women to become self-sufficient. Within a culturally affirming environment and honoring the unique history of African American women, BIH uses a group-based approach with enhanced case management to help women develop life skills, learn strategies for reducing stress, and build social support.

The program implements educational and preventative strategies to improve the health of African American women to ensure healthy birth outcomes. These include education on the importance of early and continuous prenatal care, well-child check-ups, timely and complete immunizations, and breastfeeding of infants.

Nutrition classes are conducted to teach women how to make healthier foods choices, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing sugar and sodium consumption. Line dancing is also incorporated into workshops to promote physical activity.

Women are able to share their experiences, build upon their strengths, and develop supporting relationships. Testimonials of women who’ve participated in the program reflect on how BIH has made a difference in their lives:

“BIH has helped me grow mentally, physically and emotionally through the one-on-one home visits and group sessions.”

“Attending group sessions allowed me to build strong relationships, support, and long-lasting friendships”.

“BIH has assisted me in developing a life plan which gives me direction and a positive outlook on life”.

In San Diego County, the BIH program is administered by the County Health and Human Services Agency. BIH receives funds from the California Department of Public Health and the First 5 Commission of San Diego.

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) has been the program operator since 2007, providing direct client services. In May 2013, FHCSD was awarded the North County BIH contract to provide more comprehensive services in the North Regions. BIH has a new site in Oceanside. Program services are provided countywide with targeted outreach efforts in specified zip codes that have the highest number of births to African Americans.

“The BIH program has a rich history in San Diego. It is an honor to be the operating partner,” said Fran Butler-Cohen, chief executive officer of Family Health Centers of San Diego. “Mothers are the foundation of a community and when you educate and empower them to be healthy, through a program like Black Infant Health, you educate and empower an entire community to live healthier lives.”

The San Diego County BIH program is an important part of Live Well San Diego, the County’s ongoing initiative to improve the health and well-being of residents. BIH works with communities to raise awareness and mobilize community action to support program efforts and improve conditions for African-American women and their families.

“The accomplishments of BIH have been possible due to dedicated staff and strong community collaboration and support,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, HHSA Child Health Medical Officer. “In order to continue to make a difference in the lives of African-American infants, we need all communities working together.”

To learn more information or to enroll into the San Diego County Black Infant Health Program, please visit www.sdmcfhs.org and click the Black Infant Health Program link or contact BIH program staff at (619) 266-7466 or BIH North County at (760) 730-5092.