Improving Black Maternal Health: Early Implementation Findings from California's Black Infant Health Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities Research
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Racism is identified as a primary driver of health disparities for Black birthing individuals.
• California's Black Infant Health (BIH) Program was established to address these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific foundation of the BIH Program.
• To report initial implementation results and participant feedback.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analyses of program evaluation data from 2015-2018.
• Examined participation rates, service delivery, and participant perceptions.

Main Results:

• 3332 Black birthing persons participated.
• High rates of required activities and support services (food, transport, childcare) were met.
• Over 90% of participants reported benefits in stress management, goal achievement, and social connection.

Conclusions:

• The BIH Program is grounded in scientific understanding of racism's impact on health.
• The program's six interwoven strategies are feasible for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
• BIH aligns with evidence-based models for effective implementation.