The San Diego County Black Infant Health Program (BIH), operated by the Neighborhood House Association, provides services to pregnant and parenting African-American women with the goal of reducing the black infant mortality rate. Mothers and mothers-to-be participate in group classes and benefit from other valuable referrals that encourage them to make heathy life choices for themselves and their families.
According to San Diego County, African-American infants are more than twice as likely to die during their first year of life compared to all of San Diego County’s infants combined. The goal of the Black Infant Health program is to decrease the African-American infant mortality rate, increase the health and wellness of African-American mothers and children, and increase awareness of health disparities. Some of the services provided include case management, referrals for health check-ups, clothes, and housing.
Program Services:
- Participation in 10-week prenatal and 10-week postpartum groups
- Help finding prenatal and well-child care
- Referrals to Public Health Nursing and other resources for pregnant women
- Obtain individual case management and services based on client needs
- Receive referrals for health check-ups, emergency clothes, food, housing, and more
BIH are provided at no cost to clients. Pregnant women 18 years of age and older are eligible to participate in the program.