San Bernardino County Department of Public Health
Perinatal Equity Initiative & Black Infant Health
The Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) seeks to expand services to Black families to build on the supports provided through the county's Black Infant Health Program (BIH). The Initiative aims to reach Black birthing people through free services provided by community-based organizations.
Black Infant Health (BIH) Program
Within a culturally affirming environment, 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 participants participate in weekly group sessions, supported by one-to-one case management, designed to help access their own strengths and set health-promoting goals for themselves and their babies.
PEI Interventions
Doula Services
Doulas provide compassionate, trauma‑informed support that empowers pregnant individuals throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their purpose is to enhance emotional well‑being, increase confidence, and promote healthy birth experiences through continuous guidance, advocacy, and physical comfort. By offering culturally responsive and personalized care, doulas help families navigate childbirth with greater knowledge, connection, and support.
Free Services Include:
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3 prenatal visits.
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6 postpartum visits.
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Support for:
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Labor, birth, and healing.
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Breastfeeding and infant-feeding.
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Miscarriage or infant loss.
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Referrals to appropriate resources.
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Eligibility:
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Pregnant or 12 months postpartum.
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San Bernardino County resident.
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Self-identify as Black/African American.
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16 years or older.
Sankofa Birthworkers Collective
Sankofa Birthworkers Collective is made up of birthworkers from many professional backgrounds and skills sets including midwives, certified doulas, lactation consultants, community advocates and other supporters who are deeply committed to providing high-level service while centering birthing families.
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Questions? Email: admin@sankofabirthworkers.com
Maternal Mental Health
The Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) is introducing a new Maternal Mental Health intervention, developed with the Community Advisory Board and guided by the voices of Black Infant Health participants who called for more access to therapy services. This community-led approach centers the lived experiences of Black birthing individuals, expanding culturally responsive therapy to confront racial bias, reduce barriers to care, and improve birthing outcomes across San Bernardino County for Black and African American women and their babies.
Free Services Include:
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26 individual therapy sessions
Eligibility:
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Pregnant or 12 months postpartum.
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San Bernardino County resident.
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Self-identify as Black/African American.
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16 years or older
The Amani Project
The Amani Project is a community-based initiative focused on supporting the mental and emotional well-being of Black birthing people through culturally responsive care, education, and connection to supportive resources. It works to reduce stigma around perinatal mental health and strengthen protective factors by fostering trust, community support, and access to affirming care throughout pregnancy and postpartum.​
Brighten Every Life Counseling Services
Brighten Every Life Counseling Services is a mental health practice dedicated to supporting emotional wellness through compassionate, client-centered therapy for individuals, families, and communities. They focus on creating a safe and affirming space for healing, growth, and improved mental health across a range of life experiences and challenges.
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Questions? Email: hello@brighteneverylife.com
Young Visionaries
Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy is a youth-serving organization that supports mental and emotional wellness by providing trauma-informed programming, mentorship, and safe spaces for healing and personal growth. Their work focuses on strengthening resilience and protective factors among youth by promoting positive coping skills, connection, and access to supportive relationships.​
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Questions? Email: info@yvyla-ie.org
Fatherhood Support
Fatherhood / Partner Support services aim to promote the importance of engaged fathers and partners, and help fathers become confident, nurturing caregivers who create safe, stable, and supportive environments for their children.
Free Services Include:
Eligibility:
A 13-week program designed by men, for men, that strengthens fathers’ parenting skills by building positive discipline practices, emotional awareness, and healthy family communication. The program offers group sessions and earned incentives for attendance and participation. PEI provides a culturally affirming space for learning in brotherhood with other dads.
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Partner of a self-identifying Black/African American pregnant birthing person.
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Father of a Black/African American child 12 months or younger.
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San Bernardino County resident.
Moses House Ministries
Moses House Ministries is a family-serving organization that provides comprehensive support to pregnant individuals and families with young children through case management, parenting education, mentoring, and basic needs assistance. Their programs focus on strengthening families, building resilience, and empowering parents with the tools, resources, and supportive relationships needed to create safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive.​
Marsell Wellness Center
Guided by compassion and inclusivity, Marsell provides personalized support for emotional well-being and therapy for individuals, couples, families, and children.
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Questions? Email: info@marsellwc.com
