Referrals
Referrals to Services for Black and African American Families
The Maternal Health Network has created a one-stop shop for providers in San Bernardino County to learn about the various programs that support Black and African American families specifically.
Information provided includes a description of the program, who is eligible to participate and offers providers the option of directly referring families to these services.
Black Infant Health (BIH) Program
Within a culturally affirming environment and honoring the unique history of African-American women, the Black Infant Health (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.
Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) Program
The Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) program aims to address the causes of persistent inequality and identify best practices to eliminate disparities in infant mortality. Although declines in infant mortality have been achieved, the statewide mortality rate for African-American infants continues to be two to four times higher than rates for other groups. PEI complements programs and services offered through the Black Infant Health (BIH) Group Model. BIH is a group-based approach that provides services, information and social support to African-American mothers to buffer the negative effects of racism and its consequences on women's environments and social experiences. PEI takes efforts to address racial disparities in infant mortality even further, promoting specific interventions designed to improve outcomes for African-American mothers and their families.
The interventions offered in San Bernardino County consist of:
PEI Fatherhood/Partnership Intervention
The Fatherhood/Partnership engagement services intervention for PEI will utilize the 24/7 Dad AM model. The 24/7 Dad AM model is an evidence-based program consisting of a mixture of group sessions and home visits to teach parenting and nurturing skills to men, focusing on key fathering characteristics.
Current PEI Fatherhood/Partnership Engagement Intervention Guidelines for Participation
-
Father/partner of a pregnant/parenting African-American woman with a child under one
-
Resident of San Bernardino County
For questions or referrals regarding the PEI Fatherhood/Partnership Engagement intervention
Complete the Program Referral Form and email the PEI Program Coordinator Ryan Berryman at rberryman6645@gmail.com.
PEI Doula Intervention
A doula is a trained non-medical, non-licensed advocate who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, birthing experience possible.
The Sankofa Community Doula Program is a grant-funded program that allows Sankofa Community Doulas to provide free doula support services to Black women residing in Riverside County and San Bernardino county. Doulas provide non-medical professional perinatal services. This includes physical, emotional, informational, psychosocial and advocacy support during the pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Next Enrollment Cycle Begins March 2023!
Current PEI Doula Intervention Guidelines for Participation
-
African-American pregnant woman
-
Non-Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) member (IEHP members will have access to pilot doula services through plan benefits.)
-
Resident of San Bernardino County
For questions regarding the PEI Doula Intervention
Email the Sankofa Birthworkers Admin at admin@sankofabirthworkers.com