The LA County Department of Public Health and First 5 LA, in partnership with the LA County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative is holding a virtual briefing to kick off Los Angeles County’s Black Maternal Health Week – which was officially recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in March -- and elevate awareness about Black infant and maternal mortality and emerging local solutions. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the issue, and the efforts of public health and community leaders across the County to oppose racism and discrimination at its root and support healthy and joyous births for Black families.

At the virtual event, attendees will hear from a panel of experts about the racism Black mothers face that leads to health disparities and work across the county being done to make a difference. Panelists include:

• Deborah Allen, Deputy Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
• Melissa Franklin, CEO of Growth Mindset Communications
• Raena Granberry, Perinatal Equity Initiative Coordinator, Dept. of Public Health
• Adjoa Jones, Founding Leader of African-American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team at L.A. County Department of Health Services Whole Person Care
• Michelle Sanders, AAIMM Doula Program Coordinator, Dept. of Public Health
• Brandi Sims, Health Systems Program Officer, First 5 LA
• Yolonda Roger Jones, Coordinator of Black Infant Health Program; Dept. of Public Health
• Dana Sherrod, Birth Equity & Racial Justice Manager for Cherished Futures for Black Moms and Babies, Public Health Alliance

WHEN: April 12, 2021 at 8:30am PT/11:30am ET

WHERE: https://rescueagency.zoom.us/j/98397269194

• Passcode: FIRST5LA

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