We are honored to announce the AAIMM Compassion Response Fund, a one-time resource designed to provide timely, compassionate support to families experiencing perinatal or infant loss.

The AAIMM Compassion Response Fund offers a one-time award of $3,700 per eligible family to help address immediate needs during a period of grief and transition.

In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month (November), we sat down with Colleen Lovejoy, Founding Director, Care Consultant, and Sound Therapist of Sugar Heal Gang (SHG), to talk about what it truly takes to support birthing families — before, during, and after birth. SHG is a collective of Black and Indigenous healers based in Los Angeles, CA, working at the intersection of culture, care, and community. Since 2020, SHG has provided health and wellness support to families through high-quality, culturally rooted, holistic birthing services, training workshops, and cultural gatherings.

Can you share the vision behind Sugar Heal Gang and how cultural healing shows up in your work?

Black maternal health wasn’t something I studied. I didn’t start out thinking, I’m getting into Black maternal health. I had an experience and realized it wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. It wasn’t rooted in cultural healing or designed to empower women. Those are things you learn later, but you know when something isn’t right.

My birthing experience felt cold, isolating, and confusing. It felt like the people who held the knowledge were looking down on the very people who were trying to give birth and bring new life into the community.

And when my friend got pregnant, I told her, “It’s going to be awful and you’re probably going to have to keep switching doctors.” Then I heard myself and thought, Wait a second…

What if we could surround her? What if we could gather resources around her so she could create a birth plan and a birth team, and have what she wanted? What would feel like love? What would actually feel supportive and empowering? It really was that simple.

We didn’t even have words for it back then. We just created a care plan and came together and said, who do we know who brings healing? This person knows nutrition. This person can offer spiritual care. My sister knows a midwife — how much does she charge? Can we raise that? It was really just calling people together.

And once we did it, we knew we were on to something.

Because it was the care I wish I had. The support I wish I had. You don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve lived through it. And you can’t create something different until you actually create something different, and then you know: This is it.

The more options that exist — and the more organizations and people create new models of care — the more it will be talked about. For a long time, people just accepted what was, because… what was the alternative?

What does “The Village” mean in your approach to caring for birthing people?

I think of that old saying, it takes a village to raise a child, but really, it takes a village to raise a family. To help a family grow.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so many breakups happen when kids are toddlers. In this country, there’s no free childcare and no guaranteed maternity or paternity leave. I really wonder if support like paid leave and universal childcare existed whether divorce rates among parents of kids ages zero to five would go down.

I keep seeing this conversation about a loneliness epidemic and it shows up for birthing families, too. People are isolated. On a good day, you might be able to hold it all together, but nobody can get sick, nobody can lose a job, nobody can have a hard month financially. There’s no backup.

You can’t even really give birth without thinking, Do I have time off? Do I have savings? Do I have support? It’s heavy.

So, I think the village has to start with us finding each other again. It’s generational knowledge, people who’ve given birth telling you, be ready.

You need community. And if you don’t have family, you have to build it. There are organizations, spaces, and people where you can find your village.

Looking back, I don’t think I had my village set up. I thought I had friends, but I didn’t know how to call on them. I didn’t know how to ask for help, and it created so much unnecessary stress.

I also think proximity education is so interesting. I don’t hear people talking about it. We’re taught to go to the college with the specialty you want, and then you go work, but no one talks about what you give up when you move away from your friends and family.

It’s easy when there are no kids in the picture. But once you’re giving birth — especially if you have complications — everything has to go right, or things can become really hard really fast.

It can become life-threatening very quickly. And it can threaten the life of the baby, too, especially when we’re talking about preterm birth.

In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month (November), we spoke with Jessica Wade, Founding Director, Care Consultant, and Sound Therapist of Mighty Little Giants (MLG), to talk about what it truly takes to support birthing families — before, during, and after birth. Mighty Little Giants (MLG) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates through providing support, education, and hope for Black mothers/birthing persons and fathers experiencing preterm deliveries resulting in long-term stays in hospital NICUs. MLG’s mission is to stand in the gap with and for Black families with babies in the NICU by embracing MLG’s core values: Integrity, Compassion, and Encouragement.

Can you share the origin story of Mighty Little Giants and how your personal journey shaped it?

Mighty Little Giants (MLG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by myself [Jessica Wade] from my hospital bedrest stay of 58 days and my son's 143 day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Out of my lived experience of not being heard and losing everything came our mission: to stand in the gap for families with babies in the NICU by providing compassionate support, advocacy, and a path toward healing. MLG exists to uplift mothers, fathers, and caregivers facing preterm birth and extended NICU stays, with a special focus on engaging families as whole units in the healing process.

What are some of the biggest emotional challenges families face in the NICU?

Some of the greatest emotional challenges for NICU families stem from having to navigate complex systems of care, not only for their hospitalized baby but also for themselves. Parents are often trying to heal mentally and emotionally from a potentially traumatic birthing experience with unexpected outcomes, all while managing the financial demands of their household. Many also face separation anxiety if they have other children at home and must balance postpartum recovery with the immense responsibility of making lifesaving decisions for their child fighting for survival in the NICU or NICCU. The weight of these overlapping challenges takes a profound toll on their emotional well-being.

How does your team support parents during long-term NICU stays?

At Mighty Little Giants we support our families in multiple ways. Our current programs include:

• In Hospital Support Groups [Crafts & Conversations]
• NICU Support Group Chat [Peer-to-Peer Support]
• MLG Literacy Corner [Advancing Early Childhood Education]
• NICU Essential Selfcare Kits that can be ordered online
• Educational Webinars [ Through MLG Academy] 

What role can extended family, friends, or community play in supporting parents of premature babies?

Some of the most important things that family can do to support are:

• Be Present and hold space for the families without assumption, judgement or a million questions!
• Ask how THEY are doing. I’ve noticed that families always ask how the child is doing, not realizing that the parents are carrying a lot of weight.
  
  
• Instead of saying "let me/us know what you need”, let them know what you will do for them. “We will be hosting a meal train, I can help with picking up the other kids from school, I can have a housekeeper come by on Friday, etc. Most of the time NICU families need more than they can explain, taking the weight off their shoulders of thinking about their needs would be helpful.
  
  

Prematurity can feel isolating. What does it look like when “the village shows up” well?

When your village shows up well you can truly get REST, at times uninterrupted REST! My mother and mother-in-law would come and sit with our son when he was in the NICU so that I could take a nap in our room at the Ronald McDonald house and that meant more to me than I could even explain!

I had anxiety leaving the NICU/NICCU, so they knew I wasn’t getting rest. They didn’t ask, they just showed up and took turns, I really appreciated them for that.

Mighty Little Giants (MLG) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates through providing support, education, and hope for Black mothers/birthing persons and fathers experiencing preterm deliveries resulting in long-term stays in hospital NICUs. MLG’s mission is to stand in the gap with and for Black families with babies in the NICU by embracing MLG’s core values: Integrity, Compassion, and Encouragement. Within its  mission, one of its main goals is to empower the prenatal moms/birthing people that the organization supports (that are on bedrest) with the tools they need to advocate for a joyous birthing experience. For families who have babies in the NICU, MLG strives to provide them with peace, education, compassion, and support in the midst of their storm.

A member of the Antelope Valley AAIMM Community Action Team, MLG believes that it’s important to uplift black women into positions of power and let their voices be heard loud and clear in an effort to end racial disparities. Therefore, MLG strives to highlight the work of Black women by participating in Black female-lead events, sponsorships, fundraisers, and promotions. Jessica Wade, founder of MLG, is a Black woman and has ensured that the organization also has Black women on its Board of Directors. MLG believes that this is an integral part of the work and enables the organization to better empathize with the families it serves. 

“There are so many racial disparities and lack of education and advocacy when it comes to preterm Black babies as well as Black babies and families in the NICU. There are many support programs for preterm births and NICU support groups, but not too many meet the needs of black families,” stated Wade. “I have yet to come across a Black woman lead organization that provides wrap-around support for Black mothers on bedrest as well as support while navigating the NICU with the countless stressors that occur inside and outside of the hospital.”

MLG’s mission of supporting the physical and mental well-being of Black women/birthing persons, fathers, partners, and families before, during, or after birth by providing respite care; fostering a positive sense of self, and increasing access to healthy and joyous births aligns with the mission of AAIMM. The foundation of MLG’s support for Black moms is built on Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. In order to bring mothers peace during this stressful time, MLG focuses on the overall health and well-being of the birthing person. MLG is committed to ensuring that all of the needs of the mothers they support are met and they have the confidence needed to stand in the gap for their birthing story as well as their child. 

MLG now provides doula support, lactation education and so much more! If you’re an expecting mom on bedrest, or a new mom/birthing person in the NICU, when you are supported, educated, empowered and receive compassion from someone who looks like you, that automatically provides a joyous and healthy birthing experience and a sense of security.

"I empower families with practical skills and resources that ensure safety, nourishment and confidence as they welcome new life.”

– Kimberly Evans, AAIMM Doula

" I am grateful to extend my nurturing arms around my community and pray that someone pays it forward.”

– Taylor Campbell, AAIMM Doula

"My mission is to empower individuals to embrace their birth experiences with love, dignity, and autonomy.”

– Yadira Covarrubias, CFCI AAIMM Doula

"I am committed to honoring myself, serving the community, and being a proud Black woman!”

– Ellen Ashley Branch, AAIMM Doula

Pregnancy should be a time filled with anticipation and joy, but for many women, it can also be a time of intense stress, uncertainty, and hardship. African American women especially face significant risks during their pregnancy journey, so a village of support is even more crucial to ensure a safe and healthy birthing process. For Breanna Gomez, the Abundant Birth Project (ABP) became a lifeline during one of the most challenging chapters of her life.

Before joining the program, she was facing financial instability, emotional exhaustion, and the heavy burden of navigating pregnancy while recovering from domestic violence. Like many women, Breanna was left without paid leave from her job and overwhelmed by how she would afford even the basics while preparing for her baby. She described being mentally drained and in urgent need of a safe path forward. The immense stress she was under "affected [her] mental health and made it hard to really enjoy the experience of becoming a mother."

That's where the Abundant Birth Project stepped in.

Becoming a parent for the first time can be both a joyful and overwhelming experience. For Latanza Price-McGee’s family, The Abundant Birth Project (ABP) has been more than just a program—it has been a lifeline of support, guidance, and empowerment during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Through monthly check-ins, community-building activities, educational resources, and emotional guidance, ABP has offered Latanza and her husband a strong foundation as they welcomed their baby girl. The sense of belonging and support they found through their dedicated Abundance Coach helped them define their approach to parenting while also giving them space to grow into their roles with grace and confidence.

“The Abundant Birth Project has provided a fantastic platform for us to gain knowledge while I was pregnant, preparing us to happily embrace both the joys and the challenges of being new parents,” shared Latanza.

A cornerstone of this support has been the monthly stipend, which has made a tangible difference in managing household expenses and newborn necessities. This financial relief has reduced stress and allowed the family to focus on nurturing their daughter with greater peace of mind.

Q&A with Davion Mauldin, Coordinator of AAIMM Fatherhood Programs and father of DeAsia, age 16.

AAIMM: Tell us about your experience as a father and your journey with Black maternal health.

DAVION:  My journey was one of tremendous family support. We were 19 years old and were fortunate enough to have guidance from the women in our families. My personal journey was very nerve-wracking and anxiety-filled, not knowing how to help, how to support, or how to prepare. I was still in school and feeling overwhelmed and excited at the same time. I never doubted myself as a person, but the thought of caring for another person was scary without any male input or help.

AAIMM: How should fathers support Black maternal health?

DAVION: The role of fathers is very impactful for the entire family. I also see the need for guidance, help, and education. I hear the desire from fathers wanting to support their partners, and I hear the fear of possibly failing. I hear the request for help and for services. It all comes down to new fathers wanting to be great in their role, and it takes a community to help prepare fathers and/or empower them to realize they are more prepared than they think.

AAIMM: As a Black father, what challenges did you face when navigating the healthcare system during your partner's pregnancy and childbirth experience?

DAVION: My challenges came from not understanding the impact I had during pregnancy. I did not know I could speak up to support her. I did not know I should be a part of the process in the healthcare system. I did not know how to advocate. My lack of understanding caused me to be more withdrawn in these settings when I should have been assertive. When I was not directly acknowledged, it did not feel wrong or uncomfortable, it felt like that’s how it was supposed to be.

AAIMM:  Did you witness or experience any instances of racism or bias while supporting your partner? How did it impact your experience as a father?

DAVION: I experienced bias after my daughter was born and I would take her to medical appointments by myself – microaggressions about why I was with her and not her mom, and comments about if I knew how to care for a little girl.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA – In honor of National Public Health Week (April 7–13), the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) hosted two impactful town halls spotlighting the critical role of midwifery in improving perinatal health outcomes for Black families in Los Angeles County. 

Held on April 8 and April 11, 2025, in partnership with Kindred Space LA, Charles Drew University’s Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence, Black Women for Wellness, and the California Black Women’s Health Project, these events brought together public health leaders, midwifery professionals, birth equity advocates, and community members for dynamic discussions on the state of midwifery care.

“Midwifery care is preventative care. The pregnant person is healthier because they have access to information and support,” said panelist Allegra Hill, LM, CPM, IBCLC, Co-Founder of Kindred Space LA. “Support and education have a positive outcome on the birth and postpartum experience and the health of the family moving forward.”

A Doula from AAIMM Can Provide Helpful Prenatal Care, Support at Delivery, and Breastfeeding Education

From prenatal visits and support during labor to help with newborn feeding, doulas play a vital role in Black maternal health. Doula support may reduce medical interventions (including C-sections), improve mood and satisfaction with the birth experience, and increase breastfeeding success. 

Black Maternal Health Week 2025: Healing Legacies, Strengthening Futures

Join us in observing Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) from April 11-17, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting advocacy, and amplifying the voices of Black birthing persons and families. This year’s theme, “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy,” calls for urgent action to dismantle systemic barriers while honoring the resilient, community-driven efforts that continue to create hope and drive transformative change.

Black Maternal Health Week was founded and is led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), an organization at the forefront of advocating for Black maternal health. Through their leadership, Black Maternal Health Week provides a powerful platform to raise awareness, spark conversations, and advocate for the elimination of maternal health disparities affecting Black birthing persons.

Black birthing persons in the United States continue to experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Black Maternal Health Week  is a critical opportunity to reflect on the legacies of these inequities, challenge the systems that perpetuate them, and build a collective vision of change. Through advocacy, solidarity, and education, we can work together to create a future where Black families not only survive but thrive.

At the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), we are committed to advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for Black birthing persons. We elevate the voices and lived experiences of the Black community, and partner with Black-led organizations—like BMMA—that are leading the charge for change.

• Black Maternal Health Week is not just a time to raise awareness—it is an opportunity to come together and make meaningful change. You’re invited to participate in this critical week in numerous ways:  events hosted by AAIMM and our network of partners. These events will center the voices of Black birthing persons, highlight key policy demands, and provide platforms for education and empowerment.

• Advocate for Change: BMHW is the perfect opportunity to advocate for policy changes that ensure access to maternal healthcare for all. Learn how you can support policies that address the inequities in Black maternal health and advocate for reforms at local, state, and national levels.
• Spread Awareness: Amplify the voices and stories of Black birthing persons on your social media platforms. Share key messages, tag @blackinfantsandfamiliesla on Instagram, and use the hashtags #BMHW25 and #BlackMaternalHealthWeek to help raise awareness.

Check back for event updates, resources, and more during Black Maternal Health Week. Share this page with your community and help spread the word. Let’s work together to dismantle the barriers to Black maternal health and ensure a future where everyone thrives.. Follow us on Instagram @blackinfantsandfamiliesla for updates.

2025 BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AAIMM CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEE BELOW FOR EVENT DETAILS:

APRIL 11

BW4W Present: BLACK JOY GUIDE - A GUIDE FOR MAMAS IN LA. LAUNCH EVENT!

TIME ⏰: 1pm - 4pm
LOCATION 📍: Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, Conference Center, 782 W. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90008
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Black Women for Wellness, Kaiser Permanente, CA Abundant Birth Project 

RSVP HERE

APRIL 12

Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness - 3rd Annual 5K Walk

TIME ⏰: 8AM - 12PM
LOCATION 📍: BIRTH EQUITY CONSORTIUM DOULA HUB 5838 OVERHILL DR. #3 L.A. C.A. 90043
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: IRTH, CALIFORNIA BLACK WOMEN'S HEALTH PROJECT

RSVP HERE

SLASB AAIMM CAT - 4th Annual Community Baby Shower 

TIME ⏰: 11am – 2pm
LOCATION 📍: Charles Drew University, 1731 E. 120th St. LA, CA 90059
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: South LA South Bay AAIMM CAT, LA DMH, DPH, Planned Parenthood, Maternal Mental Health Now, IRTH, Black Women for Wellness, Cinnamoms, CA Abundant Birth Project, CDU Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence

RSVP HERE

Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT - BMHW Brunch Celebration!

TIME ⏰: 11AM - 2PM
LOCATION 📍: Pinstripes, 21851 Victory Blvd. Suite 1250, Woodland Hills
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT, Black Moms In The Valley, MAMA’S Neighborhood

RSVP HERE

APRIL 14

THE JOURNEY OF MOTHERHOOD: A Celebration of Black Maternal Health Week Black Maternal Health Sister Circle

TIME ⏰: 5PM - 7PM
LOCATION 📍: 4117 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: SLASB AAIMM CAT, CA Black Womens Health Project, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Culver City Alumnae Chapter  

ENROLL HERE

APRIL 15

Black Women for Wellness – 2nd Annual Black Mamas Birthing Tour

TIME ⏰: 9am – 5pm
LOCATIONS 📍: PROVIDENCE LITTLE COMPANY OF MARY TORRANCE, KAISER PERMANENTE SOUTH BAY, MLK JR. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, KINDRED SPACE LA
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Black Women for Wellness, Packard Foundation, IRTH, Cedars Sinai

REGISTRATION US REQUIRED

RSVP HERE

Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley Doula-led Hike

TIME ⏰: 10AM- 12PM
LOCATION 📍: PLACERITA CANYON NATURAL AREA - 19152 PLACERITA CANYON RD NEWHALL, CA
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT, MAMA’s Neighborhood, Luna and Sol

RSVP HERE

APRIL 17

SCSFV AAIMM CAT - Workout and Hike

TIME ⏰: 10AM - 12 PM
LOCATION 📍: LAKE BALBOA - San Fernando Valley (6300 BALBOA BLVD, LAKE BALBOA, CA 91406)
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT,  Essence Health & UROGYNECOLOGY, MAMA’s Neighborhood, Sprinkles of Sage

RSVP HERE

Doulas Increase Breastfeeding Success and Help Reduce Medical Interventions, including C-Sections

To celebrate World Doula Week, March 22-28, we honor the dedicated professional Doulas in our community.

The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is excited to announce the release of a request for proposals for a newly identified AAIMM Coalition Strengthening Partner (CSP). The AAIMM Management Team and Steering Committee have recognized the need for the initiative to evolve into a more sustainable and equitable collaboration that reflects stakeholder diversity. To embody its guiding principles, the structure of the Management Team will be enhanced. 

This RFP invites proposals from organizations interested in becoming the AAIMM CSP, which will join the Department of Public Health and First 5 LA on the Management Team. The CSP will act as a strategic convenor and administrator to improve operational effectiveness and enhance the initiative’s collective impact.

This is a grant-funded opportunity with two phases of work, subject to available funding. The selected CSP will receive $350,000 over 12 months for Phase 1. Phase 1 may be extended based on external factors impacting its scope. Continuation to Phase 2 will depend on performance and funding availability. 

Interested applicants should carefully review the RFP LINKED HERE - Proposals are due Wednesday, May 21st, at 3 p.m. PT

A Love Letter to the Black Community

Dear Beloved Community,

As Black History Month closes, I want to take a moment to honor you, the heart and soul of our collective efforts and brilliance. This month, and every day, we stand in awe of the strength, wisdom, and determination that runs through our veins. Our rich history of Black culture, of scholars, of leaders, of change-makers, is not just a foundation—it is the very fuel that propels us forward.

This year, as we face ongoing challenges, particularly in the realm of Black maternal health, we are reminded of the powerful legacy that has paved the way for us.

From the countless ancestors who fought for our freedom, like Bridget “Biddy” Mason, midwife, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, to the tireless leaders who continue to advocate for justice,we are the living embodiment of their dreams and sacrifices. We carry their spirit and vision forward, ensuring that the next generation of Black mothers/birthing persons and their families are supported, protected, and uplifted.

While the world around us may sometimes feel heavy, and our communities continue to endure political obstacles, I want to remind you of the importance of rest, rejuvenation, and mental well-being. Your tireless work in your families, your communities, and your professions does not go unnoticed. But it is also essential to honor your need for care. Prioritize yourself, take time to recharge, and remember that you are not alone. 

This month, take time. Whether that’s time to reflect, moments to rest, or focus on taking action. Take time. Take that time, those moments, close your eyes and take a breath for all of it.  Our lineage spans centuries, and the work we are doing today is creating a legacy that will be honored by those who come after us.

We, at AAIMM, are here for you—not just to offer support and resources, but to stand with you. We are here to listen, learn, and understand how to best support you as our community members and partners in improving our holistic health together. At AAIMM, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Black families and birthing persons. Whether you are a new mother, an expectant father, a community member, or a dedicated advocate, we are here to provide the resources, the knowledge, and the community you need.

As we celebrate our culture and history this month, we also honor the present and future we are building together. If you tuned into the Super Bowl, perhaps you enjoyed the halftime show, where Compton, California native Kendrick Lamar, with the help of actor Samuel L. Jackson, shared powerful messages about the injustices Black people continue to face. You might have also celebrated Jalen Hurts’ first Super Bowl win as the quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles, learned that Autumn Lockwood became the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl, or stood with pride watching the Nike ad celebrating powerful athletic women and people, with a strong message for all of us—'You Can’t Win, SO WIN.' Each of these moments served as a reminder to me that we are not just descendants of leaders; we are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Within each of us lies the power of those who stood for justice, the wisdom of those who made history, and the courage of those who stand tall in the face of adversity. 

Thank you for your continued determination, joy, and for the light you bring into the world. You are the heart of our movement, and together, we will continue to build a future that honors and uplifts every Black mother/birthing person and our community.

With gratitude, love, respect, and solidarity,

Adjoa Jones
Birth Equity Unit Chief/Director, African American Infant/Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) 

Maternal Child, Adolescent and Health Division
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

During Black History Month, Abundant Birth Project took part in the City of Inglewood’s Black History Celebration Family Festival, a day of culture, music, food and community honoring Black history and excellence.  AAIMM also took part in the Pan African Film & Arts Festival to present a special screening of The Ebony Canal, a documentary short about Black infant mortality narrated by Viola Davis. Additionally, the AV AAIMM CAT hosted a free community event at the Lancaster Community Center focused on supporting Black mothers and babies.

In response to the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, AAIMM released an online resource guide to help our Village come together to provide support and make space for those in need.  Find resources here. 

Additionally, Sugar Heal is organizing free health services for pregnant and postpartum moms impacted by the recent wildfires. Visit sugarheal.com for information and to sign up.

Want to Provide Backbone Support to AAIMM?

AAIMM has issued a Request for Proposal for Backbone Support for the South LA/South Bay Community Action Team. Submissions are due March 3. The selected organization will provide administrative, operational, and logistical support working with the SLASB AAIMM CAT Leadership, Planning Team and all CAT members to collectively advance goals and objectives.

Interested organizations should review the RFP here.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones as a result of the fires. Sadly we have several LA County cities, communities, and most importantly thousands of individuals who have been impacted by these fires through loss of property---family homes, businesses, schools and so much more. 

Our Village must come together to provide support and resources and make space for those in need. It will certainly take some time for Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and other impacted areas of Los Angeles county to recover but we will work together to help families to find safe spaces, healing, and comfort.

Please see below for available resources:

South Los Angeles South Bay Community Action Team - LA COUNTY Wildfires Resource Guide 
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL GUIDE 

LA COUNTY WILDFIRE GUIDE 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

As shared by Congresswoman Kamlager Dove

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

• Sign up for the City of LA's emergency alert system, NotifyLA, here.
• Sign up for Alert LA County emergency alerts here.
• Sign up for the City of Culver City Emergency Alert Program here.
• Additional local emergency alert systems for other municipalities in LA County can be found here.

Federal Resources

Through FEMA, fire management assistance is available to state, local, tribal and territorial governments. This assistance helps with mitigation, management, and control of fires. For more information visit here or call 1-800-621-FEMA.

LA County Resources

The Los Angeles County Emergency Incident Response website has been activated. This website provides a mapping tool and lists real-time evacuation, shelter, and other information/resources related to the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst wildfires.

City of LA Resources

The City of LA has compiled a comprehensive list of resources as part of its emergency preparedness and response efforts. You can view those resources here. 
 
Water and Power Outages

If you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer in Ladera Heights, View Park-Windsor Hills, or another impacted area without power, visit this link to report an outage or call 800-611-1911. SCE is on-site working to restore power. You can view current SCE outages here.
 
Department of Water & Power customers can report power outages here or call 800-342-5397. Current water outages can be viewed here and current power outages can be viewed here.
 
Additionally, LADWP is urging customers to conserve water during the firefighting efforts and to boil water intended for consumption due to potential contamination from ash in the system.

LAUSD Impacts

For a list of all school closures and or relocations, please click here. Affected schools are directly communicating with families. For updates, visit lausd.org. A Family Hotline is available at 213-443-1300.

Follow Los Angeles County Public Safety Partners on Social Media

• Office of Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter): @ReadyLACounty
• LA County Fire on X: @LACoFDPIO
• LA County Sheriff on X: @LASDHQ
• LA County on X: @CountyofLA

Follow the City of LA's Public Safety Partners on Social Media

• The City of Los Angeles on X: @LACity
• Mayor Karen Bass on X: @MayorOfLA
• LA City Emergency Management Department on X: @ReadyLA
• Los Angeles Fire Department on X: @LAFD
• LA City Emergency Alerts on X: @NotifyLA

Airbnb Support for Those Affected by Wildfires

Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. 

Important Details:

• A limited number of credits are available for Airbnb stays.
• Complete the form below to receive notifications on availability.
• Evacuation zones will be verified before distributing credits.
• Spaces are limited, and completing the form does not guarantee a stay.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must have been displaced from your physical home due to the recent fires.
• You must currently reside in an evacuation zone.
• You must have an active Airbnb account or be able to create one.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.

Those eligible can apply for this free temporary housing here.

Additional Resources

• Safe Clean-Up After a Fire
• Mental Health and Stress after an Emergency
• Air Quality Monitoring

ASSISTANCE FOR DPH STAFF

A Love Letter to the Black Community 

Open Competitive Job Opportunity - We welcome applications from anyone.

FIRST DATE OF FILING:

Applications will be accepted on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PT) to 4:59 p.m. (PT).

Applications received after 4:59 p.m. (PT) will not be considered.

No Out-of-Class Experience will be accepted.

DEFINITION:

Supervises a team of analysts providing technical and consultative service to management in major health service areas.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:

Positions allocable to this class are restricted to Department of Health Services administration and are distinguished by

their responsibility for supervising professional employees in the research, analysis, and preparation of recommendationsregarding the use and deployment of resources and the implementation and improvement of operations and programs

having department-wide impact.

Essential Job Functions:

- Plans, organizes, assigns, and coordinates the work of a staff of analysts serving as technical experts and consultants to management in major health service areas.

- Has immediate responsibility for the orientation, training, development, and evaluation of employees supervised.

- Reviews work for thoroughness, soundness of recommendations, and compliance with applicable standards, policies, procedures and regulations.

- Confers with administrators and with representatives of other jurisdictions and agencies to discuss new and ongoing programs and to exchange information.

- Supervises and participates in studies of complex and difficult problem areas.

- Supervises and participates in the implementation of recommended procedures and programs.

Senior Staff Analyst, Health