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Brittany Lock published LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIMS APRILL 11-17 AS BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AND APRIL 16 AS THE DAY OF THE BLACK INFANT in News 2021-03-23 18:07:14 -0700
LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIMS APRILL 11-17 AS BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AND APRIL 16 AS THE DAY OF THE BLACK INFANT
LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIMS APRIL 11-17 AS BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AND APRIL 16 AS THE DAY OF THE BLACK INFANT
Motion aims to bring attention to birth justice and the importance of reducing the Black maternal and infant mortality rates in Los Angeles
(Los Angeles County, CA) Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion recognizing April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week. The motion, brought forward by LA County District 2 Supervisor, Holly Mitchell, is a win for the county’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), its Steering Committee and Community Action Teams. Launched in late 2018, AAIMM is a coalition of the LA County Alliance for Health Integration (Departments of Mental Health, Public Health, and Health Services), First 5 LA, community organizations, mental and health care providers, funders, and community members.
The AAIMM Initiative mission is to end the unacceptably high rates of Black infant and maternal deaths in Los Angeles County and ensure access to healthy and joyous births for Black families. AAIMM approaches its work by recognizing racism as a root cause of birth inequities faced by the Black community. Black Maternal Health Week was introduced and led nationally by Black Mamas Matter Alliance four years ago and brought to Los Angeles by Black Women for Wellness.
The motion’s text reads:
“Black Maternal Health Week” (April 11-17, 2021) was established four years ago as a national, weeklong amplification of Black voices regarding the maternal health care crisis in the Black community. Locally, the week is celebrated by bringing attention to reproductive and birth justice and the importance of reducing the rate of Black maternal mortality in Los Angeles County(County). In the County, Black women die due to perinatal complications at four times the rate of White women and Black infants die before their first birthday at more than three times the rate of White infants. High mortality rates among Black women and Black infants span across income and education levels, as well as geography, and place a glaring spotlight on the intersection of historical and structural racism, gender oppression, and inequities in the social determinants of health that contribute to disproportionate stress on Black women/birthing people and result in unequal health outcomes that harm both them and their babies.
The Departments of Public Health and Health Services, alongside First 5 LA, launched the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative to address birth outcome inequities. The response to this crisis requires stakeholders of all kinds, with Black women in leadership roles, coming together to advance change, practice anti-racism, and ensure access to high quality, comprehensive, culturally relevant reproductive and maternal health care.”
By unanimous decision, the Board agreed to “Proclaim the week of April 11-17, 2021 as ’Black Maternal Health Week’ and within that week, April 16, 2021 ‘The Day of the Black Infant’ in Los Angeles County.”
The AAIMM Prevention Initiative and collaborative partners will be hosting a series of virtual events, celebrations, and social media efforts to create awareness about the unjustly high rates of Black infant and maternal deaths in the county, the roles everyone can play to combat discriminatory systems, as well as resources to support Black families so that they can have access to healthy and joyous births. Information will be shared through the initiative’s website (www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org) and social media channels (@blackinfantsandfamiliesla).
Click here to access the press release.
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Brittany Lock published Genesis of Cherished Futures: Health Inequities - Part 1 in News 2021-03-22 09:29:06 -0700
Genesis of Cherished Futures: Health Inequities - Part 1
Racism in the United States is bad for your health. This is especially true for Black people, who for centuries have endured the harmful effects of racist systems.
College degrees and higher earnings are usually associated with lower incidences of preventable disease. But that’s often not true in communities of color, especially for those who are Black. They continue to experience the most disproportionately negative health outcomes across the board.
Five hospitals across Los Angeles County, along with guidance from Black women community leaders and the support of several health care partners, are working to change that.
Compared to their white counterparts, Black babies across the country are twice as likely to die in their first year – in Los Angeles, they are three times more likely. Black moms, women, and birthing people are three times more likely than white people to die from pregnancy-related causes. Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read the full article here!
Acknowledgment: In the wake of a centuries-long struggle to thrive and following an especially poignant 2020, many Black people want to be heard. Not through the raw emotion of their most appalling experiences but from their voices of wisdom. The fact that the Black community is still being defined by racial inequities and health disparities is a testament to the work that lies ahead. Yet there is a light that shows the way forward – the healing power Black women, mothers, and birthing people bring to their communities.
The phrase “Black women, mothers, and birthing people” is used throughout this 3-part series to recognize people who identify as non-binary, honor surrogates, and pay respect to those who have lost a child.
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Brittany Lock published SLA/SB AAIMM February VirtualiTEA: Diet & Heart Health (Recapping the Event!) in News 2021-03-17 16:24:53 -0700
SLA/SB AAIMM February VirtualiTEA: Diet & Heart Health (Recapping the Event!)
On Friday, February 19, a free VirtualiTEA: Diet & Heart Health event organized by the South LA/South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team brought together a group of over 40 public health and birth workers and new and expectant parents to discuss the importance of holistic health for Black women during all phases of pregnancy and post-birth, from preconception to the postnatal period (one year after baby’s birth). The live Zoom featured presentations by speakers Nurse Jacqueline Williams, founder of Women’s Global Health Promotion and CEO of Aspire Nursing Consultants, Inc., and Keisha Davis, Doula/Midwife Associate.
Nurse Williams kicked off the event by emphasizing the importance of heart health during pregnancy, noting the strain that pregnancy can cause on the heart. Pre-postpartum care is critical, Nurse Jackie shared, mentioning that some rare forms of heart failure, Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) specifically, can occur after pregnancy.
She also urged the importance of advocating for oneself during pregnancy. “If that doctor is not listening to you, you may want to find another doctor who will listen,” Nurse Williams said, reminding the women, “I deserve to be listened to. This is for the benefit of my baby and my health.”
Davis spoke about nutrition and prioritizing it as part of one’s lifestyle even before conception. “Everyone should be preparing,” she said. “Preconception is vital. Placenta is what sustains pregnancy and provides nutrition and oxygenation for the fetus. Preparing your womb is important and we do that by making sure you are healthy.”
Moments into her presentation, Davis was interrupted by a text from a mom in labor and the chat blew up:
“Awww! Come on, brand new human!!!” Commented one attendee.
“Yes!!! Babies come on their own time. Our work in action--love this!” Exclaimed another.
Without skipping a beat, Davis returned her attention to the event once she knew that the mom was safely on her way home from the hospital. She continued by noting that, “nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all,” and that following an individualized nutrition plan from preconception throughout pregnancy—including healthy snacks to maintain energy during labor—should be an important part of one’s overall wellness strategy.
“Make sure your womb is healthy,” cautioned Davis. “You want to be sure you’re aligning everything. It’s not just about eating healthy. You want to prepare your body for this new life force.”
Throughout the event, the chat area was lively and supportive, with tips shared on everything from how to add trace minerals to water, vegan recipes, eating for one’s blood type, and the superfood du jour: sea moss. “This sea moss has taken over the chat!” Laughed moderator Payshia Edwards, AAIMM Community Outreach and Engagement Workgroup Co-Chair. Black-owned Nappily Naturals & Apothecary, a health and beauty shop in South Los Angeles, received a lot of love and a group of ladies even planned an excursion to Leimert Park to stock up on nutritional supplies.
Closing out the event, Adjoa Jones, Co-Lead South L.A./South Bay AAIMM Community Action Team, continued the good vibes and community spirit by leading the group of attendees in the recitation of uplifting affirmations:
- I embrace the greatness within me.
- I accept responsibility for my own happiness and development.
- I am building a supportive network that encourages and motivates me.
- I am proud of my culture, upbringing and experiences that made me who I am today.
- I am a strong Black woman, man, or person who deserves all the good things that are coming my way.
“This was so informative. Thank you!” Commented attendee Summer McBride.
In case you missed it, February’s VirtualiTEA: Diet & Heart Health is available for streaming on @blackinfantsandfamilies Facebook’s page at https://bit.ly/3dC8hYf.
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Brittany Lock published Celebrating Black Families: Persevering Through...And the Beat Goes On (Reliving the Event) in News 2021-03-17 16:17:33 -0700
Celebrating Black Families: Persevering Through...And the Beat Goes On (Reliving the Event)
“Without healthy Black babies and healthy Black mothers, we can’t have a healthy culture,” commented Rayshell Chambers, COO of Painted Brain, as the Celebrating Black Families: Persevering Through...And the Beat Goes On event kicked off on Friday, February 19. Presented by The San Gabriel Valley African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team and The Black Mental Health Task Force, the virtual celebration of Black History Month was all about that very thing: creating (and sustaining) a healthy Black culture.
The event’s central theme, perseverance, was illustrated through the idea of healing from historical trauma collectively as well as creating opportunities to thrive, specifically by creating a sense of real community punctuated by ancestral beats and rhythms. This began with sharing a video on the history of stepping and segued into interactive demonstrations and a panel of members of the Divine Nine (D9).
Throughout, the audience participated with lots of various emoji reactions and a lively, talkative comments section. Solidarity among sorors and frat brothers was shown in the chat as attendees shouted out their allegiances, “Phi Beta Sigma sends greetings to all,” commented one attendee. The event also had two raffles giving away $25 gift cards to various stores (Target, Amazon, to name a few) to people who registered before 3pm on the day of the event.
The “Divine 9,” as the group of nine collective Black Greek fraternities and sororities is known, was originally formed as a way to empower Black college students as they carved their paths in the world, thereby forging opportunities for the Black community as a whole. “We want to make sure that we have a seat at the table,” said panelist Mosi Odom, Zeta Phi Beta, noting that the Black Greeks were there for every pivotal moment in Civil Rights history.
“We’re not just some social club,” said Dr. Corliss P. Bennett, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., speaking to the Divine Nine’s commitment to community service work.
The panel shared programs that the Divine Nine has participated in, including volunteership, fundraising, and donating to other organizations, like The March of Dimes. They also have youth organizations for children. “When you see (the) community, you see us at the front lines,” said Mosi Odom.
“To strengthen the family we must build a foundation again,” said Ken Barrow, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Barrow spoke about the way that the Divine Nine builds a sense of community, takes care of each other, and creates strong relationships. He tied in the importance of perseverance in maintaining those relationships—particularly as they relate to family. “With perseverance, you do something despite it being difficult,” Barrow said.
Next up was a live step show from Wayne Lyons, CEO of Empire for the Youth, and Gwendolyn Bush. Lyons began by quoting James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son. Then, with energetic enthusiasm, jumped in the background while Bush spoke, welcoming the audience to Greek life.
“We work hard, we provide service to all mankind, we provide scholarships, and we set it off!” exclaimed Bush.
The performance set a joyous tone for the rest of the event, as it segued into a demonstration of the Chicago step by Terrance Jones. “It’s a dance form that can adapt to any style of music,” Jones said as he briefly broke down the history of Chicago Step and shared a video about the benefits of stepping.
“Stepping is beautiful,” commented attendee Raena Gransberry as the video played. “Couples gliding and dressed sharp.” Indeed, Jones noted, similar to the formation of Black Greek life, stepping was created as yet another way for Black folks to form a sense of community around a cultural touchstone. And from community, relationships form, families are made.
“This has brought families together,” Jones said. “It was our way to make memories by touching each other.”
Jones got everyone out of their (virtual) chairs to join in some moves. As he pushed his camera back, he revealed blue tape laid down to demonstrate, “dancing in the lane.”
“What a great mental health invention, both in the Black Greek system as well as for anyone else; the movement, the human connection, the solidarity…this can do so much (for) someone struggling but not yet able or willing to connect with more formal services,” commented Melinda Keily, BSN, RN, IBCLC.
The interactive segments continued with a drumming session and demonstration by Cedric Jones of Music Tree. Drumming on a Djembe, Jones gave mini lessons about the African roots of Cumbia, Kuku and Fanga rhythms, encouraging the audience to play along. After his presentation, Jones played the event out as a spoken word presentation expounded on the meaning of perseverance.
To learn more about upcoming free virtual events, visit blackinfantsandfamilies.org.
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Brittany Lock published JOIN THE MOVEMENT: LA County Public Health is seeking a Fatherhood Consultant in News 2021-02-18 12:45:36 -0800
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: LA County Public Health is seeking a Fatherhood Consultant
LA County Public Health is seeking a Fatherhood Consultant to support Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) funded fatherhood programming.
Fatherhood was an area of funding focus identified by the LA County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative Collaborative Partners across its Steering Committee and Antelope Valley and South LA/South Bay Community Action Teams (CATs).
The Fatherhood Consultant will:- coordinate virtual or in-person technical assistance to stakeholder agencies and organizations to become father-friendly
- develop and facilitate culturally congruent/specific father-centered, perinatal focused curriculum and programming.
- be responsible for conducting a range of tasks related to the effective and efficient implementation of PEI fatherhood activities with the goal of addressing racial inequality in birth outcomes.
For more information and to apply click HERE.
- coordinate virtual or in-person technical assistance to stakeholder agencies and organizations to become father-friendly
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Brittany Lock published Black History Month Events hosted by the Reproductive Healthcare for People of Color in News 2021-02-03 22:07:03 -0800
Black History Month Events hosted by the Reproductive Healthcare for People of Color
Join the RHPC for their exciting Black History Month events - all month long!Week 1 - Maternal and Infant Mortality Disparities Panel
Date: Thursday, 2/4, 2pm
Description: Please join us as we discuss maternal healthcare disparities, specifically morbidity and mortality. Experts Mashariki Kudumu and Wenonah Valentine will share their experiences in the field, what changes need to be made, and how medical students can contribute to making these changes.
Week 2 - Patient Experiences Panel
Date: Monday, 2/8, 12pm
Zoom link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/98369171034?pwd=RVY0MkZXZG5IbWNDMW9MZDlYVW1YZz09
Description: Please join us as we hear directly from patients who have experienced disparate maternal healthcare. This is an amazing opportunity to interact with patients, hear their lived experiences, and learn how we can work towards ending racism in healthcare. Our patient panelists are Heather Banks and her daughter, Jill.
Week 3 -”The Naked Truth: Death by Delivery” Documentary Discussion
Date: TBD, third week of February
Documentary link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CMkloNZQY
Description: Please join us in a discussion of the documentary “The Naked Truth: Death by Delivery”. This documentary explores maternal healthcare in two vastly different areas of the US- rural Georgia and New York City. The experiences of women living in these areas describe the current state of maternal healthcare in America, the deathly consequences these disparities have for many African American women, and steps being taken to provide equal care.
Week 4 - Conversations with Doulas
Location: RHPC’S instagram @uscrhpc, time TBD
Description: Each day during the week of February 22-26, we will be conducting interviews with Doulas via Instagram live (@uscrhpc) to educate our members about the history and importance of Doula practices, promote doula programs, and encourage faculty and students at our university to utilize this knowledge in their careers.
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Brittany Lock published 2 Black Midwives Opened A South LA Facility With The Goal Of 'Empowered' Births in News 2021-02-02 16:40:32 -0800
2 Black Midwives Opened A South LA Facility With The Goal Of 'Empowered' Births
These Black Midwives Opened A South LA Facility With The Goal Of 'Empowered' Births
Nicole Hamad's infant son Amari was born at home with the help of midwives Kimberly Durdin and Allegra Hill in November.
"There are ways that you can labor so that you're not in excruciating pain and it worked," Hamad said. "Not once during my homebirth did I say that I want an epidural. I knew that I could do this."
It's an experience Durdin and Hill hope they can bring to more people with the opening of the Kindred Space LA birthing center — a unique birthing, education, and support facility owned and operated by Black midwives.
Black babies born in L.A. County are three times more likely than white babies to die before their first birthday, and Black moms are four times more likely than white moms to die of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.
"Allegra and I haven't been comfortable just being like, 'Wow, that really sucks. All this terrible stuff is happening'," Durdin said. "We have literally pledged our lives at this moment to be a part of the solution."
Read the FULL article Here !
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Brittany Lock published January 29th is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day! in News 2021-01-30 07:52:24 -0800
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day - January 29th!
January 29th is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day:
EITC provides up to $10,000 in refunds for income-eligible families, primarily those with young dependents. This year, the California credit is now available to ITIN holders (those without a Social Security Number).
Research has shown that EITC is hugely beneficial in providing financial security to families and improves mental health and health outcomes, including reduced risk of infant mortality.
Please visit www.CalEITC4me.org for more information.
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Brittany Lock published San Gabriel Valley African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Team Charts & Data in News 2020-10-22 19:52:08 -0700
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Brittany Lock published The RICHARDSON REVIEW: The Official Newsletter for SLA/SB AAIMM CAT! in News 2020-10-22 19:51:21 -0700
The Richardson Review: The Official Newsletter for SLA/SB AAIMM CAT!
The SLA/SB AAIMM CAT Launches Inaugural issue of the Richardson Review, the Official Newsletter of the SLA/SB AAIMM CAT, presented by the Integrated Community Solutions work group!
Adjoa Jones, Associate Director Whole Person Care-LA, and a SLA/SB AAIMM CAT lead, shared the inspiration about the newsletter. "I can’t express how proud I am of our team, who worked hard to put this edition together to honor our beloved Dr. Barbarosia Richardson. Dr. Richardson, who served as one of the original ICS co-chairs and was dedicated to improving the Black infant birth outcomes." Dr. Richardson who passed earlier this year, was a tremendous inspiration and leader on the CAT, known for her insight, positivity, and brilliant out-of-the-box wisdom in the work. "With tears running down my face right now, I can say not only did she show up but she showed out, with her soft-spoken self," Jones went on to share. "Dr. Barbara Richardson, we are missing you already. On behalf of the South Los Angeles/South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Planning Team, the Integrative Holistic Approaches Workgroup and the entire AAIMM Community, we can say Dr. Barbara was truly appreciated; her work and endeavors were INVALUABLE to us."
Click Here to Read the RICHARDSON REVIEW 1st EDITION!
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Brittany Lock published Improving the Health of Black Women in California: An interview with Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of California Black Women's Health Project in News 2020-10-16 16:48:17 -0700
Improving the Health of Black Women in California: An interview with Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of California Black Women's Health Project
The California Healthcare Foundation has featured our Steering Committee Member and member of the SLASB AAIMM CAT Sonya Young Aadam:
For Black communities, the ability to stay physically and mentally healthy has long been undermined by racism, social exclusion, and economic inequality. These challenges are especially acute for Black women, who face additional layers of discrimination and exclusion based on their gender and on cultural stereotypes.
For almost three decades, the California Black Women’s Health Project, a statewide nonprofit, has dedicated itself to improving the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of the state’s 1.2 million Black women and girls through education, policy, outreach, and advocacy. It has trained hundreds of Black women through customizable Advocate Training Programs, including its Sisters Mentally Mobilized initiative, to become mental health community advocates and to launch regional mental health–focused support groups called Sister Circles.
I spoke with the project’s chief executive officer, Sonya Young Aadam, about the organization’s work, the challenges to Black women’s health in California, and ideas for eliminating inequities.
Read the entire article Here.
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Brittany Lock published Black Voices News features Dr. Tonce' Jackson, Dr. Melissa Franklin and Asaiah Harville. Speaks on AAIMM's work in the Community, BBFW, Cinnamoms & more... in News 2020-10-13 17:18:45 -0700
Black Voices News features Dr. Tonce' Jackson, Dr. Melissa Franklin and Asaiah Harville. Speaks on AAIMM's work in the Community, BBFW, Cinnamoms & more...
Black Voices News publishes an article about AAIMM's Black Breastfeeding Week!
features quotes from Dr. Tonce' Jackson, Dr. Melissa Franklin, and Asaiah Harville & speaks about our work in the community!
Please visit the link below to read the full article!
Black Voice News: Raising Awareness: Black Mothers and Breastfeeding
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Brittany Lock published PRPSN Project Return - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY in News 2020-10-13 16:51:42 -0700
PRPSN Project Return - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
PRPSN Project Return is looking for volunteers who har advocates, community leaders, and students to facilitate in person and telehealth groups as a stipend volunteer!
To be fully effective, our voices of lived experience must be joined together behind common messages and combined advocacy efforts. When you join the coalition, you will be informed of state-level and local advocacy opportunities, with tips to help you advocate effectively. You will also receive updates to keep you educated about the Mental Health Services Act, changes to Medi-Cal, and legislation that has the potential to impact you.
- You must be +18 with a passion for the community
- able to access online platforms
- willing to complete documentation & complete a livescan.
Join the Peer Voices of California A Client Advocacy Coalition - Email [email protected] or call 562.506.6784.
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AAIMM - ABORTION DOULA TRAINING (free)
ABORTION DOULA TRAINING
in collaboration with the LA County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality prevention initiative and ITS FREE!
*Applications due October 16th 11:59 p.m. PST. See attached flyer for further information.
There will be two training options.
*YOU MUST ATTEND ALL 4 PARTS*
Training Option 1
Part 1 & 2 - Monday, November 9, 2020 9am - 5 pm
Part 3 & 4 Monday, November 16, 2020 9am - 5 pm
Location: Online
Training Option 2
Part 1 - Saturday, January 9, 2021 10 am - 1 pm
Part 2 -Sunday , January 10, 2021 10 am - 1 pm
Part 3 -Saturday, January 16, 2021 10 am - 1 pm
Part 4 - Sunday , January 17, 2021 10 am - 1 pm
Location: Online
Trainings are limited to 20 people per session! So, APPLY ASAP and SPREAD THE WORD!
Please use the link below to complete the interest form:
Brittany Lock
Website/Content Manager