Los Angeles County’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative Leads Black Maternal Health Week Events Across the County to Advance Safe and Joyous Black Births

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative joins communities across the country in recognizing Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), observed April 10 through April 16, 2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” underscores the urgent need to address the ongoing Black maternal health crisis while honoring the leadership, strength, and resilience of Black mothers, birthing people, and families.

Black/African American babies in LA County are two to three times more likely to die before their first birthday than babies of other races. Black/African American women in LA County are four times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and delivery/postpartum complications than women of other races.    

Founded and led nationally by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), BMHW is an annual campaign to raise awareness, mobilize community action, and advance policies and practices that improve maternal health outcomes for Black families. In Los Angeles County, this work is led through the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), a Black-led, Black-centered coalition committed to advancing birth equity and ensuring safe, respectful, and joyous births. 

AAIMM is comprised of community-based organizations, healthcare providers, academic partners, policymakers, families, First 5 LA, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health with the goal of addressing the root causes of inequities in maternal and infant health. The initiative’s programs include Community Action Teams (CATs), prenatal support groups, community doulas, fatherhood engagement programs, the Village Fund (mini-grants) and ongoing policy and advocacy efforts — all designed to improve outcomes while addressing systemic racism that drives inequitable birth experiences. 

“The root cause of birth inequity is systemic racism, full stop,” said Dr. Melissa Franklin, Director of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “These disparities are not historical; they are happening right now. AAIMM exists because Black families deserve care that honors their lived experiences, protects their dignity, and saves lives. During Black Maternal Health Week, we are reminded that urgency and compassion must guide our collective action.” 

AAIMM’s work is data-driven and community-centered, supporting individual families while advocating for system-level change. Now in its seventh year, the initiative has expanded access to care and community-based support for Black families across Los Angeles County, including:

• 34 Expectant Fathers Group cohorts, with a new cohort of new dads every other month 
• Over 1,700 clients served through the AAIMM Doula Program, with consistently high client satisfaction
• 43 AAIMM Village Fund grants awarded to community organizations (full list of grantees)
• Annual community baby showers hosted in five regions across the county
• Multi-level collaboration across thousands of Community Action Team members
• Nearly 2,000 pregnant clients served through Charles Drew University’s Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence, providing group prenatal care and wraparound services
• A countywide Policy & Advocacy Workgroup advancing structural change
• Support for a guaranteed income pilot program for pregnant people at highest risk of adverse birth outcomes

During Black Maternal Health Week, AAIMM and its partners will host and participate in events across Los Angeles County that elevate community-driven solutions and strengthen support for Black families.

2026 Black Maternal Health Week events include:

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10AM–1PM
5th Annual Community Baby Shower + Resource Fair

MLK Behavioral Health Center - 12021 S. Wilmington Ave.,Bldg. #18, LA, CA 90059
Join the South LA/South Bay AAIMM CAT for a celebration honoring Black moms and families. Enjoy FREE baby essentials (while supplies last), connect with community-based maternal health resources, and celebrate Black Maternal Health Week with your community.

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10AM–1PM
 Black Maternal Health Week Celebration
Ohana Center - 38700 Fifth St. W., Suite D, Palmdale, CA 93551
Join Antelope Valley AAIMM in a community gathering to uplift Black mothers, birthing people, and families. Learn about local resources, connect with doulas, advocates, and birth workers, and celebrate the resilience and strength of Black birth.

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 3PM–7PM
SGV AAIMM Community Baby Shower

Second Baptist Church of Monrovia - 925 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
Celebrate and support Black women through pregnancy and postpartum. Enjoy babywearing tutorials, car seat safety demos, giveaways of essential baby items, and discussions on maternal mental health and postpartum wellness.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 10AM–12PM
Community Walk

6300 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Join a community walk to support Black maternal health. Connect with moms, learn from maternal health experts, and enjoy a morning of fresh air, conversation, and celebration. The walk will start at 6300 Balboa Blvd (first bench by the playground).

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 11AM–2PM
Rooted in Justice & Joy – Honoring Your Body

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church - 5619 Lindley Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356
 AAIMM San Fernando/Santa Clarita invite residents who are currently pregnant or have recently given birth to celebrate the pregnancy and postpartum journey with community support, expert Q&A, storytelling, and fun activities. Connect with others, share experiences, and uplift each other in a space dedicated to Black maternal health.

For more information about AAIMM’s programs, to join a Community Action Team, or to see a full list of BMMA endorsed Black Maternal Health Week local events and activities, visit BlackInfantsAndFamilies.org. 

Click here to view the BMHW toolkit.

About AAIMM 

The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) is a collaborative effort of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, First 5 LA, community-based organizations, community members, birth workers, clinicians, parents and families, united to end the alarmingly high rates of Black maternal and infant death. AAIMM is rooted in the understanding that historical and systemic racism are the reason racial disparities in health exist. Through programs and services designed and led by those with lived experience, like doula support, Community Action Teams and advocacy, fatherhood engagement, public awareness, events and resource connection, AAIMM works to ensure that Black families across Los Angeles County experience healthy and joyous pregnancies and births and have thriving infants.