In this issue: Visit our AAIMM Village at Taste of Soul 2023!

Join the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative in celebrating and supporting pregnant Black moms and birthing persons, and expectant Black families, at the 2023 Taste of Soul event on October 21 in South LA. The event kicks off at 10am and ends at 7pm. 

Our booth number is Y23-25 and is in the KJLH area. Stop by and meet people from our AAIMM Village, which provides free doula services, Black dad groups, pregnancy tips, and resources for Black families. You’ll also find out how you can get involved in local efforts through one of our AAIMM Community Action Teams. 

This year, our booth space will include a Safe Space breast/chestfeeding tent, which will provide a semi-private place for families to breast/chestfeed and change their babies' diapers. This comfortable space will be equipped with two rocking chairs and footrests, breast/chestfeeding pillows, a diaper changing station, information on our new Safe Space directory, with listings
of businesses that are part of the Safe Space effort, and some giveaway items (while they last)! 

Get more information on our website. Hope to see you soon!

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month  

On October 3, 2023 a proclamation was made by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors designating October 2023 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and Sunday, October 15, 2023 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day of Remembrance. The recommendation was submitted by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to have the dates coincide with Sudden Infant Death and Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month throughout Los Angeles County. 

The proclamation was made, in Supervisor Mitchell’s words, “to recognize the families, professionals, and volunteers who work to reduce the stigma and alienation experienced by many families, while promoting awareness, understanding, and support for these families.”  

County residents participated in the International Wave of Light, the global remembrance, which was held live via Zoom on October 15, to recognize all babies gone too soon.  

 “This is a much-needed response to our community that has been suffering perinatal loss,” said Adjoa Jones, Director, Outreach & Engagement, African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative. “This is just the beginning and not the last, we have been in talks to address those that have been suffering without support in addressing their private and sometimes public loss(es).”

Applications are Now Open for the AAIMM Village Fund 

On behalf of the LA Partnership for Early Childhood Investment, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Health Services, First 5 LA, and the Center for Strategic Partnerships, we are excited to announce the launch of the fourth round of funding for the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative Village Fund (The Village Fund). 

The Village Fund seeks to reinforce the broad goals of the AAIMM Prevention Initiative by funding community-led efforts that support the physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being of Black women and birthing persons, fathers, partners, and families before, during, and after birth. We seek applications from organizations, networks, coalitions, individual service providers, micro-enterprises, or small businesses whose services will contribute to joyous and healthy births for Black families in Los Angeles County. Priority consideration will be given to entities that are Black-led.

For more information about The Village Fund and to access the application, please visit The Village Fund website. Please feel free to share this announcement with your networks. Village Fund applications are due Friday, November 3, at 5pm PT. 

The Village Fund was developed by a team of Black women and allies representing the South LA/South Bay and Antelope Valley Community Action Teams, the AAIMM Countywide Steering Committee, First 5 LA, LA County Department of Public Health, and philanthropy. The Village Fund is managed by the LA Partnership for Early Childhood Investment and is capitalized by a combination of public and private philanthropic dollars.

AAIMM Expecting Fathers Group Graduate Featured in LA Times Article

Congratulations to AAIMM Expecting Fathers Group for Black Dads graduate, Danny Rollins, who was recently featured in an LA Times article on the connection between fatherhood, successful nursing, and safe sleep. 

Rollins, a Compton resident, who was interviewed by LA Times staff writer Jenny Gold, remarked on the supportive role he's played during wife Christiana's breastfeeding journey: “Breastfeeding is hard work and it’s tiring,” he said. “I knew I would have to step up and make sure she had everything she needs.”

The article references new studies that finds dads like Rollins "can make a big difference in whether a baby is successfully breastfed" and also that "dads are key to making sure babies are put to bed in a safe sleep environment."

AAIMM's peer-to-peer fatherhood support groups are designed to help prepare and empower fathers like Rollins to become advocates for themselves, their partners, and help create more healthy and joyous birthing outcomes. 

Read the full LA Times article HERE. 

SGV AAIMM CAT Community Baby Shower 

You're invited to a FREE Community Baby Shower hosted by After Church Talks (ACTS) and our San Gabriel Valley AAIMM Community Action Team on Sunday, November 5 from 1-3pm at the Second Baptist Church of Monrovia. This amazing in-person event celebrates and supports expectant parents. Reserve your spot HERE and see flier above for more details. 

Announcing Our Expecting Fathers Group Cohort 16 

Dads, get ready for fatherhood! AAIMM's Expecting Fathers Group is beginning a new cohort this November. There are two sessions to choose from:

• Tuesdays at 6:30pm PT from November 7 - December 5
• Tuesdays at 9:30am PT from November 9 - December 7

To learn more about these FREE workshops and sign up, email [email protected] or visit our website.