Black Infant Health Program expands into Oceanside

Childbirth can be a happy time for a mom. But for Black mothers, it can be different. “Unfortunately, Black women have higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. African American babies are more likely to die before their first birthday than Hispanic women, Asian women and Caucasian women,” said Iris Payne, the director of the San Diego County Black Infant Health Program (BIH). BIH has been serving Black families in Central San Diego, but recently expanded into North County. “We have a program because there’s a need,” Payne said. “And I think as a society, we want to recognize the needs of all of our citizens. If we all thrive individually, then we all thrive as a community.” The goals of the program are to improve Black infant and maternal health and decrease health and social inequities. But Payne said the program will not turn anyone away, regardless of identity or background. The program is funded by the state and the county of San Diego, and is facilitated by the Neighborhood House Association. The nonprofit has a network of human service programs starting from birth to senior care. “(BIH) was formed to reduce the stressors on mom and deliver healthy...