Grants benefit nonprofits supporting maternal health of Black families – Beverly Press & Park Labrea News

The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles announced on Jan. 16 that it has awarded $1.1 million to seven local nonprofits addressing infant and maternal health, primarily focused on racial disparities in maternal health care for Black families in Los Angeles. The foundation cited an alarming statistic to illustrate the need for the grants. Due to systemic inequities in the health system, Black mothers and infants in the United States and Los Angeles in particular die at more than double the rate of white mothers. The record-high amount of funds directed through the foundation’s General Community Grants program will provide multi-year awards of up to $200,000 to programs that improve Black maternal and infant health in three areas: direct access to prenatal and birthing services and care; advocacy efforts facilitating systemic change for better access to health resources, services and benefits; and support to grassroots nonprofits and leaders on the frontlines of the work. The foundation’s General Community Grants sustain programs focused on high-priority issues throughout Los Angeles. Past cycles of grants have focused on addressing older adult poverty, education equity, homelessness, domestic and sexual violence, and human trafficking. Over the past decade, the foundation has awarded nearly $6 million...