Great Beginnings for Black Babies’ Black Infant Health (BIH) is a program that provides pregnant women in their first trimester and beyond with prenatal health education, parenting classes, social support, empowerment groups and referrals for free pregnancy testing, doctors, Medi-Cal/Healthy Families, WIC, community and social services, day care resources and more.
The program will host a free health resource fair, “Celebrating Healthy Babies–Past, Present and Future,” beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday in Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road.
The program will also feature a Beautiful Black Pregnant Woman contest in addition to nearly 20 health vendors, free food and entertainment.
Judge Mablean Ephraim, who presided over “Divorce Court” for seven seasons, will make a special guest appearance, along with Cliff Savage, rapper and master of “jerk” dancing, and D.J. Ricco, who will provide entertainment.
Assisting beautiful Black women in delivering healthy babies, the BIH program brings together the client, the community, and the healthcare provider to empower women of color with the necessary tools to make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their families.
Recognizing that the first three months of pregnancy are the most crucial, for 20 years BIH has improved and helped eradicate African American infant mortality, premature births and low birth rates by encouraging early and continuous prenatal healthcare. The BIH program services African American women ages 18 years and older, with children up to 12 months of age.
BIH Program Manager Tifany Willis aims to make sure that every woman in Los Angeles County is aware of the many resources available to them in their various communities. “My primary goal is to ensure that every expectant woman of color receives the necessary prenatal care and other resources that are available to her. I want them to know that we are here and looking out for them and their babies,” said Willis.
For additional information about the “Celebrating Healthy Babies” health fair or to enroll in programs offered by Great Beginnings for Black Babies’ Black Infant Health program, contact Tifany Willis at (310) 677-7995. Visit the website at www.gbbb.org for information on additional Great Beginnings programs.
