Updates from HCN's Black Birthing Health Initiative Team

We are pleased to provide an update on our Black Birthing Health Initiative! HCN's Black Birthing Health Initiative (BBHI) is a comprehensive and vital community wellness program aimed at addressing the unique needs of Black/African American birthing individuals and their families in San Francisco. This initiative is designed to promote mental health and wellness, provide client-centered and culturally tailored care, and ensure accessibility to essential services.

Learn more about BBHI.

Word from the Director - Maya

Dear BBHI Community, April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week. As we think about the journey of parenting and supporting Black birthing folks I believe we should all be intentional when thinking about the autonomy of Black bodies, the exploitation of Black culture while also marginalizing Black women and children. Black birthing folks have been the proverbial “canary in the coalmine” in obstetrics and gynecology but we are committed to changing that as we work towards ending the disparities that are present in birthing.

 “Without community, there is no liberation.” — Audre Lorde

Community Events - Briana

The Western Addition Branch Library is hosting their annual Open House and BBHI will be there! Join us Saturday, April 12 from 1-5pm in community to celebrate our friends at the SFPL. Find more information here.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week, SisterWeb and UCSF Black Womxn’s Health and Livelihood Initiative are hosting two free events! On Monday, April 14 from 5:30-8pm, hear providers discuss advocating in their Black-centered programs. On Wednesday, April 16 from 5:30-8pm, attend their open-mic event where guests are invited to share birth stories and poetry! Learn more here.

Clinical Corner - Dr. Dannie

In this section, we focus on important clinical insights, tips, or research that supports the health and well-being of individuals during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

This month, we highlight: Black Maternal Health Facts

Black women experience more pregnancy-related health issues compared to our counterparts, as a result of structural/institutional racism. This amongst several other factors are key contributors to the disproportionate rate that Black women experience harm during pregnancy, including maternal mortality (Black women are 2 times more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and 3-4 times more likely to experience death compared to our white counterparts). It is not only essential to bring awareness to these ongoing detrimental issues, but it is equally necessary to promote and demonstrate advocacy to dismantle harmful systems in place as we move towards bridging the gap of equity, opportunity, and healing.

Birthing Stories - Kaiayo

We believe in the power of shared experiences. Each month, we will feature a birthing story from our community. This story can be empowering, emotional, and inspiring to others who are on their own journey.

To celebrate Black Birth, I want to share with you the last birth I attended. It was for a mama that was birthing her second baby and I was at the birth for both of her kids. She was informed, empowered and strong during her birth. She advocated for herself and for her baby. She birthed the baby without an epidural while she was on hands and knees. Afterwards she said she felt proud of herself and I was proud of her too! To celebrate Black Maternal Health Week, I want to highlight this experience as an example of what it means to have a safe, empowered birth as a Black Mother.

Feel free to share your own story with us for future newsletters. Send stories to BBHI@hcnkids.org with the subject line: Birthing Stories.

Program Updates - Iesha & Jyn

BBHI Program: Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week

During the week of April 11-17th, we shed light, raise awareness and take action in supporting Black Maternal Health across the nation. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the theme for 2025 will be emphasizing “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy.” It is imperative that we center the voices of Black mamas, women, caregivers, families, communities and stakeholders in celebration of this week, but, more importantly, to go beyond a given timeframe and embody true solidarity. Local, statewide, national events and more info can be found here.

If you would like to receive updates about what’s going on at the BBHI Program and Team sign up below!

Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

Thank you for reading this month's newsletter. We look forward to connecting with you soon at our events, programs, and through ongoing updates!

With gratitude,

The BBHI Team