Pasadena City Council Approves Expansion of Black Infant Health (BIH) Program with State Grant Funds
The Black Infant Health (BIH) program seeks to combat the alarming disparity in infant mortality rates, with Black infants in Los Angeles County being more than twice as likely as White infants to die before their first birthday. Through a comprehensive life-course approach, the program addresses individual and social determinants of health, aiming to improve the health and well-being of pregnant and parenting women, infants, children, and families.
For over three decades, the City of Pasadena’s BIH program has been instrumental in providing essential support to pregnant and parenting women. By empowering them with life skills, health goals, stress management techniques, and cultural pride, the program strives to ensure healthy birth outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
The additional state funding is part of California’s efforts to end birth inequities, reflected in the Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative and the California Perinatal Equity Initiative. The City of Pasadena has been awarded supplementary funds to expand the BIH program’s capacity and extend its outreach to African American families residing in the wider Los Angeles County Service Planning Area (“SPA”) 3.
With the infusion of these funds, the BIH program will enhance its services and increase its annual participants from 25 to an impressive 160 individuals. The expanded program will continue to offer ten prenatal and ten postpartum group sessions, focusing on topics such as healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery, stress management, and newborn care. Additionally, it will provide client-centered life planning and one-on-one case management for the beneficiaries.
To ensure effective program delivery, the City of Pasadena plans to utilize the grant to create 7.0 full-time equivalent (“FTE”) limited-term grant-funded positions. These positions include a Social Worker, a Community Services Representative III, three Community Services Representative II positions, a Community Services Representative I, and an Office Aide, all carefully aligned with evidence-informed models.
Addressing concerns about environmental impact, the City Council has confirmed that the proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). As the amendment to the Public Health Department’s operating budget and personnel allocation pertains to administrative and maintenance activities, it does not entail direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes to the environment.
In terms of fiscal impact, the additional grant funding of $636,070 is expected to be received and utilized in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024. If approved, the Department’s Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget will be augmented accordingly, with no anticipated net impact on the unappropriated fund balance.
By approving the expansion of the BIH program, the City Council demonstrates its commitment to supporting the quality of life and the local economy. This investment not only advances the well-being of vulnerable communities but also positions Pasadena as a leader in the fight against health disparities and infant mortality.
With the unanimous vote in favor of this crucial initiative, the City of Pasadena takes a decisive stride towards building a healthier, more equitable future for all its residents, regardless of race or background. The BIH program expansion stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.
