FRESNO, CA— Fresno County Department of Public Health Black Infant Health Program (FBIH) has been informing the mass Central Valley public of the horrifying Black infant health mortality rate through a unique strategy – through the stories of Black mothers who have suffered these losses themselves.
A major part of the program involves a group interactive dialogue along with help from a public health nurse on staff to help moderate these intricate group discussions called, Sista’ Talk.
The women express their current and past experiences that may be affecting their own health and the health of their unborn children. The moderator gives suggested solutions and dietary consideration that can help alleviate some of the daily emotional and health struggles that take their toll on the body.
In the next few upcoming episodes of Sista’ Talk, the women have a candid discussion about YouTube video excerpt, Unraveling the Mystery of Black-White Differences in Infant Mortality, where neonatologists James Collins and Richard David researched on the differences in birth outcomes between African American and white American women finding that the cumulative stress of racism is taking a toll on African American families even before their babies are born .
FBIH focuses on helping women to feel proud of their culture, and to not be ashamed of miscarriages or other related infant mortality happenings in their lives.
Black pregnant mothers 30 weeks or less are encouraged to join the free program, or find out more about the services.
Pregnant Black women in general can still benefit from the plethora of free information on their website and online TV channel here.