FRESNO, CA— Fresno County Department of Public Health Black Infant Health Program (FBIH) Sista' Talk series has been educating the Central Valley public of the realities of the crisis concerning Black infants where one out of 14 babies have a high risk of dying before their first birthday, according to online documentary excerpt, Unraveling the Mystery of Black-White Differences in Infant Mortality, researched by neonatologists James Collins and Richard David .
United States in general falls behind a number of countries (34th place) in babies surviving after birth.
Throughout the series Black mothers discuss their trials and tribulations of pregnancy in a comfortable group setting hosted by FBIH, who provides free resources and a public health nurse on staff to help moderate the group discussions called, Sista’ Talk.
During the discussions, FBIH focuses on helping women to feel proud of their culture, despite the discrimination or racism they could be experiencing, as well as using researched sources to educate them on the dangerous effects of emotional and physical stress on the body, especially during pregnancy. The public health nurse not only listens, but gives real suggested healthy solutions-- from eating habits to exercises—to help the pregnant mothers cope and deal with the life pressures.
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.