Program Information
The Perinatal Equity Initiative consists of interventions designed to reach pregnant and postpartum African American birthing women/people in the county, regardless of socioeconomic status or city of residence. The Alameda County Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) aims to dismantle the unjust systems and practices that are robbing Black birthing women/people and babies of their futures. Centering Black families in the work we do means equity, safety, and health for everyone. Reducing the gap in infant mortality between African Americans and all other racial/ethnic groups in Alameda County is a top priority.
Black women are 3X more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth and to experience more maternal health complications.
Black babies are 3-4X more likely to be born too early, too small, or to die before their first birthday.
Black women and families are 2X more likely to live in poverty or experience hardships during pregnancy.
Black women and birthing people face challenges that stem from policies and systems rooted in racism. They are twice as likely to live in poverty or to experience hardships, such as homelessness or the incarceration of a loved one, during pregnancy. In addition, chronic, transgenerational exposure to racism results in toxic stress that has been shown to have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of Black people, regardless of income or education levels. It is time for all of us to work together to change this story. Find out what you can do to help by following @DeliverBirthJustice and visiting Deliverbirthjustice.org.
Contact Us
Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI)
Daphina Melbourne
Perinatal and Reproductive Equity Coordinator
(510) 267-3257
Daphina.Melbourne@acgov.org
Alameda County Maternal, Paternal, Child, & Adolescent Health (MPCAH)
Media Inquiries
Austin Wingate
Public Information Manager
Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
(510) 208-5905
Austin.Wingate@acgov.org
Perinatal Equity Initiative Programs
Abundant Birth Project
The Abundant Birth Project (ABP) is a guaranteed income program that provides cash during pregnancy. It was developed by Expecting Justice, research partners, and the community to make birthing healthier and safer for the people facing the greatest risk during their pregnancy journey.
Visit the Abundant Birth Project website to learn more.
Contact Us
Bria Bailey, MS
Program Manager
(510) 267-3257
Bria.Bailey@acgov.org
Beloved Birth Black Centering (BBBC)
Services include perinatal groups sessions to promote Black women’s well-being, healthy pregnancy, child development, and trauma recovery. Two prenatal series are offered—EmbraceBIRTH childbirth education and Beloved Birth Black Centering group prenatal care in collaboration with Alameda Health System.
Visit the Beloved Birth Black Centering website to learn more.
Contact Us
Danielle Davis
Program Manager
(510) 618-2080
Danielle.Davis@acgov.org
#DeliverBirthJustice
#DeliverBirthJustice is an effort to help people understand what Black pregnant people and Black people who are having babies are facing on a day-to-day basis so that we can move into recognizing that if racism is the problem, dismantling racism is the only solution.
Visit the #DeliverBirthJustice website to learn more.
Doula Support Services
Doula Care encompasses the following: the creation of a Birth Plan, Health Navigation, facilitating connections to community resources, and Lactation Support. The services offered include an initial prenatal visit, eight prenatal and postpartum care visits, support during labor, delivery, abortion, or miscarriage, extended postpartum visits lasting two to three hours, and virtual or in-person doula services.
Contact Us
Daphina Melbourne
Perinatal and Reproductive Equity Coordinator
Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
(510) 267-3257
Daphina.Melbourne@acgov.org