The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59747

Saki Cabrera Strait, PhD¹, Barbara McCullough, PhD², and Claudette Garner, MA². (1) Director of Evaluation & Research, The Perinatal Council, 2648 International Blvd., Suite 408, Oakland, CA 94601, (2) Executive Director, East Bay Perinatal Council, Oakland, CA, 2648 International Blvd., Suite 801, Oakland, CA 94601, 510-437-8945, bbmccullough@ebpc.org

The Perinatal Council successfully administers the Black Infant Health (BIH) program that provides case management for African American pregnant women or mothers, aged 18 and over, who are likely to have complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Family Advocates help participants find pregnancy care, healthcare for their children, and other necessary social services that will reduce the rates of infant death and illness; they are skilled at bringing high-risk women into the program, coordinating client services, and linking clients to other community agencies for additional assistance. Because of the relationship that grows between clients and Family Advocates, BIH participants view the healthcare system more positively. Participants better understand the importance of their children's health and are more motivated to seek care and health education. The result last fiscal year (July 1, 2001- June 30,2002) was healthier babies and mothers. There were 79 live births and no neonatal deaths, fetal deaths, or spontaneous abortions; only 1 child had a major birth defect; 91% (72) were born at 37 weeks or greater and most (68%) deliveries were vaginal with no complications. Most (86%) babies were of normal birth weight (>=2500 grams), and both mothers and newborns (87%) remained in the hospital for 1-4 days. To protect the health and well-being of children, The Perinatal Council continues to administer the BIH program--surrounding the extended family with a compassionate circle of care, making sure families have access to the most appropriate services that results in the births of healthy African American babies.

Learning Objectives:

The learning objectives of this presentation are for session participants:
• to recognize the importance of culturally sensitive services for unique populations such as African American babies;
• to identify the factors that make BIH a successful model of service delivery; and
• to apply these tenets to other like services.

Related Web page: www.theperinatalcouncil.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.