Black Infant Health (BIH) Program
Are you pregnant and African or African American?
The County of Santa Clara Black Infant Health (BIH) Program empowers pregnant and parenting African and African American mothers by connecting them with the care they need for good health during pregnancy and beyond. Our program helps participants reduce stress, eat well and connect with others for support. BIH is a state-wide program that has served Santa Clara County since 1991.
BIH provides eligible mothers with:
- Pregnancy and new mom groups (virtual/in-person options)
- Support in reaching personal goals
- Access to helpful resources
- Connection with a personal BIH Public Health Nurse
To enroll, call (408) 937-2270, or complete a BIH Interest Card for an appointment.
Who is eligible?
- Pregnant African/African American women
- African/African American mothers with an infant under 6 months of age
- 16 years of age or older
- Santa Clara County residents
- Services are at no cost for any eligible participants no matter their income
Fill out a BIH interest card and our team will be in contact with her.
Contact Robert Wilson at (669) 287-6918 to learn about the Role of Men Workshops.
Each BIH participant receives 10-week group sessions (prenatally/postpartum), life planning with a Family Health Advocate (FHA), complementary case management services and medical supports from our BIH Public Health nurse. BIH also provides participation incentives, baby shower items, wellness activities, lactation supports and transportation to groups. Additionally, BIH offers opportunities for mothers of African ancestry to connect with each other for social support.
Group sessions are held at various locations within the local community. Transportation can be provided for those who may require this type of resource.
Racism, isolation and other social factors play a role in babies being born too early or too small. Black mothers of all income levels and social statuses are affected. Babies born to Black women die at three times the rate of other babies in all populations within the first year of life. Black women die in childbirth at four times the rate of other women in all populations. Our mission is intended to address the issues of poor birth outcomes and health disparities that affect Black women and their babies.
Yes! BIH Mothers Empowerment Groups (MEG) is a group intervention designed to help women manage stress, build a support network and be empowered to make healthy choices for themselves and their babies. Group sessions offer engaging activities from a women’s health perspective that explore pregnancy, the birth and parenting.