African American Infant Mortality

In 2015, First 5 Fresno County commissioned an African American Infant Mortality (AAIM) Needs Assessment to better understand social determinants of infant mortality and develop recommendations aimed at promoting equitable health outcomes for African American children born in Fresno County.

The three recommendations to move the AAIM effort forward are: Blue Ribbon Panel, Group Pregnancy Care, and Parents' Council. Central California Children's Institute (CCCI) at California State University, Fresno will lead foundational activities related to the formation of a Blue Ribbon Panel to reduce barriers and improve cultural competence in the health care field.

To have a greater and deeper impact in the community, this partnership with CCCI also creates an opportunity for alignment of efforts with the Fresno Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi) given that Central California Center for Health and Human Services at California State University, Fresno is also the backbone agency for PTBi-Fresno with the goal of ensuring greater collaboration between the two efforts.

We are seeking input from African American women, men and families who have been affected by an infant loss. If you know someone who has lost an infant and would like to share their story with us, please have them contact Wendy Davis at 559-228-8727. You may also visit our Facebook page, Fresno Black Babies Matter, to learn more.