Healthy Births Initiative

March of Dimes in partnership with the Black Infant Health Program (BIH) and the Faith Based Coalition (FBC) members are helping to prevent

Prematurity in the Antelope Valley.A pilot project for the March of Dimes- CDC cooperative agreement

"Reducing Disparities in Premature Birth"

FAITH BASED COALITION MEMBERSBISHOP HENRY HEARNS

LIVING STONE CATHEDRAL OF WORSHIP (formerly known as First Missionary Baptist Church)

Membership: 3000

PASTOR THOMAS PICKENS, JR.ANTELOPE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CENTER

Membership: 1200BISHOP EDWIN DERENSBOURG

UNITED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCHMembership: 1000

PASTOR GEORGE A. TODD

AGAPE COMMUNITY CHURCHMembership: 800

PASTOR EDWARD BENSON

SHINGING LIGHT WORSHIP CENTER Membership: 150

Health Ministries Established the Health Ministries within the Churches

Purpose

To empower African - American women to have the healthiest pregnancy possible

To decrease the number of African-American babies that die everyday

Health Ministers Recruitment

Two per church selected by the Pastors Open Communication w/Pastors Coordinate workshops/classes Screen prospective clients Provide referral services Education Outreach Attend Monthly planning meetings

Conduct quarterly monthly meeting with all Health Ministers and/or Educators

Cross-training for Health Ministers

TRAINING:

Each Health Minister complete Train the Trainer Receive a Certification / re-certification every year

Implemented workshop among peers and Church Conduct training workshop with local pregnancy group Observed in the workshops during the first stages of

training

Curriculum Development for Health Ministers

Curriculum Established from an African - American community, doctors,

providers, community activist and with the MOD Health Ministers were the first to implement the curriculum in the

FBC Churches Other education outreach mechanisms:

Developed information bulletin and Materials Kiosks in all Churches

Identify all pregnant women in churches Public Service Announcements from Pastors and Health

Ministers Every 30 – 60 days Pastors address congregation for

participation and comprehension Participation and for Celebrate Healthy Babies Event

A Former BIH Employee

Community Health Outreach Worker (CHOW)

Member of FBC ChurchAntelope Valley Christian Center

1st pregnancy Premature

2nd Pregnancy Healthy

Mentoring, Modeling & Ministry

Increase Access to Services Access resources in Church

Transportation Local within Church

Access Other Resources beyond Churches Reach all ethnicity and provide platform for additional

services Relationship building with community and advocates Campaign to get to know local providers and clinics

(1st Trimester Campaign) Refer into Best Babies Collaborative

BIH, El Nido, Healthy Homes, & Nursing Family Practitioner

Building a Referral Network

Best Babies Network

Network

To determine need and assure access to prenatal, social support and empowerment and other services

Client Access

Reached through the Faith Based Coalition/Health Ministers

Additional Referrals

Recommend and refer women to other appropriate services that collaborate and partner with within Collaborative and other community resources including:

Case Management, Employment , Housing , Schooling and Psychosocial Services

Cultural ChangePastors

Pastors make an announcement to the congregation

Pastors acknowledge/congratulations to pregnant women in congregation

Pastors schedule a consultation with Mom/Dad or Family members involved with baby

New baby! New member! Celebration! Pastors/Health Minister present certificate to Mom Celebrate and embrace women and guide them to

better choices

Thank you !!!