The Pasadena Public Health Department will update the Public Safety Committee on its Black Infant Health (BIH) Program on Wednesday, July 17. Established in 1989, the program aims to tackle racial disparities in infant mortality and preterm birth rates among African American families.
In a preliminary report prepared by Monette Clark, Program Coordinator of the Pasadena BIH Program, the Public Health Department noted that Black infants in Pasadena consistently face higher mortality rates than other racial groups. The three-year average infant mortality rate for Black infants has exceeded both the Healthy People 2020 goal of 6.7 and the 2030 goal of 5.7 deaths per 1,000 live births.
For fiscal year 2023-2024, the program enrolled 98 clients, conducted 100 prenatal and postpartum sessions, graduated 48 participants from group series, and saw the birth of 36 healthy babies, according to the report.
Preterm birth rates also show significant disparities, with Black mothers in Pasadena experiencing higher rates of births before 37 weeks compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The program attributes these inequities to structural racism, chronic stress, and the concept of “weathering” — the cumulative effects of systemic oppression on physical health.
