Perinatal Equity Initiative
Rallying Around Sisters: Redefining and Strengthening the Village
In 2018, California leaders saw that Black babies were not being born as healthy or living as long as others and created the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) to help change this. Earlier, in 1989, the state started the Black Infant Health (BIH) Program to support Black and African American mothers and babies to help improve birth outcomes. In San Bernardino County, PEI now offers Doula Services, Fatherhood and Partner Support, and Mental Health services for Black and African America moms in the County. Helping guide the program to make sure it truly supports Black families’ needs is the Community Advisory Board.
Perinatal Equity Initiative Summit
This annual professional development opportunity is designed to deepen understanding of how historical trauma, implicit bias, and structural racism impact the health of African American/Black birthing families in the Inland Empire. Participants will explore local perinatal disparities, examine innovative and multidisciplinary strategies to advance equitable care, and identify key protective factors to improve birth and mental health outcomes. Through collaboration and shared learning, the training aims to foster a more just and responsive perinatal care system.
The PEI Summit is hosted annually in April in collaboration with Riverside County PEI.
Maternal Mental Health
The Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) is introducing a new Maternal Mental Health intervention, developed with the Community Advisory Board and guided by the voices of Black Infant Health participants who called for more access to therapy services. This community-led approach centers the lived experiences of Black birthing individuals, expanding culturally responsive therapy to confront racial bias, reduce barriers to care, and improve birthing outcomes across San Bernardino County for Black and African American women and their babies. Services are offered both in-person and virtually through trusted partners—The Amani Project, Brighten Every Life, and Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy—for maximum accessibility.
Doula Services
Free Doula services provide a supportive and empowering experience for pregnant women through enhanced emotional and physical support throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum time. PEI collaborates with Sankofa Birthworkers to provide Doula services for women in the High Desert and Valley regions of the County. Please reach out to Sankofa for enrollment information.
Doula services available for:
- Those who are pregnant
- San Bernardino County residents
- Self-identify as Black or African-American
No-cost services provided:
- 3 prenatal visits
- Labor and birth support
- Up to 6 postpartum visits
Fatherhood Support
Fatherhood / Partner Support services aim to promote the importance of engaged fathers and partners which support the emotional and physical health of mom and baby. PEI Provides free services to fathers of Black/African American babies in San Bernardino County in Collaboration with Moses House and Marsell Wellness.
This program is a ‘brother’ program to Black Infant Health offering group sessions for new dads and partners and earned incentives for program participation. Learn how to support your family along in brotherhood with other dads.
Community Advisory Board
PEI along with Black Infant Health (BIH) partners with providers and the community to discuss systems and policy change that will improve infant and maternal health in the Black community.
Let your voice be heard and be a part of affecting change in your community. Help us to build safer, more equitable communities and systems that support healthy pregnancies, allowing all babies to be born, grow, and thrive. Use our online form to join our listserv and be a part of our Community Advisory Board.
The CAB meets each quarterly, virtually and in-person.
Future Meeting Dates
- 11-6-25 Virtual
- 2-4-26 In Person
- 5-7-26 Virtual
- 8-6-26 Virtual
- 11-4-26 In Person
Previous Meetings
- 2-7-24 Minutes
- 5-1-24 Minutes
- 8-7-24 Minutes
- 11-4-24 Minutes
- 2-5-25 Minutes
- 5-1-25 Minutes
Contact Us
Elizabeth Amezcua
PEI Project Coordinator
