Perinatal Equity Initiative

Purpose: Doulas provide compassionate, trauma‑informed support that empowers pregnant individuals throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their purpose is to enhance emotional well‑being, increase confidence, and promote healthy birth experiences through continuous guidance, advocacy, and physical comfort. By offering culturally responsive and personalized care, doulas help families navigate childbirth with greater knowledge, connection, and support.

Free Services Include:

• 3 prenatal visits.
• 6 postpartum visits.
• Support for:
  • Labor, birth, and healing.
  • Breastfeeding and infant-feeding.
  • Miscarriage or infant loss.
  • Referrals to appropriate resources.

Eligibility:

• Pregnant or 12 months postpartum.
• San Bernardino County resident.
• Self-identify as Black/African American.
• 16 years or older.

Provider/Partner:

• Sankofa Birthworkers
  • Complete Referral Form

Purpose: 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.

Free Services Include:

• 26 individual therapy sessions

Eligibility:

• Pregnant or 12 months postpartum.
• San Bernardino County resident.
• Self-identify as Black/African American.
• 16 years or older

Providers/Partners:

• The Amani Project (Virtual)
  • Complete Referral Form
• Young Visionaries (Virtual and In-Person)
  • Complete Referral Form
• Brighten Every Life (Virtual)
  • Complete Referral Form

Purpose: Fatherhood / Partner Support services aim to promote the importance of engaged fathers and partners, and help fathers become confident, nurturing caregivers who create safe, stable, and supportive environments for their children.

Free Services Include:
A 13-week program designed by men, for men, that strengthens fathers’ parenting skills by building positive discipline practices, emotional awareness, and healthy family communication. The program offers group sessions and earned incentives for attendance and participation. PEI provides a culturally affirming space for learning in brotherhood with other dads.

Eligibility:

• Partner of a self-identifying Black/African American pregnant birthing person.
• Father of a Black/African American child 12 months or younger.
• San Bernardino County resident.

Providers/Partners:

• Moses House (High Desert)
  • Complete Referral Form
• Marsell Wellness (San Bernardino)
  • Virtual Options Available
  • Complete Referral Form