Advancing Black Maternal and Infant Health Black maternal and infant health disparities remain among the most urgent health equity challenges in California and Kern County. Black women in California are nearly four times more likely to die from maternal complications than women of other races, and in Kern County, Black maternal deaths are 1.5 times higher than the state average. Formed in 2021 by Kern County Public Health Department and First 5 Kern, the Black Infant and Maternal Health Initiative (BIMHI) brings together public agencies, nonprofits, providers and community leaders to address these disparities through education, advocacy and community-driven solutions. KFHC plays an active leadership role in supporting BIMHI’s work. Anastasia Lester, senior health equity analyst, serves as BIMHI chair, helping guide strategy and coordination across partners. Isabel Silva, senior director of wellness and prevention, serves as a voting member of the steering committee, while additional KFHC team members support event planning, data analysis and outreach efforts. Through educational forums, provider symposiums, community walks and awareness campaigns, BIMHI works to increase health literacy, strengthen trust and improve access to culturally responsive maternal care. These efforts are designed not only to raise awareness, but to support long-term systems change that improves outcomes for Black mothers, infants and families across Kern County. KFHC’s continued involvement reflects a broader commitment to collaborative, community-led approaches that address disparities at their root and support healthier beginnings for families today and in the future. Our Community 31 “Our support goes beyond sponsorships. It’s about showing up, building trust and helping our community close the gap in care.” – Isabel Silva, senior director of wellness and prevention
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