Black Wellness & Prosperity Center

October, 2024

The Black Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) has made a profound impact on the Black community in California's Central Valley, particularly concerning maternal and infant health outcomes. By focusing on Black birthing persons, BWPC addresses critical health disparities through various innovative programs and initiatives.

One significant area of impact is the establishment of multi-stakeholder alliances that unite local agencies, health plans, and universities. This collaboration has facilitated research and policy solutions aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes for underserved Black families. For instance, the BLACK Maternal Health Circles initiative empowers Black women to advise healthcare providers on care solutions, ensuring that their voices and experiences directly influence maternal health policies.

BWPC also recognizes the importance of culturally relevant support systems, exemplified by the BLACK Doula Consortium. This program enhances access to information and resources for Black mothers, while also advocating for the integration of doulas into hospital birthing teams, ultimately leading to more supportive birthing experiences.

The Center has dedicated resources to build crucial infrastructure, such as the BLACK Doula Network, which aims to address the doula provider deficit in Fresno. Additionally, BWPC has introduced a Mobile Health Unit to increase community outreach, providing direct health care and training to Black birthing persons right in their neighborhoods.

Furthermore, advocacy efforts have raised awareness of racial health disparities and influenced local and state policies. Initiatives like sponsoring Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula's AB 2420 demonstrate BWPC's commitment to addressing external factors, such as extreme heat, that can negatively impact pregnancy.

Research efforts, including studies on iron deficiency anemia and the promotion of paternal involvement through the Black Fatherhood Legacy project, ensure that the voices of the community are heard and that tailored solutions are developed to meet their unique needs.

In less than two years, BWPC has gained the trust of over 24 funders, showcasing the effectiveness and vision behind its work. The organization aims to translate these investments into transformative community-led changes, including the establishment of the BLACK Birthing Center, which promises to deliver the quality care that Black mothers and infants have historically been denied. Through these multifaceted approaches, BWPC is not only making immediate improvements but is also cultivating sustainable changes that will fortify the health and prosperity of Black families for generations to come.