Health Plan of San Joaquin is Hosting a Community Baby Shower in Stockton in Support of San Joaquin County’s Black Maternal Health Initiative
(French Camp, CA) – Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) is working with local providers and community partners to improve access to healthcare, and to raise awareness about the importance of getting prenatal care and taking advantage of health and community services after delivery. The effort is in response to feedback from local stakeholders who reported witnessing challenges in access to care and alarmingly high prevalence of maternal and infant health disparities and mortality rates, especially in Black/African American communities. Despite continued advancements in medical care, these disparities in the U.S. are far higher than those in similarly large and wealthy countries. Approximately 700 women die in the U.S. each year as a result of pregnancy or its complications, and we know that our Black/African American mothers have four times the mortality rates comparing to their White/Caucasian counterparts during or after pregnancy.* We, the community, have much work to do to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to live the highest quality of life possible.
“Birthing a child can and should be a joyous time for all women. Bridging the communication and care gaps between pregnant Black women, their support system, doctors, and our community can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for new mothers and their families. HPSJ will continue to work diligently with our valued partners such as San Joaquin County Public Health Services, Delta Health Care, the Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, Flourishing Families, Black Infant Health California, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., San Joaquin Delta College, local doctors and non-traditional health care providers to improve Black maternal health right in our own neighborhoods,” said Ildiko Rabinowitz, Chief Health Equity Officer of Health Plan of San Joaquin.
On Saturday, October 7th, HPSJ is cordially inviting women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, new parents and their families to attend a community baby shower to be held between the hours of 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at San Joaquin Delta College’s Danner Hall.
In addition to lunch and opportunities to win prizes, attendees will have an opportunity to obtain important information on:
- Medi-Cal benefits such as doula and mid-wife services
- Breastfeeding resources and assistance
- Healthy Infant Development information including immunization schedule
- Resources to obtain housing, food, and transportation services
- Information to address feelings of sadness and post-partum depression
HPSJ members who need transportation to the Baby Shower Event can call HPSJ Customer Service at 1-888-936-7526 TTY 711.
*Source: kff.org. (2023). Racial Equity and Health Policy: Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Care
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Health Plan of San Joaquin serves over 400,000 members in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. Visit the website at www.hpsj.com.
Media Contact:
Vena Ford, Health Plan of San Joaquin, vford@hpsj.com