Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS – PH) has launched a new campaign aimed at supporting Black mothers in Riverside County. The campaign, titled “Rallying Around Sisters: Redefining and Strengthening the Village,” seeks to increase community-based support by reaching out to Black families through social media, billboards, and cinema advertisements.
“We’ve seen how powerful it can be when Black moms are surrounded by people who truly understand and advocate for them,” said RUHS – PH Director Kim Saruwatari. “Our hope is that the positive messages of this campaign are well received and inspire a collective effort to care for Black mothers and babies from pregnancy to postpartum.”
The campaign is built on the foundation of California’s Black Infant Health Program and features images of Black families in Riverside County participating in traditions and sharing messages of hope and family. Health officials expect the campaign to encourage more participation in two key programs: the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) and the Black Infant Health (BIH) Program.
The PEI program, guided by community voices and an advisory board of partners, healthcare workers, and residents, provides services for fathers and improves access to culturally responsive care through community doulas. The Black Infant Health program offers both individual and group support for pregnant and postpartum Black mothers, aiming to promote healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes.
“Black Infant Health is one of Public Health’s most impactful programs, ensuring that Black mothers receive the care, community and respect they deserve. It is staffed by a compassionate team dedicated to the health and enrichment of all who participate in the program,” said Stephanie Bryant, Director of Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health with RUHS – PH.
Both programs are free for residents and include quarterly meetings focused on learning and support. More information can be found by following @blackinfanthealthrivco on Instagram.
