During a recent government meeting, Fresno County officials celebrated the contributions of the veteran service office and proclaimed November 2024 as Prematurity Awareness Month. The discussions highlighted the importance of community support for veterans and the urgent need to address the issue of premature births.

The meeting commenced with a presentation acknowledging the veteran service office's successes, which have attracted clients from various regions, including Stockton and Southern California. Officials praised the dedicated staff for their exceptional service, emphasizing the office's role in supporting the small but vital veteran community. A motion to adopt a resolution for Veterans Day was unanimously approved, reflecting the county's commitment to honoring its veterans.

Following this, the board proclaimed November as Prematurity Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the impact of premature births. Brianna Gaines Barrett from the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center and Fabiola Gonzalez from First 5 Fresno County addressed the board, stressing the critical health issue of premature birth, which affects 1 in 10 infants and is a leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S. They highlighted the disproportionate impact on Black families, who experience preterm birth rates 50% higher than other populations.

Barrett and Gonzalez called for collective action to address the systemic factors contributing to these disparities, including racism and access to healthcare. They underscored the importance of culturally competent support, such as doulas and community health workers, in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The officials urged the community to expand access to prenatal care and support early intervention programs to combat the rising rates of premature births.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to work collaboratively with local organizations to promote healthier outcomes for families in Fresno County.