Board establishes maternal health trust fund to address racial disparities

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a maternal health trust fund intended to invest in community-informed prevention and postpartum supports aimed at reducing racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.

Supervisor Gauthier, who sponsored the resolution, described the fund as a tool to center lived experience and support culturally appropriate, prevention-oriented programs. She noted outreach including a film screening and panel discussions and said the fund would allow public and private partners to seed programming and events that the county and community groups can jointly evaluate.

"This fund is an opportunity for us to respond with intention and accountability," Supervisor Gauthier said, adding that the goal is prevention and long-term impact by investing in community-based solutions. She named county partners and community leaders who have guided the work.

Public commenters supported the goal but some raised legal and fiduciary questions about channeling private donations through a county-managed trust, noting state constitutional limits on gifts, potential administrative costs, and the need for clear transparency and safeguards. County staff and supervisors said reporting and oversight requirements would be built into the trust structure.

The resolution passed by roll call with one supervisor absent. Staff will work with community partners to operationalize the fund, solicit contributions and develop reporting metrics to measure impact.