Black Infant Health program faces funding uncertainty; community demands county transparency

Representatives of Breastfeed LA and community partners told the Board of Supervisors on June 9 that the county’s Black Infant Health (BIH) program — a state evidence‑based initiative to reduce disparities in maternal and infant outcomes — faces termination unless the county restores funding.

Several BIH staff and participants said county health officials had declined to accept or pursue renewal funding and had cited enrollment concerns; community advocates disputed that account and said the state recognizes new programs need implementation time. Jennifer Roberson, program manager and data lead for BIH‑OC, said the program had supported dozens of families in its first year and that the county’s stated rationale conflicted with state guidance: “The state realized that we were in an implementation year,” she said, and the program remained eligible for continuation funding.

Speakers described tangible program outcomes — mentorship, prenatal and postpartum support groups, and connections to doulas and other services — and warned that losing local BIH funding could also jeopardize eligibility for larger state equity grants. Several community members, including program participants, pleaded with the board for accountability and an immediate revisit of the county health agency’s decision.

Board members asked health‑agency staff for clarification and directed staff to provide further information and oversight where needed. The board did not make a final funding decision at the June 9 session.

Next steps: Board members requested a staff briefing from the Orange County Health Care Agency on the BIH funding decision and potential eligibility for state perinatal equity funds; the matter may be revisited as part of budget follow‑up.