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Community groups press Orange County to secure continued funding for Black Infant Health
Summary
Black Infant Health advocates and community partners told the Board of Supervisors the county must immediately secure continuation funding and provide a clear accounting of program expenditures to avoid disrupting services.
Several community representatives urged the Orange County Board of Supervisors on June 23 to act to keep the county’s Black Infant Health (BIH) pilot operating.
Arissa Palmer, executive director of the program selected to run BIH in Orange County, asked the board to direct the Health Care Agency (OCHCA) to submit a formal request to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to accept continuation funding by June 25 and to present a plan at the next board meeting. Jennifer Roberson and other partners from Breastfeed LA, 1st 5 OC and community organizations requested that the board require transparency on how BIH funds have been spent and asked the county to consider a short sole‑source agreement to prevent service gaps while a long‑term solution is established.
Speakers said BIH serves culturally specific needs—lactation, prenatal and postpartum supports, and community navigation—and pointed to data showing significantly higher maternal mortality and infant mortality risks for Black mothers and infants. Several frontline providers and participants emphasized the program’s immediate impact: Jasmine Allen reported the program had reached over 70 families in its first year and cited model recognition from CDPH.
Supervisor Sarmiento and other board members acknowledged the program’s importance and said county staff would meet with program leaders, 1st 5 and OCHCA to explore short‑term contracting solutions and pursue continuation funding. The board did not adopt a specific funding appropriation during the meeting but asked staff to return with options.
Advocates asked the board to require a transparent accounting of funds, including prior expenditures paid from health realignment and other sources, and to ensure contracts include deliverable‑based reporting so community partners and the board can track outcomes.
The Health Care Agency was asked to provide a formal plan and timeline for pursuing continuation funds and to present options to prevent service interruption.
