The Orange County Health Care Agency has decided to discontinue funding for the Black Infant Health Orange County (BIH OC) program, with services slated to end on July 1. This decision means the County will lose access to millions of dollars in potential Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) funding streams for maternal and infant health.
• Significance of the CutImpact on Families: Since opening in 2025, BIH OC has served 70 mothers and 104 children, providing culturally congruent, affirming care and a vital support system for Black families in Orange County. Current participants face disruption in care, and future families will lose access to trusted support.
• Health Disparities: The program’s elimination is viewed as a major setback for health equity. Black infants in Orange County already face disproportionately high rates of preterm birth (11.3%) and low birthweight (13.6%), far exceeding local white infant rates. BIH OC was the only program in the County specifically designed to address these preventable harms caused by structural racism and systemic inequities.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Investing in Black maternal health is highlighted as fiscally responsible, as prevention-focused programs like BIH OC reduce public costs associated with expensive outcomes like extended hospitalizations and neonatal intensive care stays.
Action Items
• BreastfeedLA, which operates BIH OC, will continue serving Black families in Orange County through its partnership with First 5 OC, though the service model and funding will look significantly different. Community members and partners are urged to act before the June 30 funding end date by:Showing Up: Provide public comment at upcoming meetings of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
• Advocating:
◦ Contact Orange County Board of Supervisors for the 1st through 5th Districts: Janet Nguyen (714) 834-3110, Vicente Sarmiento (714) 834-3220, Donald P. Wagner (714) 834-3330, Doug Chaffee (714) 834-3440, and Katrina Foley (714) 834-3550.
◦ Email the California Department of Public Health at cdphcomms@cdph.ca.gov to urge continued investment.
• Investing: Donate time, energy, and funds. Grant inquiries can be directed to Cindy Young (cyoung@breastfeedla.org), and in-kind donations to Amanda Butler (abutler@breastfeedla.org).
