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February 2025
Black History Month and International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
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Biddy Mason, Trailblazer in Medical and Black History
Featured in a 1930s mural at UCSF that highlights the history of medicine in California, Biddy Mason’s experience as a nurse, expert in herbal medicine, and midwifery gave her valuable medical experience. She delivered hundreds of children and helped the residents of Los Angeles during the smallpox epidemic of 1863 with herbal remedies, risking her own health to help others.
Read More and Get a Virtual Tour
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Shanell Williams Transitions to Rafiki Coalition After Ten Years at PTBi
Shanell Williams, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi), is departing after 10 years to serve as the new Executive Director at the Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness in San Francisco.
We thank her for her exceptional contributions, wish her the best at Rafiki, and look forward to collaborating with her in the future.
Read More About Shanell's Move
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Thought Prompt of the Month
How do your ancestors inspire you?
The PTBi team would love to hear from you!
If you feel moved you can leave a message either by phone or through the link below.
Voicemail: (415) 502-5601
Or Submit Your Reply Online
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Please note that messages left on voicemail or submitted online may be shared via our newsletter, website, social media, or other channels. | |
Featured Reply From January
What activities or places recharge your emotional energy and give you a sense of well-being?
“Walking revitalizes my emotional energy, especially when I stroll through Golden Gate Park. The park offers countless opportunities for beautiful moments, whether it’s a stunning ray of light, a tender interaction between a parent and child, amusing animals, the fog drifting through the trees, or a random, heartwarming encounter between strangers. I always leave the park feeling happier than when I arrived.”
- Tiffany, Admin Officer
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Join Black Mamas Meet Up
A virtual postpartum group for Black mamas with children up to 3 years old meets every second and fourth Friday of the month from
11 am to 12 pm (PST). Most meetings are virtual with periodic in-person family-friendly activities.
The next session is February 14th.
Sign Up for the Black Mamas Meet Up
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Blossoming Birth Community Doula Training
This free, full-spectrum in-person doula training program by SisterWeb is focused on preparing Black community members in San Francisco to support expecting parents. Centered on Black and Indigenous birthing people, the training includes evidence-based practices with ancestral wisdom, fostering a community-based, holistic approach to birth work.
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The 8th Annual Black Joy Parade, February 23rd
Sponsored by Black Infant Health, the parade includes over 100 participants ranging from classic car clubs and dance troupes to floats. Afterwards, enjoy entertainment at two performance stages with musicians, a kids zone, a skating rink, plus 100+ local Black vendors offering handmade goods, delicious food, cultural services, and more.
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Call for Study Participants in African Immigrants ConceptualiZing PregnANcy Experiences In America (AZANIA)
The study is seeking African immigrant mothers in California to understand their experiences with unfair treatment in the United States, how they receive support from their community, and their cultural traditions during pregnancy and childbirth.
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Shantay R. Davies-Balch Receives James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award
Congratulations to Shantay R. Davies-Balch of the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center for winning the James Irvine Foundation 2025 Leadership Award! The award honors remarkable Californians and their organizations for addressing critical issues.
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Covered California Enrollment Now Open for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients
Covered California established a new Qualifying Life Event (QLE), “DACA recipient”, allowing qualified consumers to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period from February 1 until December 31, 2025.
Learn More and Apply
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Shanell Williams
Organizer, Activist, and Executive Director of Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness
After her mom passed away from a medical mistake, Shanell was determined to improve the health outcomes for Black women when she joined PTBi. With over 25 years of experience as a public advocate and organizer, her life's work is to improve the lives of marginalized people.
Read Shanell's Story
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Be Inspired by PTBi's February Zoom Background
February's background features Katherine Brown, Assistant Professor, OB-GYN, and Mom.
Download Background
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