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September 2025

Sexual Health Awareness Month, Self Care Awareness Month, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month

New Research Maps Path to Better Care for Black Preemie Parents

When a preemie finally leaves the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), many families face an unexpected cliff in their support system. For many, the journey doesn’t end at hospital discharge; it’s just beginning.


That's some of the insight found in Center & Care, a groundbreaking new study that reveals the hidden struggles of Black families caring for preterm infants.


Through intimate conversations with 20 Black caregivers, the research led by Dr. Kayla Karvonen uncovers the stark reality families with preemies face, from financial hardships to fractured medical support, while also illuminating meaningful solutions that could transform the experience.


With Black babies being born premature at rates nearly 50% higher than the national average, this study is not about identifying problems, it’s about revolutionizing how we support families when they need it most. Read on to discover the five critical areas where change could make all the difference, and how community organizations are already stepping up to fill the gaps.

SF Pregnancy Family Village


This free event for Black pregnant residents and families in San Francisco provides a reliable one-stop shop of offerings built around the community’s stated needs and engaging within environments that are uplifting, supportive, and dignified. Every second Saturday of the month from 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm.


A complementary lunch is served at noon with music, free maternity clothes, yoga, and more!


When: Saturday, September 13, 12:00 - 3:30 pm PT

Where: Bayview YMCA

1601 Lane St., San Francisco, CA 94124

Funding Opportunity for Maternal Mental Health Organizations


The Children’s Partnership (TCP) is conducting a confidential, anonymous online study of California parents with children ages 3 and under to learn how to better support families statewide.


The information will be kept safe—not shared outside the research team, and used to inform TCP’s advocacy to support the needs of families of young children from diverse backgrounds.


All studies will be conducted online, are confidential, and participants will be compensated up to $150 for their time.


Sign up and learn more now.

Attend the 2025 CA Black Birth Equity Summit: Virtual Tickets Still Available!


Catch a lot of the action at the Summit from the comfort of your office or home by attending virtually.


While in-person tickets are currently sold out, email Alex Napier at anapier@conferencemanagers.com to be notified if more tickets become available.

Sponsor the Summit's Advocacy Roundtable

Help support the work of researchers, policymakers, and community advocates to engage in dialogue and drive policy solutions by becoming a sponsor of the Summit Advocacy Roundtable!


A powerful half-day event focused on developing concrete policy solutions to improve Black maternal health outcomes, the session will give attendees the knowledge and connections needed to bridge critical gaps between research and policy-making, while learning how federal policies impact state and local maternal health programs.


Your sponsorship will empower community members to become effective advocates for systemic change in birth care equity with clear action steps and resources to influence policies that affect their communities.


When: Wednesday, October 22nd from 9:00 am-2:30 pm

Where: California Capitol Eureka Room


Email Mashariki@cablackbirthequitysummit.org for more info and to become a sponsor.

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

11:00 am - 12:00 pm PT. Most meetings are virtual with periodic in-person family-friendly activities.


The next session is on September 12.


Sign Up for the Black Mamas Meet Up

Thought Prompt of the Month


What unique challenges have you had to adapt to and overcome?


The we'd 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 Online

Please note that messages left on voicemail or submitted online may be shared via our newsletter, website, social media, or other channels.

Featured Reply


What qualities do you need to cultivate strong connections with others?


“You need to be a really good listener and show that you truly care about what they’re saying and feeling. It also helps to be honest, reliable, and respectful of different backgrounds. Kind of like being a good friend who people know they can count on and trust with their feelings.” - TD

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Voices for Birth Justice

Monica McLemore

Badass Thinker, PhD, RN, MPH


Monica's life was shaped by being born eight weeks early. Growing up as a very sick child inspired her to become a nurse in public health, with a focus on maternal research, which includes work to prevent early birth.


Read Monica's Story

Areca Smit

Mom, Daughter, and Executive Director at PTBi


Areca got into birth justice work when she joined the NICU family advisory council at Alta Bates in Berkeley. A traumatic delivery taught Areca the power of advocating for yourself and others.


Read Areca's Story

Overcome Challenges with PTBi's September Zoom Background


September's background features Lindsay Oda, Doula and Birth Justice Advocate.


Download Background

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