san-diego-photographer-sophia-elizabeth-photography-maternal-health-newborn-postpartum(82of128)
12-us-flag

United States

We implement a diverse portfolio of programming in San Diego, California, where our U.S. team is recognized as a trusted partner, thought leader and convener of coalitions across sectors and health and social issue areas. This includes birth equity and maternal health, disease prevention and response, water and sanitation, and migrant and binational health care.

sdbfc_open_house-6507

"As a first-time mom without any family to support us and dealing with postpartum depression, my Navigator gave me an opportunity to feel heard and seen."

Healthy Start client

In 2023, as part of our Healthy Start project, our team began answering a regional “breastfeeding warmline” – a vital telephone resource for breastfeeding health education, support and referrals in five different languages. This initiative reinforces our presence as the go-to resource for multilingual community health services.

Screenshot

"They surrounded me with so much love it was overwhelming. They were very helpful with tips on breastfeeding, and they guided me as sisters, not healthcare workers."

Healthy Start client

We also secured a new healthcare reimbursement contract that will fund at least two new full-time employees in 2024, including a Birth Equity Navigator and a Housing Navigator. This will allow the team to directly address the significant housing needs of San Diego communities for the first time and echoes the origins of Global Communities as a cooperative housing actor.

Notable Numbers

Visits with pregnant and postpartum families, helping to ensure they have everything they need for a healthy baby

Pack n plays or cribs provided to families to ensure babies have a safe place to sleep

Mothers who were provided with doula support, which is proven to reduce the risk of birth complications

Percentage of program clients who have at least one or more risk factors, including experiencing poverty, teen pregnancy, unstable housing or homelessness, domestic violence or military deployment

Group activities, reaching more than 880 people

67 new parent support group activities focused on lactation support and child development

11 Community Action Network events, reaching more than 280 people

 

Percentage of program clients who are refugees and asylum seekers from countries including Somalia, Haiti and Afghanistan

Percentage of clients who received midwife care, which is proven to reduce the risk of birth complications and unnecessary c-sections