Project 360: Supporting Families Before, During and After Disaster

By Jessica Ayala

When wildfires rage, power grids fail or heat waves strike, most families worry about staying safe, but for pregnant individuals and new parents, the stakes are even higher. Disaster preparedness and response efforts often overlook the distinct and critical needs of these perinatal populations, leaving them especially vulnerable during emergencies. The consequences can be severe and long-lasting, affecting both maternal and infant health.

Environmental hazards such as extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and poor air quality — now common in many parts of Southern California — are directly linked to increased rates of preterm birth, stillbirth and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. At the same time, the chaos of a disaster can disrupt access to prenatal and postpartum care, exacerbate mental health challenges and create barriers to breastfeeding and parent-infant bonding.

Despite these risks, perinatal health is rarely integrated into emergency planning frameworks. This gap leaves families without the resources or support they need to stay safe and healthy during crises. Project 360 was created with this in mind.

Led by Global Communities through its Healthy Start programs, the initiative brings together emergency response professionals, perinatal health experts and community members to ensure that pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families are not only included in disaster preparedness efforts but prioritized. By combining hands-on training, essential emergency supplies and policy advocacy, Project 360 is building a more inclusive and resilient approach to emergency readiness.

What We’re Doing

Project 360 is a community-driven effort to help families feel more prepared and supported when emergencies happen. Through a series of in-person workshops across Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, families are learning practical skills and gaining confidence. These trainings are co-led by emergency response professionals and perinatal health experts who understand the realities families face and can speak directly to their needs.

Each participating family also receives a thoughtfully curated “Go Bag” filled with essential emergency supplies. These kits include first aid items, infant care products, flashlights, radios, masks and a list of local resources — tools that can make a real difference in a crisis.

To extend our reach, we’re also building an online resource hub that will offer printable guides, interactive tools and real-time emergency updates tailored to the needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals. Beyond direct services, we’re also working with local agencies to ensure that perinatal health is included in emergency response plans. This fall, we’ll be sharing our work at the National Healthy Start Grantee Meeting in Virginia, helping to elevate this issue on a national stage.

Why It Matters 

In many of the communities we serve, families are already navigating economic hardship, limited access to care and environmental risks. Project 360 meets them where they are — with practical tools, trusted guidance and a commitment to equity. 

“Preparedness isn’t just about supplies. We’re empowering parents with the tools and knowledge they need to protect their children and support one another when it matters most. Project 360 is about making sure no family is left behind when disaster hits.” 
— Yuli Smith, Consortium Manager, Healthy Start San Diego-Riverside 

Looking Ahead 

We’re also investing in the future. While we’re currently partnering with CERT trainers to deliver standard emergency content, we’re also educating them on the specific needs of perinatal populations, such as safe sleep requirements, lactation accommodations and support. Our goal is to develop Global Communities-branded materials that can be used by other organizations nationwide — helping to raise the bar for inclusive preparedness. 

What You Can Do Today
Donate: When you give to Healthy Start, you’re giving moms and babies the healthiest start to life.
Learn more: See how our Healthy Start programs are supporting families in Southern California.