According to estimates, there are around 38,000 births each year in San Diego County. Of those, about 1,500 of those births are classified as high risks, with some communities significantly more affected by poor birth outcomes than others, demonstrating the need to address maternal and infant health inequities at the root.

The San Diego Foundation and San Diego County have announced the launch of Born Well, a $1 million initiative to reduce socioeconomic disparities in maternal and infant health.

The Born Well initiative is intended to offer maternal care to all communities across the county, and help end unequal access to care resulting in maternal and infant health inequities.

“We are taking a data-driven approach to improve birth outcomes for mothers and babies who are most at risk,” said Mark Stuart, president and chief executive director of the San Diego Foundation.

The money committed to Born Well will help support an income pilot program for mothers to assess the effects of financial stability on birth outcomes, as well as increased access to doulas, midwives, thorough prenatal and postpartum care, and more in order to insure maternal and infant health.

“This is not just about improving services — it’s about transforming systems,” said Dale Fleming with the Born Well Initiative at SDF.

“Born Well reflects how philanthropy can accelerate progress when it works hand in hand with government and trusted providers to co-create solutions.”

Funding will also support organizations such as the San Diego Community Birth Center, For the Village, Inc., and Jewish Family Services in order to continue providing financial assistance, prenatal care and increased support for doula networks.

“Born Well complements and amplifies the County’s ongoing work to close health and social equity gaps for mothers and babies,” San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe said, regarding this initiative to address maternal and infant health inequities.

“Guaranteed income is a powerful tool to reduce stress, improve access to care, and provide stability, especially in historically underserved communities.

“If we’re serious about improving maternal and infant health outcomes, we must support bold policies that center dignity and economic security for our most vulnerable families.”

Read the full article about maternal and infant health inequities by Tainá Fonseca at Times of San Diego.