The first-ever telehealth prenatal and postpartum care program targeting African Americans launched late last week in Oakland, CA.
The BElovedBIRTH Black Centering program, developed by the Alameda Health System and the Alameda County Public Health Department, allows parents-to-be and new parents to connect from home with care providers — both individually and in group sessions— via a connected health platform.
Participants will receive technology support and resources as needed. The telehealth format not only allows care providers to connect with participants in their homes but also enables the program to reach more people who might not have the time or resources to access in-person services, according to the organization.
“Disparities in maternal and infant mortality in the African American community continue to be a national public health crisis and Alameda County is no exception,” Anna Gruver, director and unit administrator of maternal, paternal and child adolescent Health for ACPHD, said in a press release. “I believe that through this unique program and partnership, participants will experience high-quality care from a dedicated and expert group of providers.”
