‘Cherished Futures’ Advances Health, Racial Equity for Black Women, Babies and Birthing People in Los Angeles County

Public Health Institute's (PHI) Cherished Futures for Black Moms and Babies Program is such an important program and example. Racism and toxic stress are root causes for racial disparities in birth outcomes. PHI’s Cherished Futures for Black Moms and Babies is centering the lived experiences of Black women and birthing parents to address this ongoing maternal mortality crisis, bringing together decision-makers from local hospitals, public health departments, health plans and Black women community leaders to identify and put into action systems-change solutions at clinical, institutional and community levels. Today, about 45% of all hospital births in LA County are delivered by members who have participated in Cherished Future cohorts.