Solutions that reverse anti-Black racism in maternal and perinatal care

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department sent this bulletin at 07/07/2021 12:57 PM PDT

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Apply today to be a member of a Community Advisory Committee!

Do you have ideas about how to improve the maternal health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)? Join a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to re-grant 2019 Birth Equity Funds! Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department—in partnership with Washington State Department of Health (DOH)—will facilitate the committee.

DOH developed the Birth Equity Project to invest in community programming that would improve birth outcomes for Black, African American, Pacific  Islander and American Indian, and Alaska Native women and infants in Washington. In 2019, applicants received funding through a competitive Request for Proposal process. DOH selected 3 applicants to plan for and implement birth equity. These grantees are in their second year of funding.  

Because of a broad and sustained response from birthing community members, DOH re-allocated funds for projects that serve and benefit King County Black birthing families. The BIPOC birthing community will guide these projects through the CAC.

To focus on community listening, expertise and engagement, the Health Department will contract with Jackie Vaughn to form the CAC. This committee will determine where to allocate funds. The CAC will complete these activities and responsibilities:

  • In July, participate in 3 planning sessions.
  • In August, review and edit 2019 applications for the original Birth Equity Fund.
  • In September, review proposals and select a new grantee.

The estimated time commitment for the project is 16 hours. CAC members will receive $2,800 for their time. If selected, you’ll need to provide a W-9 form.

We encourage you to apply for a Community Advisory Committee position, if you:

  • Have deep relationships in the Black birth worker community.
  • Understand gaps in care for Black birthing people and their infants in King County.
  • Commit to solutions that reverse anti-Black racism in maternal and perinatal care.

If interested, apply here Community Advisory Council Application (google.com) by July 21. (2 weeks after the release of the application).

To learn more about the project, register for a drop-in session (optional) on July 13.

Questions? Contact Jackie Vaughn.