The month of May is a national month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. Mental health is shaped by many things, especially by experiences we have growing up. Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur before 18 years old and can lead to toxic stress which negatively impacts your mental health. Sometimes we don’t even realize how these past events can affect our current feelings, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.  ACEs and toxic stress can contribute to different problems including: Physical illness Mental health issues Difficul ..read more

Even if you are just driving around the corner, down the street, getting a ride from a friend, or in a Lyft or Uber, car seat safety is a must. Properly fastening your baby and children in the correct car seat could save their life. BUCKLE UP! Car accidents are one of the leading causes of child death. In 2020, about one third of the children who died in a crash were not buckled up. Such deaths are preventable. Proper car seat safety is vital in reducing injury and death from car accidents. Babies and children should be properly fastened into a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt every ti ..read more

We are delighted to share that BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center has been selected as one of the recipients of the California Black Freedom Fund grants. This initiative has allocated a significant investment of $3.5 million among 75 Black Powerbuilding organizations across California.  It is the second time we have been awarded this grant.  In the previous funding round, in 2021, we received $150,000 for one year. Now, we are grateful to have secured $30,000 for the next two years. This funding will play a crucial role in supporting our general operating expenses as we persi ..read more

1619: The First Enslaved Africans are Brought to the English Colony of Virginia August of 1619 marks the beginning of the slave trade, an industry colonist and their descendants profited from for centuries. Slave traders used myths about physical racial differences to justify the enslavement of abuse of Black bodies. Enslaved Black people are subjected to all forms of violence, including sexual and physical violence. Learn more:  Hampton History Museum: The 1619 Landing — Virginia's First Africans Report & FAQs | Hampton, VA - Official Website: https://hampton.gov/3580/The-1619 ..read more

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(Photo credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) What is Mifepristone? Mifepristone (MIF-e-PRIS-stone) is an FDA-approved drug that is used for medical termination of pregnancy up to 70 days after the first day of the last period. Mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue.  Mifepristone is used together with a second medication called misoprostol (MIS-o-PRO-stol). Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue. This combined regimen is recommended as the preferred therapy for medication abortion due to its effec ..read more

ASSEMBLYMEMBER JOAQUIN ARAMBULA, M.D. 31ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT AB 2110: ACEs Screenings by Community Health Workers and Doulas BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) and the Fresno Community Health Improvement Partnership (FCHIP) are co-sponsoring this bill.  Help us urge policymakers to prioritize this important legislation: Read the Fact Sheet: AB 2110 (Arambula) ACEs Screenings Fact Sheet.pdf Use this template to encourage decision-makers: Customize the AB 2110 (Arambula) Template Letter of Support.docx, and Review the instructions for submitting the letter on the California Advo ..read more

Equal opportunity is one of most cherished ideals of the U.S. Stark racial disparities, However, stark racial disparities persist in health outcomes, particularly in maternal and infant health outcomes. Preterm birth, maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates, chronic illnesses are devastatingly high among Black populations in Fresno, in the state of California, and across the nation.  Black women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die from preventable pregnancy-related complications. Black babies are over 3 times more likely to die during their first year of life from preventable c ..read more

Community Health System and BWPC have partnered together to create a doula observation program at Community Regional Medical Center. This partnership enhances access to education and resources for pregnant women and provides a dedicated observational space to train doulas in labor and delivery. Watch the full video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft8F2UPVPV4 Learn more about doulas here Learn more about the BLACK Doula Training program here Learn more about the benefits of doula care here The BLACK Doula Network Infrastructure in Fresno is supported by ,Elevance Health, Blue Meridian Part ..read more

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a reminder to prioritize our well-being and physical health, including our breasts. Awareness is the first step. Let's make every month a time for breast cancer awareness by staying committed to regular check-ups and incorporating self-examinations into our routine self-care practices Get to know your breasts Being attuned to your own body and developing a deep understanding of your breasts is pivotal in recognizing any irregularities. Your breasts are parts of you! It is only natural that you know what they feel and look like. Knowing and becoming fam ..read more