Public Health hosts 3rd annual Inland Empire Perinatal Equity Initiative Provider Day Summit in honor of Black Maternal Mental Health Week

Watch the Provider Day Summit recap video featuring Inland Empire experts discussing racial bias and maternal mental health.

In an effort to improve Black maternal and infant health outcomes, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (SBCDPH) proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Inland Empire Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) Provider Day Summit at the DoubleTree in San Bernardino, aligning with Black Maternal Mental Health Week.

This year’s theme, “From Proficiency to Competency,” emphasized actionable change—equipping attendees with practical tools and strategies to implement within their respective fields. The event commenced with opening remarks from SBCDPH Health Officer Dr. Sharon Wang, setting the tone for a powerful night of learning, engagement and empowerment.

Dr. Muhammad Khan, professor and researcher at the University of California San Francisco, Fresno campus, delivered a compelling presentation on the intersection of perinatal substance use and adverse birth outcomes among Black women, sparking vital conversations around equity, care and access. Dr. Khan also provided practical medication-assisted treatment solutions to help protect the mother-baby dyad.

A fireside chat followed, featuring Inland Empire change-makers Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter, Dr. Krystal Hays and Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson. The expert panel explored substance use during pregnancy and mental health within the framework of racial bias, emphasizing the importance and impact of culturally congruent maternal care.

Dr. Dotun Ogunyemi, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led a powerful session on implicit bias. Through immersive role-play, attendees examined systemic racism through the lens of a Black pregnant mother—highlighting how unacknowledged bias can lead to inequities in maternal care. Dr. Ogunyemi called on providers to not only recognize their biases but to use this awareness to advocate for policy reform and culturally affirming systems of care.

Further showcasing local innovation, Dr. Kristina Roloff of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center highlighted the NAEBOR Clinics in Rialto and Redlands. These clinics offer culturally responsive care to Black pregnant women and are a direct response to the need for system-level transformation.

The evening culminated with a keynote address from the inimitable Dr. Melissa Franklin. Known for her dynamic presence, Dr. Franklin inspired attendees by exploring how Black joy can drive “frame-breaking” change in perinatal health. Her keynote emphasized the power of reframing data, centering lived experiences, and building solidarity to drive meaningful impact.

This year’s summit not only fostered knowledge but ignited action—laying the groundwork for continued advocacy and systemic change to honor, protect and uplift Black mothers and their families across the Inland Empire.

According to the California Department of Public Health, Black women are almost four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other races/ethnicities. These poor birth outcomes persist even when Black women are pregnant at an optimal age, have high income, or are well-educated.

SBCDPH strives to combat chronic stress and its harmful impact on maternal and infant health outcomes through its Black Infant Health Program’s social support and case management services intended to empower Black mothers in a culturally affirming environment, as well as doula support, and the 24/7 Dad Fatherhood Program through its Perinatal Equity Initiative.

For more information about improving birthing outcomes and to join our Black Infant Health/Perinatal Equity Initiative Community Advisory Board, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/programs/fhs/pei or email askMCAH@SBCounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – April 24, 2025