19th annual African-American Community Baby Shower on Saturday – Times Herald Online

A More Excellent Way Health Improvement Organization will host its 19th annual Solano County African American Community Baby Shower in Vallejo on Saturday to provide free health and education workshops and resources to African American ​​pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as expectant fathers.

“Black women are dying at 2-3 times the rate of others from preventable labor and delivery complications,” said Monique Sims, Health Director at A More Excellent Way. “Black babies die at twice the rate of others. It is not healthy for the entire population to have one segment sicker than the rest. It is a birth justice issue. These families represent talent, strength and other contributions to society that when unsupported will never be realized.”

According to Sims, improving the pregnancy and birth outcomes of African American women continues to be a goal of A More Excellent Way Health and several collaborating agencies and the community baby shower event has received funding from Solano First Five Children’s and Families Commission to facilitate this annual event.

“We provide assistance to Solano County families by promoting the importance of early and culturally humble prenatal care, safety, and community support to improve their pregnancy outcomes.”

The baby shower will kick off with health and education Zoom workshops from 10 a.m. until noon before a drive-thru health and resource fair will be held at Refuge Community Fellowship Church, 104 Lincoln Road in Vallejo, from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Sims said the Zoom Education Component will include professionals discussing perinatal health, breastfeeding, mental health and couples relationship care.

“In addition, we have a dynamic speaker discussing the history of the African American family from Africa to America to the present – definitely a favorite,” said Sims. “There will be educational games between the speakers for an opportunity to win car seats, strollers, high chairs and bassinets. We are seeing an increase in homeless African American pregnant and postpartum people.”

After the Zoom education portion, Sims said participants can then join the in-person health fair as well, that will include critical safety net organizations like the WIC program, Partnership Health Plan and the Black Infant Health Program to help them live healthier lives. Attendees will receive a photo commemorating the event that celebrates their pregnancies.

“We are also providing a delicious and healthy hot meal to all the attendees,” said Sims. “We are providing essential baby items at the event including diapers and wipes to every family.”

As of Thursday evening, Sims said there were a total of 109 families registered to attend Saturday’s event, up from 99 last year, and registrations are continuing to be accepted.

To register for the free event, visit, www.virtualshower2024.eventbrite.com.

Donations are also still needed for the shower. To donate, visit the event’s registry page at http://tinyurl.com/28sydymw.

Since 2005, A More Excellent Way Health Improvement Organization has focused on providing community health improvement programs in underserved populations.

“Driven by a mix of community feedback and scientific evidence, we help diverse families connect with the health and social services they need,” said organizers. “We believe that everyone should have access to education, support, and resources for health and well-being, regardless of who they are and where they live.”

For more information, call Sims at (707) 319-7489 or email her at Mnqsims@gmail.com.