(a) The Legislature finds and declares that there continues to be a statewide gap between mortality rates for Black infants and those for other population groups. While there have been modest but statistically significant declines in infant mortality generally, including a decline in Black infant mortality, the rate of mortality among Black infants continues to be two to four times higher than the rates for other groups statewide. Furthermore, preterm birth, which is the leading cause for infant death, has increased for the third straight year in California. The social support, stress management, and empowerment model of the Black Infant Health Program is an evidence-informed intervention program designed to reduce Black infant mortality. Other interventions that show promise but do not currently receive state support would enhance the impact of current funding for Black infant health.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to promote the establishment of Community Centers of Excellence in perinatal health based on public health science concerning the causes of persistent inequality and current best practices to narrow the gap. It is the further intent of the Legislature to direct funding to local health jurisdictions to ensure the leadership and coordination required for widespread and lasting change in public awareness and in public health and clinical practice.

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(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 174, Sec. 1. (AB 1701) Effective January 1, 2024.)