September 2024

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month

Research Sheds New Light on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

In a new research paper published in JAMA Pediatrics, UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative epidemiologist Scott Oltman and a group of investigators found promising clues to detecting infants at high risk for SIDS. By looking at standard newborn screening results, Oltman and the team discovered an association between metabolic disorders and SIDS, which could potentially identify at-risk children and prevent the disease. The LA Times examines the impact of the results.

Reflections Video: Joining a CAB

Have you been asked to join a Community Advisory Board (CAB)? If so, you might be wondering what to consider before doing so. The latest video from the “Reflections from the Community Advisory Board” series offers expert advice from past CAB members.

New Operations Coordinator Joins PTBi

Kai Toney began their journey in Black maternal and Infant health as an intern with PTBi and EMBRACE. Afterward, she received a degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies from the University of Oregon. When not working, you’ll find Kai reading, making visual and musical art, or adventuring outside.

New Executive Program Coordinator

Je'Meshia Wade, our Operations Analyst, is moving into a new role as PTBi’s Executive Program Coordinator, and we couldn’t be more excited! Now Je’Meshia will be the lead on all our events, continuing the incredible work she has already brought to the Operations team.

Enroll in HOPE THRIVE, a Pregnancy and Anxiety Study

HOPE THRIVE is a program to determine if therapy delivered via a phone app can help pregnant and expectant people manage anxiety. You must be pregnant, live in California, and receive MediCal. If you qualify, you can get up to $300 for participating.

Learn More and Enroll

Combining Funding to Maximize Financial Support

This webinar by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) highlights strategies that health care and social service organizations can use to combine funding from different sources through the CalAIM initiative.

Watch the Webinar

Free Reproductive Health Curriculum Online

Innovating Education in Reproductive Health produces and distributes sexual and reproductive health courses for health care learners training in states where in-clinic abortion is difficult or impossible to access.

Explore the Courses

Perspectives on the Breastfeeding Journey

A six-part discussion on breastfeeding organized by the Committee on Understanding Breastfeeding Promotion, Initiation, and Support Across the United States ranges from the perspectives of lactation support professionals to considerations for LGBTQIA families. Each session is recorded and posted to the website.

Watch the Sessions

New UCSF Training Program for Jobs in Health Care

The UCSF Career Pathways program will train 2,000 individuals over five years through a transformative $14 million donation from the Crankstart Foundation. The program will prepare community members, students, and current work force looking for an opportunity to advance in their careers for well-paid health care jobs at UCSF.

Learn About the Program

Voices for Birth Justice: Advocating for Improvements in the NICU

Kristi Hernandez-Barrientez

Preemie, Preemie Mom, NICU Parent Mentor

A preemie herself, Kristi experienced a premature birth of her daughter at 26 weeks. The experience inspired Kristi to join the Moms’ and Dads’ Council to develop a mentoring program to help other NICU parents.

Read Her Story

Brianna Knight

Mom and Community Ambassador

Brianna channeled her grief after losing a child, Brayden in the NICU by founding a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women dealing with trauma and offering resources like yoga and community events to foster healing.

Read Her Story

Hope Williams-Burt

Mother, Birth Justice Advocate, and Organizer

Hope's painful experiences with systemic racism and medical bias in preterm birth fueled her work to prevent others from experiencing the same trauma and to create accountability with real change within the health care system.

Read Her Story

Celebrate Love with our September Zoom background

Teasara Thompson and Winstonn Tubbs are featured on this month's Zoom background.

Download Background

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