Beyond Equity Learning Series

OCG is thrilled to present the next session of our "Beyond Equity" learning series! Focused on going "beyond the numbers" to look at the stories and people who contribute to a more equitable Orange County.

This month, we are pleased to present Our Sisters’ Keeper: A Collective Responsibility to Address Maternal and Infant Mortality in Orange County.

Orange County’s wealth and access to healthcare resources should be a shield against poor birth outcomes, yet infant mortality, low birth weight, and pre-term births have reached a 10-year high, with Black families bearing the heaviest burden. Behind these alarming numbers are real stories of systemic bias, challenges in accessing life-saving information and quality healthcare, a lack of community support, and the profound physical and emotional toll of chronic stress caused by persistent racism endured by Black families.

This presentation sheds light on the lived experiences of a Black pregnant woman navigating these challenges in Orange County, serving as a powerful call for urgent, collective action. Addressing these inequities demands a united effort from every sector— community leaders,researchers, public agencies, businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and philanthropists. Together, we can ensure that every family in Orange County is valued, heard, and supported through their birthing journey. It is within our power to reverse these devastating trends and build a future where every family in Orange County is surrounded by the care and support they need for joyous and healthy births.

Join us for an insightful conversation into a complicated topic. Register today!

Thank you to our presenters:

• Antoinette Andrews-Bush, Ph.D., Founder/Principal Consultant, Andrews Bush &; Associates, LLC
• Chantrell Lewis, MFA, CTE, Executive Director and Founder, Jar of Sunshine, Inc.
• Candice Taylor Lucas, MD, MPH, FAAP, Health Sciences, Associate Clinical Professor, University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Exercise and Genomics Research Center (PERC), Co-Director, Program in Medical Education, Leadership Education to Advance Diversity - African, Black and Caribbean (PRIME LEAD-ABC), Associate Program Director, UCI-CHOC Pediatric Residency Program
• Anaiah Brown, MPH, Program Officer, First 5 Orange County

Host or Publisher OC Grantmakers