Public invited to meeting on black infant deaths

The Central Valley Health Policy Institute and First 5 Fresno County are inviting the public to a meeting from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday to discuss black infant mortality.

The meeting will be at Rutherford B. Gaston Middle School, 1100 E. Church Ave., Fresno. Dinner and child care will be provided.

Black families in Fresno County experience three times the rate of infant deaths as white families. A study by Fresno State researchers at the Central Valley Health Policy Institute found access to supportive services reduced infant deaths.

Stress, a lack of social support and poor physical and mental health increased the risk of babies dying. Health providers said lack of transportation and coordination of care are barriers to health for women before and during pregnancy.

For reservations for the meeting, go to eventbrite or contact Lilith Assadourian at lassadourian@first5fresno.org or by telephone at (559) 558-4922.

This story was originally published August 5, 2015 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Public invited to meeting on black infant deaths."