African American infant health issues were identified in the HSA’s Community Health Report 2001, a report that monitors health trends in the community. Starting in July 2001, the HSA developed a Black Infant Health (BIH) task force in partnership with community organizations to make headway on these issues.

To raise awareness of the significance of BIH issues in Stanislaus County, on February 2, 2002, the BIH task force is sponsoring a community education program from 1 –6 p.m. at the King Kennedy Memorial Center, 601 N. Martin Luther King Drive in Modesto. The program will focus on Black infant health and the effects of “Hip Hop” culture on today’s youth.

The afternoon will feature recording artist Yukmouth of the multi-platinum Bay Area group Luniz. Yukmouth has also released two solo albums, including “Thug Lord” on Rap-a-Lot records. Other performers and presenters include: Kuzzin Prece-Po' Folks Children, Kraze, former KMEL DJ Davie D, and Akili Shabazz, a community member who participates in the organization “Fathers Who Care.”

Michael Connor, Ph.D. from California State University, Long Beach will be the Keynote speaker, highlighting the importance of male involvement in the health of an infant. Teresa Washington, Ph.D. from CSU, Stanislaus, will discuss the history of Rap music and its effects. A panel discussion with audience participation will be moderated by Shirley Shelton, State Coordinator, Black Infant Health Program.

According to Cle Moore, Associate Director of the Health Services Agency and founding member of the task force, “As we start the celebration of Black History, it is fitting that we examine the life of the smallest members within the African American population of Stanislaus County. African American infants face mortality at a rate of l6 deaths per 1,000, while the African American population makes up a small proportion (2.6%) of the total population. Decreasing the infant mortality rate will take consciousness raising within the community, healthcare providers, the family and especially fathers of these infants.”

The Black Infant Health Task Force, chaired by Dr. Lynnette Grandison, along with the City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Services Department, West Modesto King Kennedy Collaborative, Teen Life Challenge, State Department of Health Services and the Health Services Agency are partnering to present a Symposium: Focusing on Black Infant Health and the Effects "Hip Hop" Culture has on Today's Youth!

The Day promises to be entertaining, informative, stimulating and filling, with dinner served to those attendees at the end of the session.

Moore also affirmed, “No community is healthy until all of its residents are healthy, and this is especially true for our infants, because they are the best part of us and the foundation for the future of our county.”

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 9 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 475,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.hsahealth.org