Healthy Birth Initiatives addresses the needs of pregnant Black and African American women.
It does this by opening up access to health care and providing ongoing support to pregnant Black and African American women and their families before and after birth.
Our classes, Community Action Network meetings and Father Involvement activities are open to everyone. Contact us for more information.
Services
Our services are Afrocentric and include:
- Individualized, in-home case management
- Access to community health nurses and other specialists
- Help with goal planning
- Respite care
- Breastfeeding support
- Discount car seats
- Family planning
- Transportation for medical care and health education classes
- Coordination of care with health care providers and community agencies
- Ongoing classes and groups
We also serve African immigrant and refugee families through our partnership with African Family Holistic Health Organization (AFHHO).
What are the benefits?
Blacks and African Americans experience rates of infant mortality and low birth weight at levels that unjustly and disproportionately affect their communities. Healthy Birth Initiatives works to achieve healthy birth outcomes by improving the well-being of mothers, fathers and their children before, during and between pregnancies.
Who can receive services?
You may be able to receive services if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are Black or African American
- Live in Multnomah County
How do I apply?
Call 503-988-3387 to apply or refer a client, or fill out our referral form»
You can also call us to get a schedule of classes and events.
Monthly Parent Meet & Greet
1st Wednesday of every month, 11:30am-12:30pm
Join Zoom meeting»
Meeting ID: 985 7443 170 | Passcode: hbiPMG24!
Childbirth Education Class
Mondays, 6-7pm | Online
(No meetings on holidays or the 5th Monday)
Join Zoom meeting»
Meeting ID: 992 8088 1598 | Passcode: hbiCBE24!
Recommended for Black birthing families in their third trimester. Taught by a doula, lactation counselor and childbirth educator. You'll learn:
- Process of labor and birth
- Hospital routines and options
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Medication for labor, cesarean birth
- Recovery process
- Breastfeeding, newborn characteristics
Childbirth Education Flyer (261.99 KB)
Prenatal Classes
Tuesdays, 3-4pm | Online
(No meetings on holidays or the 5th Tuesday)
Join Zoom meeting»
Meeting ID: 958 9225 5592 | Passcode: PreNat24!
Free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. We cover a different topic each week so you can start anytime during your pregnancy, or just come to the topic that interests you the most.
Classes are taught with an Black and African American cultural focus and conducted in English. No registration necessary.
- Week 1: How to have a healthy pregnancy, nutrition
- Week 2: Breastfeeding
- Week 3: Pregnancy complications
- Week 4: Newborn care, sexual health
Prenatal Class Flyer (2.48 MB)
HBI Dads
Parent education classes and father friendly activities. No meetings on holidays. Contact us for more details.
HBI Father Involvement Program Flyer (4.16 MB)
Let that Dad Speak!
2nd Tuesday of every month, 6-7:30pm | Online
Join Zoom meeting»
Meeting ID: 986 7663 4006 |Passcode: fiLTPS!24
Mother and father centered conversations about parenting, co-parenting and healthy relationships.
Let That Dad Speak Flyer (616.84 KB)
Man Cave Thursdays
3rd Thursday of every month, 6-7pm | Online and in-person
Location: Northeast Health Center, 5329 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland
Join Zoom meeting»
Meeting ID: 997 6106 1090 | Passcode: hbiDT24!
A group to empower dads in parenthood, and promote physical, mental and emotional health.
Man Cave Thursdays Flyer (639.05 KB)
Community Action Network
3rd Wednesdays | Online and in-person
11am-12:30pm | January, March, May, July, September, November
6-7:30pm | February, April, June, August, October
Location: Northeast Health Center, 5329 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland
Join Zoom meeting»
Meeting ID: 990 5399 9523 | Passcode: HBIcan24!
A group of parents, community members and organizations untied to confront and overcome social challenges impacting healthy birth outcomes for African American/Black families.
Meetings are open to the public. No meeting in December.
Reading List
Recommended reads for black families»
Contact Us
Healthy Birth Initiatives
5329 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, Oregon 97211
503-988-3387
healthy.birth@multco.us
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm
