The UCSF School of Nursing, in collaboration with the California Black Infant Health Program and California Breastfeeding Coalition, has established the COVID-19 Birth Worker Relief Fund to provide one-time grants to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) lactation support individuals, birth workers, and public health and community-based organizations that are serving pregnant and postpartum BIPOC communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the way individuals, families and communities access and receive perinatal education, support and resources. To mitigate the spread of and exposure to COVID-19, many hospitals, clinics, public health programs and community-based organizations have implemented restrictive visiting policies, substantially reduced staff, transitioned to providing online, virtual or telehealth consultations, or closed their doors. Many individuals and organizations are still trying to provide critical maternal and child health services with limited resources and support.
With support from Tara Health Foundation, one-time small grants ranging from $500 to 2500 will be provided through the new COVID-19 Birth Worker Relief Fund. The grants can be used for:
1. Purchase of technological resources, software, or devices (e.g. tablets, smartphones, hotspots, headsets, Zoom or GoToMeeting subscriptions, etc.)
2. Cover consultation fees to enable free support to clients
3. Purchase of Target, Walmart, Safeway, etc. gift cards for client needs
4. Purchase of Telehealth platform(s)
5. Purchase of birth, breastfeeding, and lactation resources (e.g. nipple shields, diapers, wipes, bottles, infant scales, etc.)
6. Cover promotion, marketing materials, and website updates
7. Other pertinent needs, supplies, or resources
Complete and submit the application form by 11:59 p.m. May 22 (PT) for review. If you have questions, you may review the FAQs or contact Ifeyinwa Asiodu, assistant professor at the School of Nursing.