United And Guided

In the 2024 tax year, United And Guided continued its commitment to advancing birth equity and addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes through the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI). This work was made possible through a subcontract between United And Guided and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). While this subcontract was not supported by direct grant funding, it provided the contractual framework necessary to implement and sustain the Black Fathers Inc. program-an innovative, culturally centered initiative designed to address the unique needs of African American/Black fathers, their partners, and families during the perinatal period. United And Guided incurred $225,000 in program expenses to operate the Black Fathers Inc. program in 2024. These funds supported staffing, program development, outreach, and direct services that advance PEI's statewide goals of reducing health inequities, improving perinatal care experiences, and preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Through this initiative, Black Fathers Inc. provided direct father-focused prenatal, birthing, and postpartum support, operating on the premise that active, informed, and supported fathers play a critical role in improving maternal and infant outcomes. Services included father-inclusive birth coaching, education on newborn care, co-parenting support, and connection to healthcare and community resources. The program utilized a **co-ed doula team model**, pairing a certified male doula with a certified female doula to ensure both parents received culturally competent, gender-responsive care throughout the perinatal journey. In alignment with PEI's focus areas, Black Fathers Inc. implemented outreach and engagement strategies tailored to address systemic barriers faced by African American/Black families, including healthcare mistrust, lack of culturally relevant services, and limited father-inclusive programming. The program facilitated peer support groups, community events, and educational workshops, all designed to promote positive paternal involvement and strengthen family bonds. Operationally, the subcontract with CDPH allowed United And Guided to integrate PEI priorities into existing Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Support service structures, thereby increasing service coordination and continuity of care. While the subcontract itself did not provide funding, its role in enabling the program's operation was critical to securing other resources, maintaining partnerships, and leveraging United And Guided's infrastructure to deliver high-quality, equity-driven services. The Black Fathers Inc. program, under the umbrella of the Perinatal Equity Initiative, contributed to measurable improvements in family engagement, care plan adherence, and birth experiences for participating families. In 2024, the program expanded its reach within Sacramento County and surrounding areas, strengthening collaborations with hospitals, community clinics, and local agencies to ensure that African American/Black fathers are recognized as essential partners in perinatal health. By integrating father-inclusive practices into maternal and child health work, United And Guided advanced PEI's mission to address disparities at their root causes-empowering families, fostering community connection, and creating sustainable pathways toward healthier birth outcomes. The investment of \$225,000 into this work in 2024 underscores United And Guided's commitment to equitable, culturally responsive care that uplifts the entire family unit.