Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, District 4
Subject: Authorization to establish a Maternal Health Trust Fund to Support Maternal Health Awareness
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing and establishing the Maternal Health Trust Fund to support maternal health awareness and community engagement initiatives in San Mateo County and to serve as a mechanism for receiving future philanthropic and partner contributions; and
B) Authorizing and directing the County Executive, or designee, to accept on behalf of the County, future lawful gifts, grants, and donations from public and private partners to the Maternal Health Trust Fund, and to report to the Board each quarter the sources and value of such gifts in excess of $10,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Maternal and infant health outcomes remain a critical public health priority across the United States and in California. While California has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality overall, disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes persist across racial and ethnic groups.
In San Mateo County, inequities in birth outcomes are also present. Black residents represent a small but significant portion of the county's population, yet disparities persist across multiple health indicators. County and regional public health consistently report that Black infants experience higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and adverse birth outcomes compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
County and regional public health data also show that Latina mothers experience the highest infant mortality rates in San Mateo County, representing a significant disparity even though statewide data may reflect different patterns across racial and ethnic groups. These local trends highlight the importance of examining and addressing disparities at the county level to ensure that all familie...
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