Center and Care Study Reveals Critical Needs of Black Families with Preterm Infants

A new study reveals gaps in post-NICU support for Black families with premature infants, highlighting urgent needs to better serve a vulnerable population.

PTBi Researcher Showcases Studies at the Largest Pediatric Research Conference

Scott Oltman, an epidemiologist with UCSF and PTBi, attended the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies to present his study, plus several more from academic colleagues who couldn’t attend.

Harriet Jacobs, a Pioneer in Women’s Rights

This post contains mentions of violence, abuse, and enslavement One of the most important books in U.S. history, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” an autobiography by Harriet Jacobs, was almost lost to history.

Shanell Williams Transitions to Rafiki Coalition After 10 Years at PTBi

Shanell Williams, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi), is departing after 10 years to serve as Executive Director of the Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness.

Biddy Mason, Trailblazer in Medical and Black History

In the 1930s, when artist Bernard Zakheim was painting a series of murals at UCSF titled “The History of Medicine in California,” he included Biddy Mason, a healer, nurse, and midwife, as one of the historically significant figures.

New Study Explores the Growing Challenge of Preterm Birth and Related Inequities

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medicine Association Open Network examines the conditions and trends that are contributing to an alarming increase in preterm birth in the US.

Newborn Screening Data Reveals Vital Clues to Understanding SIDS in New Study

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the most cited cause of infant mortality in the world, with the United States reporting over 1,300 deaths annually from the disorder. Even with advanced diagnostic tools, no clear medical explanation or cause has been found. Despite its prevalence, SIDS has…

New Law Aims to Reduce Maternal Health Disparities for Black Women

A new amendment to the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act creates accountability and enforcement of implicit bias training.

What to know Before you Join: Reflections from California Preterm Birth Initiative Community Advisory Board Members

Have you been asked to join a Community Advisory Board (CAB)? If so, you might be wondering what you should take into consideration before joining. The latest video from the “Reflections from the Community Advisory Board” series offers expert insight from past CAB members.

PTBi's New Associate Director, Selina Lao Mason

The UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative is thrilled to announce that we have appointed a new Associate Director, Selina Lao Mason. Selina, who has been at PTBi since 2017, brings an experienced and energetic perspective to our leadership, with a focus on translating research to meaningful…