News

PTBi's New Executive Director, Areca Smit

The UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative is thrilled to announce the appointment of Areca Smit as our new Executive Director. Areca, who has been serving on our Executive Leadership Team and as our Director of Communications, will bring steady and inventive leadership as we broaden our horizons...

Hackers for Birth Justice: Recap of Our Third Hackathon

In early June, the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi), Twilio, and Techtonica co-hosted the third annual Hackers for Birth Justice event — a hackathon where technology and birth equity meet to improve Black infant and maternal health outcomes.

Giving Our Community Advisory Board Their Flowers

The “Reflections from the Community Advisory Board” video series does not only share kudos for the work that our community advisors have done for the last seven years but also puts on full display the beauty and unique value of partnering authentically with the community. The series debuted at the...

Voices for Birth Justice Video Series Debut

Since 2017, the heart and soul of the Preterm Birth Initiative has been its Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB, comprising mothers with preterm birth experience, birthworkers, and community members, participated in research, reviewed grant proposals, and made funding decisions. The CAB also...

Recently Published: Perspectives on PTBi’s Collective Anti-Racism Journey

Confronting institutionalized anti-Blackness is no small task. American companies and organizations sprung into action in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, leading to a proliferation of statements and trainings. Now that the immediacy of that awakening has passed, many are left wondering...

Happy Holidays from PTBi

Dear PTBi friends and family, As we approach the close of the year, we want to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. The season is a time for gratitude, and we find ourselves reflecting on our incredible shared journey. 

Celebrating Unity and Healing at the San Francisco County Black Birthworker Retreat

Experience the transformative unity and healing at the San Francisco County Black Birthworker Retreat.

I hope to be a mother one day.

Interim Executive Director Solaire Spellen urges us to amplify our voices, support critical initiatives, and address systemic racism in maternal healthcare. This #WorldPrematurityDay, let's commit to change.

Holiday Greetings from PTBi Leadership

PTBi leadership, Larry Rand, Alexis Cobbin, and Solaire Spellen reaffirm our commitment to anti-racism and celebrate current programs and initiatives to bring in the new year.

Uplifting Black Breastfeeding with Community Resources, Culturally Concordant Care, Legal Aid, and Hospital Policy

Breast/chestfeeding is an important mechanism that can provide significant health benefits for both the postpartum person and their infant. In San Francisco, 94% of mothers surveyed intended to breastfeed after birth and 70% of those women hoped to exclusively breastfeed.