Upcoming Events for the Week of September 12th

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 LA Best Babies Network

Here is a roundup of this week’s conferences, webinars, and trainings for home visitors and others who work with pregnant women and families with little ones. Also included: events around L.A. County that you can share with the families you serve. Want to look further into the future? See the comprehensive lists we update weekly for:

Do you have something for us to include? Email snish@labestbabies.org. And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

September is:

Ongoing Opportunities

UCLA Breastfeeding Study: Seeking Interview Participants
Get a $75 gift card for doing a 45- to 60-minute phone/zoom interview about breastfeeding. Must be pregnant or have recently given birth and identify as Asian American, Black or African American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Select a time to do the interview here. Contact ajscheitler@ucla.edu if you have questions.
Study conducted by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

MotherToBaby Study: Seeking Participants
MotherToBaby is currently enrolling pregnant women in an observational study to explore how asthma and its treatment affect pregnancy. All studies are conducted through phone interviews — no changes to your normal routine or travel required.
Study conducted by MotherToBaby

Pregnant Persons Focus Groups and Survey: Seeking Participants
2020 Mom and the American Psychiatric Association are conducting a study to assess gaps in care and treatment of mental maternal health. Those who are currently pregnant, have given birth, or experienced pregnancy loss in the past 24 months are invited to participate. Participants who complete the two one-hour sessions will receive a $200 honorarium and those who complete the survey will receive a $30 Amazon gift card.
Study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association and 2020 Mom

Parent-Child Interaction Research Study: Seeking Participants
Are you a parent between the ages of 18-35 who was formerly in foster care and is now parenting a 6–18 month-old child? You’re invited to participate in this research study. You may be eligible to receive a $20 gift card. To learn more, call (626) 657-8745 or email ECampi15@Chan.USC.edu.

Black Mothers Wellness Study: Seeking Survey Participants
Are you a Black mother who has a 1-12 month-old baby? You’re invited to complete an online survey to share about your experiences as a new mother. To thank you for your time, you will get a $15 VISA gift card. For more information or to participate, email KFJames@mednet.ucla.edu or call (310) 794-7649.
Study conducted by the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

CalKIDS Program Gives Money to Families to Save for College
Low-income families with public school students in grades 1-12 can now open college savings accounts, and California will contribute seed investments of up to $1,500 for each child. All California families with newborns (born on or after July 1, 2022) can also open these accounts and receive up to $100 from the state. Read more about eligibility, and see this FAQ page. To see these pages in another language click “Language” on the right side.

Apply to Become a Help Me Grow LA Parent Champion
Help Me Grow LA (HMG LA) is recruiting parents, caregivers and community members across Los Angeles County to join the HMG LA Community and Family Engagement Council (CFEC) as Parent Champions. You’ll serve as a strategic planning partner and advocate for HMG LA, representing the family perspective and helping to ensure that early childhood services and resources meet the needs of children with or at risk of behavioral and/or developmental delays and disabilities. Members meet four times a year. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Apply today!

WIC Families Get Benefits at the Farmers’ Market
WIC families can get $30 to buy fruits and vegetables at WIC-certified Farmers’ Markets (limit one per family per year). Text “Farmers” to 91997 for more info or use this tool to find your nearest Farmers’ Market that accepts WIC.

Pregnant? Sign up for KPCC’s New Pregnancy Texting Service
KPCC and LAist have a new texting service that they are inviting pregnant people to help beta test. Get answers to some of your questions about pregnancy, birth and parent life. Text “heybb” to 73224 to sign up.

Food Giveaways
See our updated list throughout L.A. County. For all in-person events, remind families to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and stay home if they feel sick or have been diagnosed with COVID.

Infant Formula Resources for Families in L.A. County and Across California
See this updated post in the Stronger Families Blog for resources and information to share with the families you serve.

Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Program
This program is open to low-income individuals who live in Los Angeles County. LIFE offers discounts on weekly and monthly transit passes on Metro and any LIFE participating transit agencies.
Presented by Metro

Free or Low-Cost Internet for Students
Visit GetConnectedLosAngeles.lacity.org or call 3-1-1 to learn about available options.
Presented by the City of L.A.

Resources to Bridge the Digital Divide
A recent LA Health Collaborative focused on helping underserved families in LA County get connected. For a very comprehensive library of resources, see the Digital Divide Toolkit from the Community Clinic Association of LA County. Here are a couple of good links to share with clients (those without Internet access can call 3-1-1 to learn about available options):
Get Connected LosAngeles
Affordable Connectivity Program

What You Should Know About Monkeypox
This continually updated webpage from the LA County Department of Public Health answers your questions and helps you find a vaccine clinic if you are at risk.

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available to Children Older Than 6 Months
Over 900 locations across Los Angeles County are now vaccinating children ages 6 months and older. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to learn about locations, and schedules for clinics offering these and other COVID-19 vaccines.

Free Rapid & PCR COVID Testing
Dates and times vary: Locations vary Free testing will be available by appointment only.
Presented by Total Testing Solutions

Pick-Up Testing Kit Program
If you have COVID symptoms or think you were exposed to COVID, you can pick up a free PCR testing kit, administer it yourself, and return it to a designated site for processing. See pick-up locations here.

Free COVID-19 Vaccines, Food, Diapers, Wipes, and more!
By appointment only
To make an appointment, call (323) 789-4717.
Presented by The Children’s Collective – Family Source Center

Golden Bear Pass
CalWORKs families can now receive a complimentary 2022 Golden Bear Pass, which grants free entry at 200+ state parks and beaches. Learn more and apply here (or in Spanish here). Questions? Contact the California Dept. of Social Services at (916) 651-0515 or calworksoutreach@dss.ca.gov.

Discounted Internet Service Still Available
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps income-eligible households afford high-speed internet service. The program provides up to a $30 monthly discount per family. To learn more or apply, visit InternetForAllNow.org or call 866-425-2870.

Have You Gotten Your Child Tax Credit Yet?
The Child Tax Credit puts cash in your hands to help with the rising cost of raising kids. You can get up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and up to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17. File your claim at GetCTC.org (or in Spanish at GetCTCorg/es).

Opportunity LA Offers Free Savings Accounts for Children
The City and County of Los Angeles, along with LAUSD, are working together to provide all LAUSD first-graders with a FREE Child Saving Account (CSA) to help save for college — regardless of the student or parent’s income, background or immigration status. All eligible students will receive an initial $50 deposit. Additional deposits can be made by students and families. To learn more about the program, visit OpportunityLA.com or watch videos in English and Spanish here.
Presented by the City and County of L.A., in partnership with LAUSD and Citibank

Request FREE COVID-19 Home Antigen Tests to Distribute in the Community You Serve
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is distributing FREE home antigen COVID-19 test kits to community agencies within high-need communities to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If your agency is interested in distributing these in the community, please submit your request online using this link.

Podcast: DMH UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership
Lots of episodes on interesting and useful topics for home visitors – available on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. In partnership with the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, the Public Mental Health Partnership at UCLA “aims to realize a vision for excellence in care for vulnerable populations that incorporates typically marginalized perspectives and builds capacity to foster health equity.” Visit pmhp.ucla.edu to learn more.

Free COVID-19 Vaccines
Safe, effective and free – COVID-19 vaccines are widely available (even for babies who are at least 6 months old), regardless of health insurance and immigration status. There are hundreds of vaccination sites across L.A. County, and many are open late and on weekends with no appointment required. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com to find a location near you. See the CDC’s page on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Test to Treat COVID-19 Program
Get free same-day testing and free antiviral medication across LA County sites. Click here, call 211, or text 844-833-1334 to find a free county testing location.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Monday, September 12

Virtual Event: Wisconsin Multicultural Maternal Mental Health Summit
September 12, 7:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Shades of You, Shades of Me

Webinar: Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals
Mondays, September 12 – December 19, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by 2020 Mom and Postpartum Support International

Early Learning Readiness: Free Child & Caregiver Class (Spanish)
Mondays and Wednesdays, September 12 – June, 10:00am – 12:00pm: Southeast Rio Vista YMCA, 4801 E. 58^th St., Maywood, CA 90270
To register or for more information, call Youth Director Andrea at (323) 588-2256.
Presented by Southeast Rio Vista YMCA

Virtual Training: Promoting Placement Stability Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process
September 12, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Must create an account to access registration form.
Presented by the LA County Dept. of Mental Health

Virtual Event: ZERO TO THREE Virtual Annual Conference
September 12 – 15
Presented by ZERO TO THREE

Virtual and In-Person Event: Raise: Event Fundraising Conference
September 12 – 13
Presented by One Cause

Tuesday, September 13

Virtual Training: Facilitating the Parenting Program
September 13, 15, 20, and 22; 9:00am – 1:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Building Community Workforce Capacity to Equitably Support Chest/Breastfeeding
September 13, 10:00am
Presented by the National Association of County and City Health Officials

Citizen Workshop: Receive Free Assistance with the Citizenship Application and Fee Waiver
September 13, 2:00pm – 7:00pm: Mid Valley Family YMCA, 6901 Lennox Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91405
To schedule an appointment, call (323) 244-9077. For more information, visit ymcaLA.org/nawc
Presented by the New American Welcome Center at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Opening Doors/ Abriendo Puertas – Parent Training
Tuesdays, September 13 – November 15, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Participants must live within the Child Care Resource Center service area. To verify eligibility and to register, please email Berenice Gonzalez at BeGonzalez@ccrcca.org and Evelyn Sanchez at EvSanchez@ccrcca.org.
Presented by Child Care Resource Center and others

Wednesday, September 14

Virtual Event: 12^th Annual Suicide Prevention Summit: Healing Pathways for Support and Connection
September 14-16, TBA
You will need a FREE EventsHub account to register for this event. For more details on how to register, click here. Have any questions? Email SuicidePrevention@dmh.lacounty.gov.
Presented by LA Suicide Prevention Network

Virtual Training: Hearts and Hands Postpartum Doula Training and Certification
September 14, 16, 21, & 23; 9:00am – 2:30pm
Presented by Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance

Webinar: Supporting Everyone’s Mental Health: Honoring Each Person’s Experience to Support Mental Health
September 14, 10:00am – 11:00am
Part of the series Supporting Everyone’s Mental Health (see also September 21 and 28)
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Touchpoints in Libraries
September 14 – November 12, 11:00am – 12:30 pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Thursday, September 15

Webinar: Connecting the Community for Maternal Health Challenge: Engaging the Community to Address the Maternal Health Crisis in the United States
September 15, 9:00am
This webinar gives an overview of this NIH-funded IMPROVE initiative research challenge.
Presented by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Virtual Class: Child Development
September 15, 9:30am – 11:00am
Part of Help Me Grow LA, this class will answer questions about your child’s development and help you find services if your family needs them. Available in both English and Spanish. Register here.
Presented by L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Health Community Resource Center

Virtual Meeting: Maternal and Child Health Access
September 15, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Will feature a presentation by California Department of Public Health colleagues on upcoming changes to the California Prenatal Screening Program.
Presented by Maternal and Child Health Access

Webinar: Monkeypox Briefing
September 15, 11:00am
Presented by Department of Health & Human Services

Virtual Training: Writing for Understanding
September 15, 22, & 29; 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Presented by Clear Language Lab

Virtual Training: Too Close or Too Far: Setting Best Boundaries with Clients
September 15, 29, and October 13, 27, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Must attend all four sessions.
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Citizen Workshop: Receive Free Assistance with the Citizenship Application and Fee Waiver
September 15, 2:00pm – 7:00pm: Southeast-Rio Vista YMCA, 4801 E. 58^th St., Maywood, CA 90270
To schedule an appointment, call (323) 244-9077. For more information, visit ymcaLA.org/nawc
Presented by the New American Welcome Center at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Friday, September 16

Virtual Event: Policy Café: California’s Path Toward Health for All
September 16, 9:00am – 10:30am
Presented by Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County

Khmer Hiking Group
September 16, 10:00am – 11:30am
This meeting will be hosted on Zoom. To register, call or text Putheavy Hun at (562) 522-6399 or Jessica Dance at (562) 533-8242.
Presented by Families in Good Health

Saturday, September 17

The 2022 Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute (Virtual and In-Person Format)
September 17 – 18: The Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center, 999 9^th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Registration is now extended until September 15. Register here.
Presented by Black Mamas Matter Alliance