Upcoming Events for the Week of September 26th

September 26, 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 26

Webinar and Virtual Discussion Group: Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges: The Whole Child
September 26, 12:00pm
This is a free, 6-episode virtual conversation series for families and child-development professionals. (See other dates in the link above.) Also available in Spanish.
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Free Community Baby Shower
September 26, 1:00pm – 3:00pm: L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center, 911 North Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744

Tuesday, September 27

Virtual Training: Perinatal Mental Health: Supporting the Transition from Pregnancy to Parenthood
September 27 & 28, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Presented by Parent-Child Relationship Programs at the Barnard Center

How to Survive and Thrive: Overview of Bipolar Disorder
September 27, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Presented by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Gabriel Valley

Wednesday, September 28

Virtual Event: White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
September 28, TBA
Conference will be livestreamed. To learn more about the conference, click here.
Presented by the White House

Webinar: Redesigning Systems with Black Women: Patient-Centered Simulation and Community Partnerships to Improve Maternal Outcomes
September 28, 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement

Webinar: Health Literacy and Spirituality at End Of Life
September 28, 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented by the Health Literacy Solutions Center, Institute for Healthcare Advancement

Webinar: Social Connection: Building Community Through Health System Interventions
September 28, 9:00am – 10:30am
Presented by findhelp.org, the Social Care Network

Trauma-Informed Care Conference: Actionable Insights for Healing and Opportunity
September 28, 9:00am – 12:30pm
Contact AHapuarachy@childrensinstitute.org to inquire about group/student rates!
Presented by Children’s Institute

Hybrid Event: Beyond the Silos: Domestic Violence & Health Care Symposium
September 28, 9:00am – 2:30pm: The California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Presented by DVHC Leadership Council in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health, and Domestic Violence Council

Webinar: Social Media Strategies to Increase Engagement with Fathers and Communities
September 28, 9:30am – 10:30am
Presented by National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse

Webinar: Nurturing the Nurturer: Self-Care for Providers and Parents
September 28, 10:00am – 11:30am
Part of the series Supporting Everyone’s Mental Health (see also September 14 and 21)
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Roles of Trust and Health Literacy in Achieving Health Equity (Session 2)
September 28, 10:00am – 11:30am
This session focuses on public health institutions. Also see session on October 6 (for community-based organizations).
Presented by NASEM Health and Medicine

Virtual Meeting: Homeless Initiative SPA 2 South Bay Listening Session
September 28, 10:00am – 11:30am
Presented by County of Los Angeles Homeless Initiative

Webinar: Fentanyl Communications Overcoming Overdose Misconceptions No One is Talking About
September 28, 10:30am (also September 20, 10:00am – register here)
Presented by Rescue Agency

Webinar: Maternal Suicide in the U.S.: The Latest Research & Data Collection Efforts
September 28, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Presented by 2020 Mom

Webinar: Meeting the Challenges Facing Our Youth
September 28, 12:00pm
With Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone. Part of the Learning to Listen series (see also October 26 and December 7)
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Virtual Joint Annual Conference: Linking and Transforming Systems for Our Children and Families
September 28-29, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Presented by the California Resources and Referral Network and California Alternative Payment Program Association

Homeless Initiative Virtual Community Listening Session (SPA 2 San Fernando & Santa Clarita)
September 28, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Presented by the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative

Thursday, September 29

Webinar: Priority Strategies: Improving Health & Reducing Chronic Diseases
September 29, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity

Webinar: Monkeypox Briefing
September 29, 11:00am
Presented by Department of Health & Human Services

Virtual Training: Emergency Preparedness & Me and My Doctor
September 29, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Part of an online training series to help families advocate for themselves in a variety of areas. For more information and to sign up, contact Wesley Witherspoon at wwitherspoon@chla.usc.edu.
Presented by USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Virtual Conference: Health Equity Approaches to Preventing Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence
September 29, 11:00am
Presented by PreventConnect

Virtual Training: Promoting Placement Stability Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process
September 29, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Must create an account to access registration form.
Presented by the LA County Dept. of Mental Health

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

Virtual Town Hall: Learn About Help Me Grow LA
September 29, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Friday, September 30

Virtual Training: Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative For The NICU And An Open Q&A with An IBCLC + Neonatologist
September 30, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition

Virtual Training: Promoting Placement Stability Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process
September 30, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Must create an account to access the registration form.
Presented by the LA County Dept. of Mental Health

Khmer Community Health & Wellness Workshop
September 30, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
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, October 1

Virtual Training: IS Screening Symposium
October 1, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Presented by Ingram Screening.

I Matter-Girls Empowerment Conference – Ages 12 – 18
October 1, 10:00am: East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Presented by County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation

Sports for All: Free Sports Clinic for Youth
October 1 – November 19, Times and locations vary
This is an 8-week skills development clinic that meets once a week for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis and other sports. Pre-registration is required, register here.
Presented by the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation

Sunday, October 2

We don’t know of any events happening this day.