Thursday, July 16 | Volume 40 No.18

WESTSIDESTORY NewspapER

California Education Chief Tony Thurmond Appoints Atty. Mark Harris to Workgroup on Healthcare Costs

California State Superintendent of Public In- struction Tony Thurmond has appointed attor- ney and economist Mark T. Harris to a new

In California, about one in every ten babies is born too early. But for Black women, the risk of giving birth early- called preterm birth—are nearly twice as high. Early births can mean more health risks for both the baby and the mother.

That's why the Black Infant Health (BIH) program is such a vital resource in our community.

BIH recognizes that racism, economic stress, and where you live can all affect a mother's health and her baby's chance of survival.

cators.

black infant health

Empowering Pregnant and Mothering Black Women

The program offers a free, culturally supportive program for Black and African American women. If you're a Black woman who is pregnant or has had a baby in the last six months, BIH is for you, regardless of your income. Program participants can earn essentials like diapers, clothes, baby supplies, and safe sleep supplies.

statewide workgroup that will develop policy recommendations to address rising healthcare costs affecting TK-12 school districts and edu-

The TK-12 Education Healthcare Cost Work- group will bring together educators, econo- mists and policy experts to examine the finan- cial impact of increasing healthcare costs on school districts and identify solutions to help schools continue providing quality healthcare benefits to employees and their families.

"We are all painfully aware of the rising costs of healthcare in this country, and our school districts are not immune to that strain," said Thurmond. “School districts must be able to afford quality healthcare for their employ- ees, and all school employees deserve access to quality healthcare for themselves and their families."

Harris is an attorney, economist and senior continuing lecturer at the University of Cali- fornia, Merced. He also serves as director of the university's Law Clinic, general counsel to the Fresno Unified School District and special counsel to the Sacramento City Unified School District and Twin Rivers Unified School Dis- trict. Before entering academia, Harris worked as an investment banker on Wall Street and has lectured internationally on law and finance.

Rallying Around Sisters

PERINATAL EQUITY IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

In 2023, President Joe Biden appointed Har- ris to the Export-Import Bank of the United States' Council on Climate. He also recently received the inaugural National Action Net- work Rev. Al Sharpton Legacy Award in rec- ognition of his work advancing civil rights and social justice.

Harris said he accepted the appointment in honor of his late mother, who spent more than 60 years teaching in Los Angeles and Sacra- mento public schools and served as a leader of United Teachers Los Angeles. He also not- ed that his wife, Dr. Marianna Y. Harris, is a former public school teacher and school site leader.

"I hope that the contribution I make to the Workgroup helps move the needle in a posi- tive direction relative to healthcare finance eq- uity for all who are within the public education ecosystem,” Harris said.

The California Department of Education said the workgroup's recommendations will focus on helping school districts manage ris- ing healthcare costs while preserving access to quality healthcare for educators. Officials said the effort comes as school systems across California continue to face growing financial pressures associated with employee healthcare benefits.

BIH is more than just classes. It's a community where you can build friendships, gain confidence, and feel seen and heard by someone that cares about you. If you or someone you know is pregnant or has a newborn, reach out. These programs are free, supportive, and grounded in love, respect, and culture.

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families. For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/bih or call 844-352-3985.

• SAN BERNARDINO
• Public Health
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