San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) is honored to be the recipient of a generous donation from the American Heart Association – Southern California and community supporters Dan and Susan Kane. The gift includes New Mom Kits focused on maternal and infant heart health, along with a $1,500 grant to purchase additional blood pressure monitors for patients.
The timing of this support is critical. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, yet many of these outcomes are preventable with education, monitoring and timely care. Additionally, less than half of women enter pregnancy with optimal heart health, which puts both mothers and infants at greater risk for complications. By focusing on maternal and infant wellness together, SFCHC and its partners are helping families build healthier beginnings in the San Fernando Valley.
Maternal heart health is often overlooked, even though pregnancy and the months that follow are times of heightened risk for women. Aura Veliz, SFCHC Women’s Health Director and a nurse practitioner, highlighted the importance of prevention. “When women have access to simple tools and clear information, they can take charge of their health at a very important time,” Veliz said. “That support not only helps moms feel stronger and more confident, it also gives their babies the best possible start and strengthens the health of our whole community.”
Each New Mom Kit provides families with practical support, including a blood pressure monitor to help new mothers track their health after pregnancy, a CPR kit with step-by-step guidance for responding to infant emergencies, and educational materials on maternal heart health and infant care available in both English and Spanish. The items come in a reusable storage bag that families can keep and use at home.
Thanks to AHA’s generosity, 35 kits were donated to SFCHC, and 28 have already been distributed to local moms. The remaining kits will be shared with expectant and new mothers during upcoming visits.
Dr. Anastasia Williams, SFCHC Clinical Director of Pediatrics, emphasized how critical it is for new mothers to practice healthy habits from the start. “When moms keep an eye on their blood pressure and catch warning signs or changes early, it makes a big difference — not just for their own well-being, but for their baby’s too,” Dr. Williams said. “As a pediatrician, I see every day how a parent’s health sets the stage for a child’s health. Simple steps like regular blood pressure checks can help families start strong and stay healthy together.”
Additionally, the AHA grant will strengthen SFCHC’s ongoing work to improve blood pressure control among patients — a vital step in reducing the risks of stroke and heart disease in the community.
Together, we are making a lasting difference for the moms, babies and families we serve.
