LIHF Program Office

Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families

Wisconsin has one of the highest black-white disparities in infant mortality in the United States. African-American babies die at a rate that is more than three times the rate of white babies. The Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF) was developed to reduce infant mortality in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha. LIHF is a strategic effort funded by Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) to address chronic stress in the experiences, particularly in systems and services, of African American women.

There is power in the African American community in the form of assets, resources and history. There are community-based and culturally appropriate resources available, as well as grassroots and traditional organizations that are eager to improve services and the environment for African American families to survive and thrive. LIHF believes stressors can be reduced, perceptions or stressors can be modified and skills for effectively dealing with stressors can be developed. We will document our progress to add to the body of knowledge that supports future initiatives throughout the state of Wisconsin.