From Policy to Practice: Advancing Maternal Health Equity and Birthing Justice
This maternal health policy forum brings together elected officials, medical professionals, doulas, community advocates and educators to examine the policies and systems shaping maternal health outcomes. Through practitioner dialogue and lived-experience perspectives, this event will explore pathways to improve care, address inequities, and advance birthing justice. Participants will gain insight into how policy, practice, history, and community-led solutions can work together to create safer, more equitable maternal health outcomes for all.
EVENT SPONSORS:
Black Women’s Mental Health Institute
Women’s Health Advocates
Alabama Arise
The Women's Foundation of Alabama
EVENT FORMAT:
8:30-9am – doors open/networking
9am Dr. Nadia Monique Johnson's welcome
9:05am Liz Powell, Esq., MPH, Founder of Women's Health Advocates
9:10am Debbie Smith, Executive Director of Alabama Arise
9:15am City of Birmingham Councilor Crystal Smitherman
9:20am Advocacy Discussion – Medicaid and Maternal Health
• State Senator Rodger Smitherman (AL-18)
• Jennifer Harris, Senior Policy Advocate, Alabama Arise
• Honour Hill, Director of Maternal & Infant Health Initiatives, March of Dimes
10:00am Advocacy Discussion – Black Maternal Health
• Michelle Browder, Executive and Artistic Director, Mothers of Gynecology
• Dr. Jessica Chambliss, Assistant Dean of Public Health Practice, UAB School of Public Health
• Cimone A Holt, Founder and Executive Director, MentalBlkMom, Inc.
• Mariah Alyce, DONA Certified Doula and ALPP Certified Lactation Counselor
10:40am Break
10:50am Advocacy Discussion – Transforming Maternal Health
• Congressman Shomari Figures (AL-2)
• A’Niya Robinson, Esq., Director of Policy and Organizing, ACLU
• Dalia Abrahms, DONA Certified Doula and trainer, Co-Founder of Birthwell Partners
11:30am Community Conversation/Q&A
• Liz Powell, Esq., MPH
• Commissioner Sheila Tyson, Alabama Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable
• Debbie Smith, Alabama Campaign Director, Alabama Arise
12:00pm Call to Action
• Fenika Miller, National Field Co-Director, Black Voters Matter Fund
• Shawndrika Cook, Director of Clinical Services, Black Women’s Mental Health Institute
12:10pm Program ends