Greetings! I am still reflecting on all we accomplished at AMCHP’s 2023 Annual Conference, Cultivating Diverse Leaders in Maternal and Child Health. I feel energized, and my expectations were exceeded by participating and observing the information exchange, skill-building work, focused sessions, interactive plenary sessions, networking, and more. (Check out Chery Manon’s article in this issue of Pulse that discusses our collective “how” on growing leaders who reflect the people we serve.) This was my first in-person Annual Conference at AMCHP, and the largest in-person conference AMCHP has ever had — more than 1,000 participated in New Orleans and more than 300 virtually. Positive energy, spirit, and an outpouring of ideas reverberated from both in-person and virtual participants. The youth voice amplified work was extraordinary, and we all benefit from the continued input and enthusiasm of young leaders (“you are not just our future, you are our NOW”). A special thank you to the AMCHP staff, Board, members, partners, family leaders, and everyone else who contributed to the annual conference.  

Save the Date!

AMCHP’s next three Annual Conferences will be held in the following cities:

• Oakland, CA (April 13–16, 2024)
• Washington, DC (March 15–18, 2025)
• Washington, DC (March 7–10, 2026)

Subscribe to our annual conference mailing list to be among the first to get information about our conferences.

New Board of Directors

AMCHP’s Board of Directors now comprises 18 members. Transitions, re-elections, and new appointments include Marcus Allen (President-Elect), Dr. Charmaine S. Mayers (Region II Director), Eden Bezy (Region V Director), Martha Smith (Region VII Director), and Dawn Bailey (Family Representative). Congratulations to all!

Coffee Chats  

I held coffee chats with the Workforce Development & Leadership Committee between April and June with members and partners to discuss the MCH Talent area of our strategic plan, AMCHP Future 2023. Coffee chat sessions aim to provide members and current and potential partners an overview of available workforce-related data relevant to the MCH field and an open forum to share and gather strategies that AMCHP can implement to achieve our MCH talent and workforce objectives and opportunities to inform and guide our strategic plan.

AMCHP’s Commitment to Workplace Well-Being

In May, AMCHP and its Mental Health Committee launched our commitment to workplace well-being, AMCHP’s Organizational Commitment: Creating a Workplace Environment Supportive of Well-Being.

November Title V Federal-State Partnership Meeting

Planned in partnership between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and AMCHP, this meeting will be held November 5-8, 2023, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. The meeting will focus on topics related to the Title V MCH Block Grant Guidance revisions and implementation, and the agenda also will be devoted to advancing equitable access to care for all populations. AMCHP will discuss the results of the related key informant interviews that AMCHP will be conducting in July and August. These interviews will yield insight into the states’ challenges and progress related to access to care for all populations. Look out for more details on the agenda, timing, and a link to register throughout the summer.

Thank you for your commitment and for all you do to advance the health and well-being of all women, children, youth, families, and communities so that they may thrive. Please enjoy this issue!