January 15, 2026

AMCHP Member Briefs Banner, a bi-weekly newsletter

AMCHP Announcements    

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2026 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program (GSEP) Student and Host Site Applications Now Open! 

Graphic alerting applications are now open through February 20 for the 2026 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program. Learn more: bit.ly/GSEP2026

AMCHP is now accepting applications for both students and host sites for the 2026 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program (GSEP) 

The application period runs through February 20 at 11:59 PM ET. 

GSEP is a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Epidemiology leadership program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and administered by AMCHP. Learn more about eligibility, expectations, and benefits for both students and host sites on our webpage. 

Highlights for students: 

  • Paid, 12-week, 100% remote summer internship designed to develop future leaders in MCH Epidemiology. 
  • Opportunities to explore applied epidemiology projects and career pathways. 
  • Remote placements with state and local public health agencies, supported by dedicated mentorship. 
  • Hands-on skill building and professional networking that strengthen readiness for the MCH Epidemiology workforce. 

Highlights for host sites: 

  • Support a 12-week remote internship focused on your agency’s high-priority needs. 
  • No associated costs — AMCHP covers intern stipends.  
  • Gain staff development opportunities through meaningful mentorship. 
  • Engage motivated graduate students prepared to contribute to applied MCH epidemiology work. 

To learn more and apply as a student or host site, please visit our websiteFor questions, contact the GSEP team (gsep@amchp.org). 

AMCHP Annual Conference       

The 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference banner features "AMCHP 2026" and the theme "The Power of Connection" in large uppercase letters. It displays the conference date, March 7-10, 2026, and host city, Washington, DC, above the text. The background includes a blend of four images of people and nature. On the right, the conference logo, shaped like a diamond or speech bubble, also features "AMCHP 2026," the dates, and the host city.

The AMCHP Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of maternal and child health (MCH) professionals in the United States. Every year, our conference aims to highlight MCH programs’ impact at all levels on women, children, and families and to provide participants with tools and resources to develop, enhance, and sustain vital MCH programs and services.        

Subscribe to our Annual Conference Newsletter to be among the first to receive updates and information about our 2026 conference in Washington, DC.       

Early Bird Registration Extended to January 23  

Graphic alerting that early bird registration for AMCHP 2026 has been extended to January 23, 2026. The link to register is bit.ly/AMCHP2026_REG 

Early Bird registration to join our 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference has been extended to January 23 

Register now to be among the over 1,000 leaders and thinkers attending each year, making our conference one of the largest gatherings of maternal and child health leaders and thinkers in the U.S.   

Don’t miss out on our early bird rates! Register by January 23, and complete your payment later to secure your spot at the best price.      

The Full Schedule is Now Live 

The full schedule of workshops, skills-building sessions, digital posters, and roundtables for AMCHP 2026 is now available at the conference platform. Topical areas include:  

  • Epidemiology, Data, Assessment, and Evaluation   
  • Family, Youth, and Community Engagement and Partnership   
  • Housing, Nutrition, and Other Social Determinants of Health   
  • Indigeneity and Health   
  • Mental and Behavioral Health   
  • Policy and Impact   
  • Title V Administration   
  • Workforce Development and Leadership   

Visit the conference platform to view the full schedule and browse sessions by date or by doing a keyword search. All sessions are displayed in Eastern Time. Start creating your list of must-see sessions today! 

AMCHP 2026 Skills Building Sessions Day  

Saturday, March 7, will be Skills-Building Session Day! Don’t miss out on adding this day, offered at $75 for the whole day, when registering for the conference to have the option of participating in up to two skills-building sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).  

This year, our skills-building sessions will focus on critical gaps in knowledge and skills identified by AMCHP members and AMCHP 2026 conference participants, including: implementation, working with indigenous communities, data and evaluation, partnerships, storytelling, and policy. Visit our conference webpage to view a summary of all the sessions available for you to choose the two skill builders you want to attend. 

Have you already registered to attend AMCHP 2026 and want to add the Skills-Building Session Day to your registration package? We’re here to help! Please reach out to our registration team at amchpreg@conferencemanagers.com for assistance. 

Invest in Tomorrow’s Leaders: Support Youth Attendance at the AMCHP Conference 

Graphic promoting the AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship, a sponsorship opportunity designed to help alleviate the financial burden of youth and young adults’ AMCHP 2026 conference registration, travel, lodging, meals, childcare, and time away from work. Learn more at bit.ly/AMCHP-VFI-2026 

Every year, and as part of AMCHP’s commitment to embodying the Jemez principles of democratic organizing, emphasizing “nothing about us without us,” our conference provides an opportunity for organizations and leaders like you to support youth and young adults to attend the conference through the AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship – a sponsorship opportunity designed to help alleviate the financial burden of their conference registration, travel, lodging, meals, childcare, and time away from work. In return, your support will help enhance your program’s capacity for youth and young adults’ engagement and leadership development, as well as being a meaningful step towards building and sustaining trusting relationships with this group in your state.  

AMCHP would be honored if you could join us this year as one of the sponsors for the AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship and be part of a group of individuals and organizations seeking to make a lasting difference in MCH. View and download our AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship Flyer for details about this opportunity, including the financial investment required to send youth and young adults from your state or jurisdiction to the conference. We kindly ask that all financial support through this scholarship be completed by Friday, January 30. 

For any questions, please contact us via email at conference@amchp.org. 

Calling All Youth & Young Adults! Join Us for Youth Day at AMCHP 2026 

Graphic promoting Youth Day, a free day for youth by youth at the 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference. Learn more at bit.ly/YOUTHDAY2026 

Back again this year! AMCHP is kicking off our conference with a Youth Day full of learning, connection, and collaboration created by youth, for youth. 

Join us on Saturday, March 7, from 1:00 – 6:00 PM ET, for an empowering space where we will center authentic youth engagement, uplift youth-adult partnerships, and discuss topics that impact youth, family, and community health.  

Youth and young adults are invited to join us for FREE on this first day, with trusted adults and chaperones also welcome to attend! AMCHP staff and leadership are encouraged to join us from 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET for the Youth Town Hall portion of the event. 

Our AMCHP 2026 Youth Day will include workshops, skills-building sessions, networking opportunities, interactive and fun activities, youth performances, and a youth-led town hall where young people can lead meaningful discussions and uplift their perspectives. Lunch and goodie bags will be provided! 

To register for free, please visit our conference registration platform and choose the “Youth Day Only Ticket” option. Attendees for Youth Day are encouraged to arrive by 12:30 PM ET for a prompt check-in before the event starts! 

Help us spread the word! Download the promotional flyer. 

Latest Blog Post – My Experience Attending the AMCHP Annual Conference: From Attendee to Planning Committee Member 

In our latest blog post, Cathy Butler-Witt shares her journey from conference attendee to planning committee member, reflecting on meaningful connections, presenting the New Jersey Maternal Experience Survey, and engaging with the “Hear Her” Campaign. Hear how these experiences continue to shape her work in advancing maternal and child health, and get details on how you can join us at AMCHP 2026. Read more. 

AMCHP Information & Resources    

New AMCHP Resource! What’s My Place in This Work? Reflection Tool   

Graphic promoting new AMCHP Resource: What's My Place in This Work? Reflection Tool. bit.ly/AMCHP-CCRT 

AMCHP is excited to share a new resource designed to help individuals and organizations understand the role they are best suited to play in community-centered initiatives. 

This tool offers a starting point for anyone wanting to engage in collaborative, community-led work. It supports reflection, sparks conversation, and builds shared understanding among partners. 

Use this tool to: 

  • Reflect on your current practices and readiness for community-centered work. 
  • Score your responses and identify the role you or your organization is best positioned to play. 
  • Facilitate meaningful discussions within teams, coalitions, or new partnerships. 

Developed in partnership with Elephant Circle and the MI SBJ, this resource strengthens alignment and supports authentic collaboration. 

Visit the resource to explore and begin using the tool. 

Legislation & Policy       

Explore our Maternal & Child Health Bill Tracker for more information about pending federal legislation to improve maternal health. Additionally, download AMCHP’s Federal Policy Agenda, which outlines our current advocacy focus.                          

Subscribe to AMCHP’s Policy Alerts and Digest to stay up to date with the latest policy information.                

Policy Alert: AMCHP Leads Maternal & Child Health Funding Week of Action to Protect MCH Investments    

Graphic alerting AMCHP Policy Alert: bit.ly/PA-121225 

Throughout the week of December 8, AMCHP led the Maternal & Child Health Appropriations Alliance’s (MCHAA) MCH Funding Week of Action, mobilizing national partners, advocates, and family leaders to urge Congress to prioritize robust and sustained federal investments in maternal and child health (MCH).  

Activities included delivery of MCHAA’s first-ever FY 2026 appropriations sign-on letter to House and Senate leadership, targeted in-person and virtual congressional meetings, and coordinated social media outreach to elevate unified messages and on-the-ground perspectives. AMCHP will continue monitoring FY 2026 appropriations negotiations and advocating for full restoration and protection of MCH programs.  

Read the full Policy Alert.   

AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Halls      

Graphic promoting AMCHP Policy and Partnership Town Hall on Thursday, January 15, from 2-3 PM ET. Register at: bit.ly/AMCHP_PPTH

Thank you to those of you who joined us for our AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Halls in 2025! You can find the full recordings of past Town Halls on our Government Affairs webpage.             

Please register to join us for our first edition of 2026, TODAY, January 15, from 2-3 PM ET at this registration link 

In honor of National Birth Defects Awareness Month, this Town Hall will feature our partners from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) and CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), who will share key resources to support birth defects awareness and prevention efforts. 

Opportunities & Funding              

Apply Today! Join the CMMP State Technical Assistance Cohort to Improve MCH Outcomes in Your State or Territory  

The Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships (CMMP) project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is now accepting applications from states and territories for the next State Technical Assistance Cohort (STAC). This cohort will kick off on April 1. 

Project Overview: The purpose of this project is to bring state and territory Medicaid, Title V, and CHIP programs together to accelerate improvements in outcomes for maternal and child health populations. The CMMP STAC, comprised of up to seven states and territories, will provide extensive individualized TA and peer learning opportunities between members of each cohort to advance maternal and child health programs and pursue individual state and territory-level goals for a full year. Each STAC will focus on three key areas for state and territory Medicaid/CHIP and Title V coordination: identifying innovative financing and funding strategies; strengthening inter-agency agreements; and enhancing collaboration and partnerships with individuals impacted by maternal and child health initiatives. Participating states and territories will have opportunities to stay engaged with each other and future cohorts to continue to advance their goals.  

How to Apply: To apply, please complete the 2026 CMMP State Technical Assistance Cohort Application. Please note that only one application per state or territory will be reviewed.   

Application Deadline: January 30 

Notice of Decision by: March 18 

NBDPN Career Opportunity: Seeking Part-Time Project Director 

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is looking to hire a part time Project Director (PD). The PD position will work specifically on the NBDPN Surveillance Guidelines Revision Project. The Project Director will provide clear communication of proper rules and regulations as outlined in the NBDPN cooperative agreement, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and ensure that all objectives and deliverables related to the Surveillance Guidelines Revision Project are met as designated by the approved cooperative agreement timeline, in coordination with the NBDPN Executive Director (ED). 

This is a fully grant-funded exempt position, 20 hours per week, with a one-year term set to end on September 29. This position allows for a flexible work schedule coordinated around weekly and monthly meetings with Subject Matter Experts, NBDPN Board of Directors (BOD), NBDPN Board Officers, and the CDC, as appropriate. 

Access more information and the application.  

Please contact NBDPN Executive Director Ashley Mallett (amallett@nbdpn.org) with any questions or inquiries. 

Free Resource for Job Seekers – The AMCHP Career Center: Connecting Talent with Opportunity            

AMCHP offers access to top job opportunities in our industry. Job seekers can access the AMCHP Career Center to search and apply for open positions at no cost, while employers can post their jobs for a fee! Search for Jobs | Post a Job.              

Do you know someone who is looking for a new job or opportunity? Share the AMCHP Career Center with them!            

Partner Events & Webinars 

Upcoming Free Webinar for Healthcare Providers – Zika in 2026: Lessons from the Past and the Current State of Research and Risk 

Join MotherToBaby (MTB) for a special OTIS webinar this month focused on Zika and congenital infections. This webinar is geared toward healthcare providers and not the general public. 

Date & Time:  January 28, 12:00 PM ET 

Presented by: Miguel del Campo Casanelles, MD, PhD, Medical Geneticist and Professor, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) 

This session will review learnings since the height of the Zika epidemic, current research, and how to guide patients in a changing risk landscape.  

Register now, and share with your network! 

Publications & Resources  

New Report: The Role of the Title V MCH Services Block Grant in Improving Maternal and Infant Health   

The University of Illinois School of Public Health just released report, The Role of the Title V MCH Services Block Grant in Improving Maternal and Infant Health, which explores its unique role in improving maternal and infant health by examining the fiscal investments for pregnant women and infants made by Title V in the 59 states and territories.   

Through careful analysis of each state’s Title V budget (based on states’ FY 2023 applications /FY 2021 annual reports), the report found that the federal Title V Block Grant dollars budgeted by states for the population of pregnant women and infants is disproportionately lower than the federal Title V Block Grant dollars budgeted for the other two focal populations, that is: 1) preventive and primary care for children 1-21 years, and 2) children with special health care needs (CSHCN). It concludes that state Title V agencies should increase investment of both federal and state dollars for pregnant women and infants. Read the full report. 

Commemorations       

January 2026  

Cervical Health Awareness Month 

National Birth Defects Awareness Month 

National Blood Donor Month 

National Glaucoma Awareness Month 

Radon Awareness Month 

Stalking Awareness Month 

Thyroid Awareness Month 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month 

Weeks to Note:         

National CRNA Week, January 12-24  

Days to Note:                 

National Pharmacist Day, January 12 

National IV Nurse Day, January 21 

Maternal Health Awareness Day, January 23 

World Leprosy Day, January 25