Welcome to the April edition of Pulse! This issue highlights my lively chat session with outgoing AMCHP Board President, Belinda Pettiford, MPH. She graciously shared so many parts of her life story; her perspectives on AMCHP accomplishments and views of the most pressing priorities for maternal and child health (MCH) stakeholders, AMCHP, and public health. She also offered advice for new and emerging MCHP professionals and shared how she accomplishes a work/life balance. The latter is such a timely topic since so many of us in the MCH field have expressed recent concerns about burnout.
As Belinda hands over the gavel to our next president, I want to thank her for expert leadership, support, and guidance during her tenure. The Board was key to helping AMCHP and our members deal with unprecedented political and societal challenges over the last year. It was also no small feat to develop and approve the strategic plan through 2027, AMCHP Future 2027. As Belinda transitions into the role of past president, I will continue to value her contributions to AMCHP. I also wish her fulfillment in her new role as Chair for the Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality, an appointment made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Less Than Three Weeks Away!
I can’t wait for this opportunity to gather with our stakeholders in the beautiful and charming city of New Orleans after three years of virtual meetings. So far, more than 1,200 MCH leaders and thinkers from across the U.S. and all nine U.S.-affiliated jurisdictions have registered to participate in person or virtually. Throughout the conference, we will have many opportunities to share ideas on how we can grow leaders in MCH who reflect the diversity of experiences, cultures, and abilities of the people we serve. Our future demands that we nurture innovative, creative, and resilient leaders who use their talents to support healthy communities.
Please visit our conference platform to view the updated full schedule, which includes many opportunities for networking, 57 workshops, 9 skill-building sessions, 3 inspiring plenary sessions, 2 round tables, exhibits and sponsor information, and much more!
Our interactive plenary sessions focus on the conference theme. The first plenary, “Strengthening Our Roots,” explores the MCH ecosystem that grows and sustains healthy families in New Orleans in order to share opportunities, innovations, and partnerships that can be planted in other MCH environments. The second, “Sharing Your How,” focuses on the qualities of systems, organizations, and people that support the cultivation of diverse leaders in MCH. The final plenary, “Nurturing the Now,” will be engaging as young people create a brave space for participants to learn and witness the power of youth voice and expression.
I look forward to learning so much from this shared experience and hope that you all leave the conference feeling rejuvenated and energized with new ideas and connections.
