September 25, 2025

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September 25, 2025

AMCHP Member Briefs Banner, a bi-weekly newsletter

AMCHP Annual Conference

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.

The Call for Proposals for the 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference is Open!

Proposals for discussion sessions, workshops, digital posters, and roundtables that support our 2026 theme, The Power of Connection, are now being accepted for evaluation through October 31 under any of the eight topical areas:

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

Plan to share your work by the deadline! AMCHP staff estimates that it takes about 2 hours to put all the content pieces together and 15-20 minutes to fill out the submission forms. Submitters with completed proposals by October 31 will be notified of their sessions’ status by December 15.

Back again this year! AMCHP is accepting video submissions in place of the written submission for workshops and discussion sessions. Please focus your 5-minute submission video on questions 1-7 of the session/proposal details page.

Start planning your sessions or poster proposal now! The deadline will not be extended.

Learn more and submit your proposal.

Call for Proposals Webinar on October 2

Inspired by our AMCHP 2026 theme, and want to learn more about the call for proposals process?

Join us for our informational webinar on October 2 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET.

The AMCHP 2026 Theme: The Power of Connection

This year, our conference theme, “The Power of Connection,” isn’t just a concept; it’s a recognition of the shared journey we’re all on and the vital role that our profound connections play in shaping a healthier future for mothers, children, and families. From interpersonal relationships and community networks to data integration and policy alignment— our connections are fundamental to improving maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. Our partnerships ground us in our purpose, amplify our collective impact, foster innovation, and build strong systems of care.

Working in MCH can be demanding, with the landscape constantly shifting as we navigate complex challenges every day. That’s why this year’s theme also embraces the idea of our connections as a source of rejuvenation and restoration. AMCHP 2026 offers a unique opportunity to step back, recharge, and reconnect with what brought you to this work. The conference is a space to find renewed energy and reignite the spirit of collaboration that the communities we care about depend upon.

Join us as we celebrate the partnerships and the unique and shared experiences that continue to power the connections that drive our work forward. This conference will be an inspiring and empowering experience; affirming your passions and professional expertise and reminding us of the important roles we each play in the powerful connections that are the bedrock of a stronger, more impactful MCH ecosystem.

AMCHP Events & Webinars

Webinar Series on Aligning Prenatal-to-Three Systems for Impact: A Connection-Centered Learning Experience for Title V

This October, AMCHP invites you to a new, two-part virtual learning experience designed exclusively for Title V staff as part of their AMCHP member benefits: Aligning Prenatal-to-Three Systems for Impact. This series is an adaptation of the successful 2025 AMCHP conference skills-building session and creates space for reflection, peer connection, and creativity during a challenging time in our field.

Together, we will explore how to connect women/maternal, infant/perinatal, and child health Block Grant domain strategies through messaging, systems thinking, and collaboration so that your Title V Block Grant work reflects a cohesive PN3 approach.

Thursday, October 23 and 30 from 2:00–4:00 PM ET on Zoom
💲 Exclusive for AMCHP members as part of their benefits
👥 Team participation encouraged—ideally two or more per state

What to Expect:

A welcoming, small-group environment limited to 40 participants
Two, 2-hour Zoom sessions with light presentation + guided peer discussion
A consistent space to feel grounded, inspired, and supported

Why Attend:

Whether you are navigating competing priorities, shifting political climates, or implementation challenges, this experience will offer:

Practical tools and language to help make the case for prenatal-to-three investment
Support in adapting your strategies without losing your purpose
Connection with peers who understand your context
Space to cultivate optimism, clarity, and alignment

Tangible Take-Aways:

Message framing for PN3: Walk away with powerful talking points to make the case for investing in the prenatal-to-3 period.
Systems change analysis: Unlock fresh insights on how maternal, infant, and child health efforts can work together for bigger impact.
Internal practice shifts: Discover practical ways you can implement collaboration best practices to shift your day-to-day work away from siloed population domains towards a broader and more collaborative PN3 focus.
Plain language communication: Get plain language strategies to tell a clear, compelling PN3 story that resonates.

Registration is free, but space is limited. Complete the interest form by October 10. Please note that by registering, you commit to attending both sessions.

AMCHP staff members will then review your responses and confirm attendance within 5 business days. Registration will be closed after capacity is reached or by the deadline. Email Salome at saraya@amchp.org for any questions.

AMCHP Information & Resources

New AMCHP Learning Module Now Available: Advancing Community-Rooted Evidence

State and local maternal and child health (MCH) professionals, community-based organizations, and funders play a vital role in shaping programs that truly meet the needs of families and communities. To support this work, AMCHP is excited to share a new FREE, asynchronous learning module — Advancing Community-Rooted Evidence: Bridging State and Community Partnerships.

This module provides the information, skills, and ethical frameworks you need to understand, implement, and advocate for Community-Rooted Evidence (CRE) in MCH program design, implementation, and evaluation. While it includes specific recommendations for community-based organizations, state agencies/Title V programs, and funders, the content is relevant to anyone working to strengthen MCH programs through community-informed practices.

As you complete the module, you will:

Learn to apply CRE in MCH programs and understand how it differs from conventional research evidence.
Explore the historical and ethical context of CRE in MCH.
Strengthen partnerships and honor community perspectives, while respecting intellectual property and building trust-based collaborations.

Access the module on our website and start advancing community-rooted evidence in your MCH work.

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: House Committee Passes Funding for Maternal and Child Health Programs

In the early hours of September 10, the House Committee on Appropriations approved its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) funding bill. While AMCHP is encouraged that the Committee rejected the proposed reorganization and additional funding reductions within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the Senate did, we are deeply concerned that the bill still advances cuts to critical maternal and child health (MCH) programs, including Title V and Healthy Start. These reductions threaten the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families nationwide. AMCHP remains committed to working with lawmakers to ensure sustained investments in MCH programs that safeguard access to essential services and supports for communities.

Read the full Policy Alert.

AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Halls

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

Please register to join us for our next edition on October 9, from 2-3 PM ET at this registration link.

Opportunities & Funding

Join the National MCH Workforce Development Center’s 2026 Learning Journey

Looking for extra support to move your Title V work forward in an evolving environment? Join the National MCH Workforce Development Center’s 2026 Learning Journey!

Take advantage of coaching, consultation, and structured support to help your team tackle a challenge of your choice and develop key workforce skills.

Benefit from:

Expert guidance to help you strategically navigate a challenge.
Protected time to move your team’s work forward together.
Opportunities to build team connectedness and cohesion.

There is no cost to participating for Title V teams.

Letters of Interest are due October 1. Submit yours now!

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

Two-Part Webinar Series: Demystifying Digital Maternal Mental Health Platforms for Providers and Parents

The demands of the maternal mental health crisis require innovation, and digital health tools are offering promising solutions — but which tools are safe and effective?

To bring clarity to this rapidly evolving field, the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) is hosting a two-part webinar series featuring vetted experts who will discuss digital platforms that have been proven to:

Help PROVIDERS deliver more effective maternal mental health care and improve the efficiency of their practice operations.
Help PARENTS receive timely resources and support that improve maternal mental health outcomes.

Part 1: Digital MMH Platforms that Serve PROVIDERS

Thursday, September 25
12:00 – 1:00 PM ET

Part 2: Digital MMH Platforms that Serve PARENTS

Thursday, October 23
12:00 – 1:00 PM ET

Learn more and register!

It Takes a Village: Provider Partnerships to Support D/HH Children and Their Families – An AAP ECHO Program

Learn how to improve the care and development of young children!

Public health organizations, family-based organizations, and other lived expertise partners collaborate closely with providers in creating systems that ensure children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) and their families receive timely, coordinated, and family-centered care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Provider Education Center (EHDI PEC) is hosting an ECHO program for all providers who care for young children, It takes a Village: Provider Partnerships to Support D/HH Children and Their Families ECHO Program. This ECHO will focus on increasing the knowledge, confidence, and capacity of providers to collaborate across the EHDI system to better serve D/HH children and their families. Public health programs, family-based organizations, and other lived expertise partners are also welcome to join and/or share these opportunities with providers that you work with.

Each ECHO session will include a live American Sign Language interpreter and other necessary accommodations, such as closed captioning, to ensure all learners can fully participate.

This ECHO will be held twice in October 2025 and once per month from November 2025 to February 2026. To learn more, view the linked program flyer.

Questions? Contact AAP ECHO at aapecho@aap.org. 