Join us in Baltimore for this special event, designed to engage, educate, and elevate professionals and advocates in the field of maternal healthcare. Through a series of impactful workshops, expert panels and networking opportunities, participants will gain actionable insights to address disparities, improve maternal outcomes, and empower communities.
This inaugural summit is a catalyst for change, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to maternal health equity. Join us to be part of a transformative experience that shapes the future of maternal care.
*This registration page is for a clinical track focused on improving maternal health. This track is open to all who are interested in advancing maternal health through a clinical lens--including clinicians, doulas, midwives, students, and other maternal health advocates. If you have any questions, please contact learning@carefirst.com.
**The event is free to attend, but summit attendees are encouraged to bring in a pack of diapers to be donated to ShareBaby.
Shawnee has over 33 years of administrative, clinical and executive coaching experience and expertise in women’s leadership, reproductive justice, racial equity, individual, couples, family and group counseling, trauma and bereavement. Shawnee is the subject of the Peabody Award winning and Emmy nominated documentary “Aftershock” which is streaming on Hulu. The film chronicles the journey of Shawnee and her family as they fight for reproductive justice in the wake of the tragic and preventable death of Shawnee’s eldest daughter, Shamony Makeba Gibson, due to maternal mortality. Shawnee uses performing arts and storytelling as mediums to ignite transformation and initiate catharsis. For more information on "Aftershock" click here
Dr. Buckley is the Head of Public Health at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), where he champions enterprise strategy and public health initiatives and leads the strategic development and execution of the public health team's work. He has contributed to various statewide, regional and national patient safety and quality initiatives. He has worked with healthcare providers across the continuum of care, focusing on health delivery system redesign, performance improvement, and change management.
Available options (select one at time of registration)
See descriptions here.
Hear Me: A Practical Guide to Being Heard
Dr. Michael Udwin, MD, FACOG, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Midwifery and Reproductive Justice to Address Birth Equity
Dr. Ebony Marcelle, DNP, CNM, FACNM, Community of Hope
Equity in Practice: Integrating Social Drivers into Maternal Health Care Delivery
Faythe Edmunds, MPH, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Addressing Women's Health in Maryland: MDH's Women's Health Action Plan
Dr. Shelly Choo, MD, MPH, Maryland Department of Health
Dr. Elizabeth Kromm, PhD, Maryland Department of Health
Available options (select one at time of registration)
See description here.
Implementation of the Maternal Health Equity Toolkit
Dr. Kelly Bower, PhD, MSN/MPH, RN, FAAN, Johns Hopkins University
The Postpartum Year: Redefining Care Beyond Birth
Dr. Burcu Bozkurt, PhD, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Equity in Practice: Integrating Social Drivers into Maternal Health Care Delivery
Faythe Edmunds, MPH, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
PMADS 101: A Guide to Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Kristen Brooks, LCSW-C, LICSW, PMH-C, Building Beyond Therapy Inc.
Available options (select one at time of registration)
See description here.
Implementation of the Maternal Health Equity Toolkit
Dr. Kelly Bower, PhD, MSN/MPH, RN, FAAN, Johns Hopkins University
Midwifery and Reproductive Justice to Address Birth Equity
Dr. Ebony Marcelle, DNP, CNM, FACNM, Community of Hope
Hear Me: A Practical Guide to Being Heard
Dr. Michael Udwin, MD, FACOG, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
PMADS 101: A Guide to Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Kristen Brooks, LCSW-C, LICSW, PMH-C, Building Beyond Therapy Inc.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. MedChi is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Serving Maryland, the District of Columbia, and portions of Virginia, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is the shared business name of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc. and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Advantage is the shared business name of CareFirst Advantage, Inc., CareFirst Advantage PPO, Inc. and CareFirst Advantage DSNP, Inc. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland is the business name of CareFirst Community Partners, Inc. In the District of Columbia and Maryland, CareFirst MedPlus is the business name of First Care, Inc. In Virginia, CareFirst MedPlus is the business name of First Care, Inc. of Maryland (used in VA by: First Care, Inc.). CareFirst of Maryland, Inc., Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc., CareFirst Advantage, Inc., CareFirst Advantage PPO, Inc., CareFirst Advantage DSNP, Inc., CareFirst Community Partners, Inc., CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan District of Columbia, CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc., First Care, Inc., and The Dental Network, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Effective communication between providers and patients is essential for quality care. This session will uncover the impact of limited provider-patient communication, explore the barriers that hinder meaningful conversations and offer practical strategies to improve communication for better maternal health outcomes.
Midwifery is a powerful force in advancing reproductive justice and reducing birth disparities. This session will explore the intersection of midwifery and the reproductive justice framework, highlighting its role in improving birth equity and addressing systemic maternal health disparities.
Effective communication between providers and patients is essential for quality care. This session will uncover the impact of limited provider-patient communication, explore the barriers that hinder meaningful conversations and offer practical strategies to improve communication for better maternal health outcomes.
What is the current state of women’s health in Maryland, and what steps are being taken to improve it? This session will provide an overview of Maryland’s Women’s Health Action Plan, including key updates on its implementation. Participants will gain insights into actionable steps providers can take to enhance maternal health outcomes across the state.
How can healthcare settings advance equity in maternal care? This session introduces the MDMOM Maternal Health Equity Toolkit, highlighting five priority areas for equitable care. Participants will explore at least two actionable equity-focused strategies, understand the role of patient, family and community engagement, and identify key stakeholders needed for an inclusive and impactful maternal health equity approach.
Postpartum care doesn’t end at six weeks—it lasts an entire year. This session examines evidence-based strategies for delivering high-quality, equitable postpartum care throughout the entire postpartum period. Participants will explore the direct impact of consistent care on maternal health outcomes and discuss key enabling factors for sustainable implementation within their communities.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) impact countless birthing individuals and families. This session will provide a foundational understanding of PMADS, including prevalence, risk factors and effects on mental health. Attendees will learn to identify screening tools, explore resources and discuss best practices to ensure optimal patient care and support.
