NETWORK UPDATES
Missouri Medicaid Covers Doula Care by city of st. louis department of health
The Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN) is excited to share this amazing resource from the City of St. Louis Department of Health! Their brochure, “Missouri Medicaid Covers Doula Care,” explains what a doula is, the benefits of doula care, the services doulas provide, and how to find a doula in your community.
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We encourage you to share this within your departments, broader networks and communities so more people can learn about the benefits of doula care.
Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about doula care, this brochure is a great place to start.
System UPDATES
Celebrate MCH Leaders: Submit Your AMCHP Award Nominations!
The AMCHP Annual Awards recognize outstanding Maternal and Child Health (MCH) leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities and the field. With seven award categories, this is your opportunity to honor a colleague or peer whose dedication and impact deserve celebration.
Nominations are open until January 9, 2026, with awardees to be recognized at the 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Award Categories
- John C. MacQueen Lecture Award: For innovation in the field of maternal and child health. Candidates must be able to record the lecture for distribution during the AMCHP Annual Conference in March 2026.
- Community Partnership Award: For exemplary collaborations between Title V entities and community-based organizations. This award uplifts the importance of sustainable and outcome-focused partnerships in promoting the dignity and overall well-being of communities.
- Emerging MCH Professional Award: For outstanding state MCH professionals under age 45 or with less than 10 years of experience whose work has made substantial contributions to their state’s MCH program, their state’s MCH outcomes, or made other significant contributions to promoting and protecting the health of women, children, and families in their state or jurisdiction.
- Excellence in State MCH Leadership Award: For an outstanding state MCH professional whose career has made significant contributions to the health of women, children, and families in their state or jurisdiction.
- Merle McPherson Family Leadership Award: For exemplary contributions to further family/professional collaboration within a state or jurisdictional Title V Program and AMCHP.
- Ryan Colburn Scholarship Award: For a young adult who identifies as having complex health care needs or disabilities to attend the AMCHP Annual Conference, grow as a leader in MCH, and continue to honor Ryan’s legacy.
- Vince Hutchins Leadership Award: For leadership in promoting a society responsive to the needs of women, children, youth, and families.
Interested in nominating someone?
Watch the recording of our previous call for nominations webinar to learn more about the nomination process from AMCHP Staff and Board leadership. You can also visit our webpage to view past winners from 2025 for inspiration.
Ready to nominate?
If you would like to get started, please fill out this online nomination form and submit it along with all nomination materials by January 9, 2026.
Learn more and submit your nomination: AMCHP Annual Awards
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program & member highlights
Apply to be a kids win missouri (KWM) family child care champion!
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Apply today at https://ow.ly/ZwYO50XAXsh!
ethics training by missouri credentialing board (MCB)
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The Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) invites you to join our online Ethics Training — a deep dive into ethical principles, real-world dilemmas, and professional standards.
This interactive Zoom session is the perfect space to explore the practical ethical challenges you face in your field.
- Live on Zoom
- Earn 3 hours of Ethics credit
- Strengthen your skills and continue your professional growth.
Register now: https://missouricb.com/zoom-ethics/
Share Your Insights: MO PQC Maternal SUD Experience Survey
The Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MO PQC) is conducting a Maternal SUD Experience Survey to better understand knowledge, barriers, and opportunities in caring for women with substance use disorder (SUD). We invite professionals across all roles, clinical providers, community-based staff, public health workers, child welfare and juvenile court staff, and peer recovery specialists, to participate and share their perspectives.
Your input will help shape future training and programming for providers supporting mothers with SUD. Survey results will be shared broadly through the MO PQC in 2026.
As a thank-you, participants who provide their email at the end of the survey will be entered into a random drawing for one of five $100 Amazon e-gift cards. Your responses will remain confidential and separate from your email.
Take the survey: Maternal SUD Experience Survey
Registration Open: 2026 Missouri Maternal and Infant Health Convening
Maternal and infant health stakeholders across Missouri are invited to join the 2026 Maternal and Infant Health Convening, taking place March 4–5, 2026. This annual event brings together thought leaders to share strategies, build connections, and learn collaboratively to improve outcomes for women and infants across the state.
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This year’s theme, Navigating Pathways Forward, will focus on adapting to changes in the maternal and infant health landscape, innovating care approaches, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Hosted in partnership with the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, The Uplift Connection, and Missouri Foundation for Health, the convening offers expanded learning opportunities.
Call for presenters: The 2026 Maternal and Infant Health Convening
We invite thought leaders, innovators, and experts in maternal and infant health to share strategies for navigating a changing health care landscape and driving better outcomes. As you consider your proposal, we ask you to frame your presentation to speak to how you are innovating, evolving or finding new ways to accomplish the goals of your program.
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Tracks Include:
- Infant care (e.g., lactation support, safe sleep initiatives)
- Innovations in care coordination/case management
- Integration of community-based birth workers (e.g., midwives, doulas, CHWs)
- Perinatal mental/behavioral health (e.g., perinatal substance use disorder treatment, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder support)
- Postpartum and interpartum care (e.g., reproductive health, transition to primary care, chronic conditions management)
- Building systems for equitable outcomes (e.g. cultural congruency, improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, trauma-informed care)
Presentation Formats:
- Poster presentations describing recent projects, initiatives and results
- Resource Hub to promote organizations and services across the state
- Breakout sessions organized around track areas
We will accommodate as many participants in each category as our time and space allows, but slots are limited. If you are interested, please fill out the application form by Monday, Jan. 5. Contact The Uplift Connection with any questions.
Building Contraceptive Capacity Community Grant Project
Beacon Reproductive Health Network (formerly Missouri Family Health Council) is proud to offer a community grant opportunity – the Building Contraceptive Capacity Community Grant Project – in conjunction with the Missouri Foundation for Health as part of The Right Time initiative. The Right Time initiative focuses on improving contraceptive equity in Missouri using a multi-pronged approach that aims to make it easier to receive and provide contraceptive care in our state.
The purpose of the Building Contraceptive Capacity Community Grant Project is to support health centers that are or could be part of the contraceptive care safety-net in Missouri to begin or expand their client-centered contraceptive care offerings through the provision of training, technical assistance, and financial support to clinics and their staff.
Grant amounts will be based on the scope of the project agreed upon between the agency and Beacon, but will likely range from between $5,000 and $25,000 per project. Beacon will directly facilitate and fund training, technical assistance, clinic efficiency studies, and more while working with clinics to provide direct funding for advanced stocking of contraceptive methods, EHR upgrades, staff participation in the project, etc.
Please complete the interest form if you’d like to connect with a Beacon team member about the possibility of your agency receiving a Building Contraceptive Capacity Grant as part of our project.
The interest form will remain open until Friday, December 12th. Projects should be time-limited and will begin their planning phase in January of 2026 and may continue through December of 2027, depending on scope.
Grant Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB5BUabonJS9G882k_tWqcZyozMtAj4tocUknNAZ5BK455jA/viewform
Standing post to encourage application – please share!
Insights & Innovations
New Research Introduces Improved Measure for Maternal Health Risk
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office on Women’s Health (OWH), announced a peer-reviewed publication in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth introducing a mortality-weighted Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) index. This novel metric accounts for both the severity of individual indicators and cumulative harm from multiple co-occurring SMM events, providing a more accurate assessment of maternal health risks. The index is a valuable tool for clinicians, community partners, and policymakers aiming to improve maternal outcomes and target interventions more effectively.
Read more: Mortality-Weighted Severe Maternal Morbidity A Novel Approach To Assessing Maternal Health Outcomes
How Emotion Regulation in Pregnancy Shapes Mental Health
New research shows that pregnant people who struggle with emotion regulation, especially in the second trimester, are more likely to experience depression during pregnancy and postpartum. Because emotion-regulation skills are teachable, the findings highlight an important opportunity for early screening and prevention.
Read more: Problems Regulating Emotions During Pregnancy Linked With Perinatal Depression New Research
U.S. Hospitals Seeing Real Gains in Patient Safety and Outcomes
New data from the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Vizient show that between 2019 and mid-2025, hospitals nationwide have markedly improved on key safety and quality metrics, even while serving sicker and more complex patient populations. Hospitalized patients in Q2 2025 were nearly 30% more likely to survive than expected compared to late 2019. Infection rates also fell significantly, and preventive screenings, including breast and colorectal cancer screenings, increased substantially.
Read more: Hospitals Continue To Improve Performance On Key Patient Safety Measures And Outcomes In 2025
New Law Reinstates Vital Opioid and SUD Programs Nationwide
On December 1, 2025, Donald Trump signed into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, renewing critical federal funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery programs for substance use disorder (SUD). The reauthorization restores grants and support systems that lapsed in 2023, extends services for pregnant and postpartum women, supports behavioral-health workforce training, and bolsters community-based recovery efforts, all aimed at addressing the ongoing opioid and mental-health crises.
Read more: Trump Signs SUPPORT Act Reviving SUD And Opioid Programs After 2023 Lapse
Why Exposure Therapy Shouldn’t Be Off-Limits for Perinatal OCD
A recent letter in the The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry argues that Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard non-medication treatment for Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is under-used for people with perinatal OCD. The authors note that misconceptions and discomfort around using exposure therapy during pregnancy or postpartum often prevent its use. However, when delivered by trained professionals (even virtually), ERP remains effective, safe, and often a preferred option, which is especially relevant when patients favor nonpharmacologic treatment.
Read more: Exposure Therapy For Perinatal OCD Navigating Evidence And Discomfort
When Motherhood Feels More Like Survival Than Joy
A recent piece from Motherly reflects what many moms increasingly report: parenting today often feels like “surviving, not thriving.” The article describes daily life as a cycle of putting out fires, juggling kids’ needs, managing chaos, and neglecting time for self-care. Yet it also offers hope: by lowering unrealistic expectations, cutting unnecessary pressure, prioritizing small wins, and building supportive routines, it argues that survival mode can eventually shift toward stability, even if full “thriving” feels out of reach right now.
Read more: To The Mama Who Is Surviving Not Thriving
New Insights On Pregnancy Outcomes From Recent Report
A recent report on pregnancy outcomes highlights key findings on maternal health and risks during pregnancy, offering valuable data for care providers and expecting parents. The article reviews trends in obstetric outcomes, underscoring areas where outcomes are improving and where ongoing attention is still needed.
Read more: Pregnancy Outcomes Report Highlights Improving Trends And Persistent Risks
Why “Gentler Parenting” Matters for Long-Term Mental Health
A new analysis published by Public Health Post finds that verbal abuse during childhood, such as shaming, mocking or humiliating a child, can be just as harmful to mental well‑being as physical abuse. Adults who reported childhood verbal abuse were 1.5 times more likely to have poorer mental health; the risk doubled for those exposed to both verbal and physical abuse. The authors argue this evidence supports the growing movement toward “gentle parenting” an approach grounded in empathy, respect, and “positive discipline.” Rather than relying on yelling or humiliation, gentle parenting emphasizes calm communication, clear limits, emotional coaching, and repairing relationships when mistakes happen.
Read more: Gentler Parenting Stronger Minds
New “Big Picture” Data on Kids’ Health & Well‑Being Is Out
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), via its National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), has released updated, nationally representative data showing the state of children’s health, mental and behavioral well‑being, health care access, and family/community environments across the U.S.
This data update offers a robust resource for community planners, health advocates, researchers, and policymakers to better understand where children and families are thriving, where needs remain, and how to target programs and supports effectively.
Read more: HRSA Releases New Data From The National Survey Of Children’s Health
Learn more: National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH)
insights ON-DEMAND
NAMI’s Hope Starts With Us Podcast -Episode 91: How Family Support Can Help Mental Health Recovery Featuring Major General Gregg F. Martin, Retired, and Maggie Ryan
On this podcast, Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness), brings important mental health topics to light, one conversation at a time. Hope starts with us sharing our stories. Hope starts with us breaking the stigma. Hope starts with us sharing resources and practical advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition and are looking for hope, this podcast is for you.
When navigating a new mental health diagnosis, there are a lot of ways someone’s life can change. If family support is available, the journey to recovery and stabilization can feel at least a little less challenging. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Major General Gregg F. Martin, retired, and his wife Maggie Ryan to explore the connections between family support, caregiving, and recovery from mental illness. During this conversation, listeners will hear about what types of support caregivers want, how families can address mental health stigma, and advice about navigating a mental health diagnosis on the journey to recovery and stabilization.
You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.
community tools & supports
kin safe legal alliance
Did you know? MO KIN-4-KID is thrilled to serve kinship caregivers residing in the counties below through such amazing partnerships.
For more information, call or text 833-546-4543.
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resources & supports
Missouri Resources
mental & behavioral health resources/supports
support resources
- Missouri Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
- Visit 988lifeline.org
- Veterans (press 1)
- Español (oprime 2)
- LGBTQ+ Youth (press 3)
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- NAMI Helpline: Call 1 – 800 – 950 – NAMI (6264)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673
- National Call Center for Homeless Vets: Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
- United Way: Dial 2-1-1
Helpful Websites
Support Groups
- Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
- Postpartum Support International (Spanish Support Groups): Encuentros de apoyo
- SAMHSA Support Groups: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/health-care-or-support/support-group-or-local-program
- NAMI Support Groups: https://www.nami.org/support-education/support-groups/
Additional Resources
Food Services & supports
Second Harvest Community Food Bank
- Pantry Locator
- Food Distribution Events
- For more information, visit Second Harvest Community Food Bank
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UPCOMING TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Find upcoming trainings and development opportunities at https://moactionnetwork.org/announcements/#events
FREE prenatal education classes at phelps health
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Are you expecting a little one? Join us for free prenatal classes designed to help you prepare for labor, delivery and newborn care! These classes are open to expectant mothers after 20 weeks of pregnancy and include a tour of the Phelps Health Obstetrics Unit.
What you’ll learn:
- Pregnancy danger signals
- Stages of labor and delivery
- Breathing & relaxation techniques
- Cesarean birth (C-sections)
- Pain management and epidurals
- Newborn care and nutrition
- Breastfeeding and more!
Training Date
- December 6, 2025
A support person is welcome to attend with you! Classes are free and open to the public.
Please call (573) 458-7397 to register. Sign up today!
Addressing Alcohol and nicotine co-use
Date: December 8, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Training Series
This series comprises of five stand-alone, 30-minute sessions focused on the complex dynamics of alcohol co-use with other substances. Topics include the co-use of alcohol with caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Each session will feature a didactic presentation by a subject matter expert examining current evidence, treatment implications, and clinical approaches. The goal of the series is to enhance understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and clinical impacts of alcohol co-use and to support the integration of evidence-based strategies into practice.
Zeroing in on Xylazine
Date: December 10, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Training Series
This training provides knowledge on xylazine, a CNS depressant, linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths in the US. This describes the physiologic effects of xylazine, manifestations of xylazine intoxication, overdose, communicable infections associated with xylazine use, and wound care for persons injecting xylazine.
managing alcohol use during the holidays
Date: December 11, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Perinatal Mental Health 101
Date: December 11, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PST
Location: Zoom
Addressing Alcohol and cocaine co-use
Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Training Series
This training will provide foundational knowledge on addiction as a chronic medical condition, as well as an overview of evidence-based interventions, including medications for addiction treatment (MAT).
Addressing Alcohol and cocaine co-use
Date: December 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Training Series
This series comprises of five stand-alone, 30-minute sessions focused on the complex dynamics of alcohol co-use with other substances. Topics include the co-use of alcohol with caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Each session will feature a didactic presentation by a subject matter expert examining current evidence, treatment implications, and clinical approaches. The goal of the series is to enhance understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and clinical impacts of alcohol co-use and to support the integration of evidence-based strategies into practice.
navigating grief and loss following substance use-related death
Date: December 16, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Addressing Alcohol and Methamphetamine co-use
Date: December 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Training Series
This series comprises of five stand-alone, 30-minute sessions focused on the complex dynamics of alcohol co-use with other substances. Topics include the co-use of alcohol with caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Each session will feature a didactic presentation by a subject matter expert examining current evidence, treatment implications, and clinical approaches. The goal of the series is to enhance understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and clinical impacts of alcohol co-use and to support the integration of evidence-based strategies into practice.
Examining the Impact of Alcohol and MDMA
Date: December 29, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Training Series
This series comprises of five stand-alone, 30-minute sessions focused on the complex dynamics of alcohol co-use with other substances. Topics include the co-use of alcohol with caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Each session will feature a didactic presentation by a subject matter expert examining current evidence, treatment implications, and clinical approaches. The goal of the series is to enhance understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and clinical impacts of alcohol co-use and to support the integration of evidence-based strategies into practice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Find upcoming events and opportunities at https://moactionnetwork.org/announcements/#events
2026 Convening for Maternal and Infant Health in Missouri!
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This statewide gathering will bring together changemakers, health care professionals, advocates, and community leaders to advance maternal and infant health across Missouri. Stay tuned for more details on speakers, sessions and registration!
Secure Your Spot: Early Bird Registration Open for AMCHP 2026!
Early bird registration is now open for the 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference, one of the largest gatherings of maternal and child health professionals in the country. The conference will be held March 7–10, 2026 at The Westin, Washington DC Downtown.
Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering by January 9, 2026—you can secure your spot now and complete payment later. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and advance maternal and child health practices alongside leaders and peers from across the nation.
Register now: AMCHP 2026 Annual Conference
Save the Date: Joint Meeting on Youth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
📅 March 24–26, 2026 |📍 Baltimore, MD
This landmark national conference brings together stakeholders from across the country to address youth alcohol and substance use. It marks the first joint gathering in over a decade dedicated to prevention, treatment, and recovery for young people.
For more details and updates, visit: Joint Meeting on Youth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
SUBMIT SYSTEM UPDATES, ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS
Submit System Updates, Organizational News
Use the following form Bee in the Know – System Updates, Organizational News to submit updates, or organizational news to be featured by the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network. These updates and news will be shared in upcoming installments of the Weekly Snapshot, on our social media platforms, as well as in Action Network meetings, workgroup meetings, and other activities. To share time-sensitive information, contact mo_actionnetwork@umkc.edu
For more information, contact mo_actionnetwork@umkc.edu or visit moactionnetwork.org.
Developed by the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN) at UMKC-IHD https://moactionnetwork.org/
© 2025 Curators of the University of Missouri | UMKC IHD, UCEDD • Supported by DHSS • May only be used with permission.
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