NETWORK UPDATES
Maternal Mental Health Events To Watch In 2026
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance has curated a comprehensive list of 2026 maternal mental health and related professional conferences to help practitioners, advocates and policymakers stay informed and connected with developments across the field. The lineup highlights key gatherings, both virtual and in person, focused on perinatal mental health, psychosocial care, infant psychiatry, and specialized topics like Black maternal mental health.
In addition to maternal mental health specific events, the list also features broader maternal and child health, behavioral health and professional conferences that may be relevant for cross-sector learning and networking.
Read more: 2026 Maternal Mental Health Conferences
Maternal Health Action Network: Priority Areas & Current Work
The Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN) advances Missouri’s maternal health system by improving education, access to care, community supports, and policy awareness for pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by perinatal substance use and mental or behavioral health challenges. This work centers lived experience and advances community-to-clinical integration across the state. The following updates summarize MHAN’s ongoing efforts to drive policy, practice, and systems-level change throughout Missouri.
Education Access and Quality
Expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based education for healthcare providers, community organizations, legal professionals, and families. Current efforts include a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) training curriculum, including a MAT continuing legal education (CLE) developed in partnership with Missouri Appleseed, which is currently being prepared for delivery in March 2026. Related MAT action plans and recommendations are also currently being prepared for publication to support implementation and statewide use. A Maternal Substance Use Education Framework is currently being developed, with a focus on addiction, stigma, treatment options, and available supports in underserved rural communities.
Environment and Economic Circumstances
Addressing barriers that affect stability for pregnant and parenting families, including housing and economic challenges. Current activities include developing a virtual training on housing considerations for families impacted by substance use and creating a Perinatal Economic Stability Hub on the MHAN website to connect families and providers to supportive resources.
Health Care Access and Quality
Improving access to coordinated, recovery-oriented care by strengthening screening, referral pathways, and integration of support services. Current efforts focus on developing a statewide strategy to expand access to treatment, behavioral health services, and early intervention, with an emphasis on integrating peers, doulas, and community health workers into maternal care teams. A Maternal Substance Use Disorder Self-Screening Framework has been developed and is currently being prepared for future implementation and publication.
Social and Community Context
Strengthening community care and social support systems by advancing statewide strategies that integrate peer support, doula care, and community health workers across community and clinical settings. This work supports community-to-clinical integration by promoting sustainable, billable pathways for community-based services, aligning workforce roles with reimbursement structures, and strengthening coordination between community organizations and healthcare systems to improve access, continuity, and long-term sustainability of care.
System Capacity and Legislative Policy
Elevating lived experience and advocacy to translate community-identified priorities into actionable legislative and policy guidance. Current efforts include developing a statewide public service announcement (PSA) framework to raise awareness of legal rights, access to care, and available supports, while informing policy and systems change recommendations that reduce barriers, advance equity, and strengthen maternal and behavioral health systems across Missouri.
Interested in getting involved?
Join an MHAN Core Priority Area Workgroup and help shape statewide solutions that support mothers, families, and communities across Missouri. Complete the Core Priority Area Workgroup Sign Up Form.
System UPDATES
Career Opportunity Spotlight: Support Missouri’s Maternal And Child Health System
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is hiring an MCH Program Associate to support statewide maternal and child health efforts through the Title V MCH Block Grant. This full-time, entry-level position is based in Jefferson City and works closely with local public health agencies, internal DHSS programs, and statewide partners to support contracts, program processes, and coordination efforts. The role is well suited for detail-oriented problem solvers with strong communication skills who are interested in public health systems, collaboration, and professional growth. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to building a maternal and child health system that addresses the needs of families across Missouri.
Learn more and apply: MCH Program Associate
Proposed Federal Register Data Collection: Public Comment Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comments on a proposed data collection effort under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice (FR Doc. 2026-00426) outlines a planned information collection project and seeks input from the public and stakeholders on the necessity, utility, and burden of the proposed work.
Comments must be submitted by March 16, 2026, and will help inform CDC’s approach to gathering the data described in the notice.
Read more: Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations
Standing post — Please share!
Missouri Warming Centers Map & Helpful Resources
During periods of extreme cold, warming centers provide a safe, heated place for individuals and families to go. The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) maintains an interactive public map of warming centers and shelters available across the state to help residents quickly locate nearby resources.
This tool is designed for public use and supports community safety by improving access to critical, weather-related supports during winter months.
Locate warming centers: Missouri Warming Centers Map
Additional Resources
- National Weather Service: weather.gov/eax/
- MoDOT traveler map: https://traveler.modot.org/map/
- Hypothermia info: health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/
- Winter Preparation: www.ready.gov/winter-weather
- Adult Abuse Hotline (report seniors or adults with disabilities who need help): 1-800-392-0210 or health.mo.gov/safety/abuse/
- Mental Health Support: www.samhsa.gov/find-support
program & member highlights
Free Parent Support Groups Available by Whole Parent Foundation (WPF)
The Whole Parent Foundation is offering free parent support groups for individuals and families during pregnancy, early parenthood, and caregiving. These groups provide a supportive, judgment-free space for:
- Expecting parents
- New parents
- Individuals trying to conceive
- New adoptive parents
- Caregivers of young children
Each group includes mental health and peer support, along with practical physical supports such as food, diapers, and childcare when available. Participants may attend in person at select locations or join virtually via Zoom, making support accessible across communities.
Support Group Locations and Times
- Amethyst Place: Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
- Kansas City: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
- MU Extension: Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
- St. Louis: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
For more information, visit https://www.wholeparentfoundation.org/
Postpartum Care in Missouri: A Regional Dinner Series
The MO PQC invites you to attend Postpartum Care in Missouri: A Regional Dinner Series, with six events scheduled throughout January and February 2026. These intimate networking opportunities will focus on the following.
- Discussing information and recommendations from the Missouri Optimizing Postpartum Care Task Force
- Highlighting local efforts to improve postpartum care delivery
- Creating connections between attendees interested in improving postpartum care
These dinners are open to anyone providing care during the one-year postpartum period, including physicians, nurses, hospital and health care leadership, community-based organizations, doulas, midwives, birth workers, psychiatrists, therapists, peer support specialists, and more. Dinner is complimentary for attendees. Spots for these dinners are limited, so we encourage you to register for the dinner nearest you.
Standing post — Please share!
Maternal SUD and NAS Summit — Save the Date & Register
Save the dates March 31 – April 1, 2026 for the Maternal SUD and NAS Summit in Columbia, Missouri at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia (3301 Lemone Industrial Boulevard). Day 1 starts with registration at 9:00 a.m. and programming from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Day 2 runs 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. A finalized agenda will be released soon. This summit will bring together providers, partners, and policymakers to strengthen care for families affected by maternal substance use and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
To Download: On a computer, right click and select “Save image as…”. On a mobile device, hold a finger down on the image until you are shown an option to “Share” or “Add to Photos”. Once saved, you can upload the image to your social account with its accompanying caption.
Register here: Maternal SUD and NAS Summit
Standing post — Please share!
Insights & Innovations
Real Talk On Postnatal Struggles And Seeking Support
A first-hand account featured on newsGP from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners shares how a new mother’s journey with postnatal anxiety and depression shifted dramatically once she had the courage to discuss her struggles with her GP. At first masking her feelings, she eventually reached out urgently when her symptoms, such as insomnia, overwhelming anxiety and feelings of not coping, became too heavy to manage alone. Her GP’s immediate recognition and referral to perinatal mental health support marked a turning point, underscoring how open conversations with trusted clinicians can help new parents access timely care and realize they are not alone in their experiences. The story also highlights broader gaps in awareness and routine screening for perinatal mental health issues.
Read more: I Was Too Ashamed To Accept I Couldn’t Cope
Struggling Birth Centers Highlight Growing Gaps in Maternity Care
Communities across the United States are facing widening maternity care gaps as more freestanding birth centers shut their doors. According to Stateline, about two dozen independent birth centers have closed since 2023 due to financial pressures, low insurance reimbursement rates, restrictive regulations and resistance from local hospitals. These same challenges have also contributed to hospital labor and delivery unit closures. The loss of freestanding birth centers further limits options for pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to maternity care is already strained. The trend highlights the growing fragility of the maternity care system and the need for policy and payment reforms to support sustainable, community-based maternal health services.
Read more: Freestanding Birth Centers Are Closing As Maternity Care Gaps Grow
Alcohol’s Harmful Effects on Lung Function and Disease
New research published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews highlights how chronic alcohol misuse can seriously damage lung health by disrupting both mechanical and immune defense systems in the respiratory tract. The review found that long-term alcohol consumption impairs mucus clearance, increases the aspiration of microbes into the lungs and weakens immune cell responses, making individuals more vulnerable to infections such as pneumonia. It also increases the likelihood of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other serious lung conditions, partly due to reduced antioxidants and compromised cellular barriers. Researchers emphasize that understanding these mechanisms could point toward future therapeutic targets to mitigate alcohol-associated lung disease, though currently there are no approved treatments specifically for this aspect of alcohol damage.
Read more: Alcohol’s Effects On The Lung And Lung Disease
Ensuring Accessibility in Pregnancy: A Guide to Action Planning
The Heller School at Brandeis University offers an Accessible Pregnancy Action Plan designed to help expectant people with disabilities identify and communicate their specific care needs throughout pregnancy. This resource provides practical tips for preparing for appointments, discussing physical accessibility with healthcare providers, and planning for labor, delivery and postpartum support. It emphasizes person-centered communication, self-advocacy and proactive care planning to improve pregnancy experiences and health outcomes for people with diverse abilities. The action plan includes checklists and reflection prompts that support meaningful conversations with medical teams and caregivers.
Read more: Accessible Pregnancy Action Plan
New Research Links Unplanned Cesareans With Acute Psychological Stress
Recent findings from Mass General Brigham show that people who undergo unplanned cesarean deliveries are significantly more likely to experience acute psychological stress in the early postpartum period compared with those who have planned births. The study highlights factors such as loss of birth expectations, feelings of loss of control and emergency medical interventions as contributors to elevated stress responses shortly after delivery. Researchers note that this stress can influence early bonding, maternal mental health and recovery, suggesting the need for enhanced emotional support, shared decision-making and trauma-informed care practices for birthing individuals, particularly those at higher risk of unplanned surgical delivery.
Read more: Unplanned Cesarean Deliveries Linked To Acute Psychological Stress
Rise In ADHD Diagnoses Among Mothers After Childbirth
New research reported on PsyPost finds that ADHD diagnoses among mothers increase significantly in the years following childbirth, suggesting that the transition to parenthood may unmask, intensify or lead to recognition of attention-related challenges. The analysis indicates that many women who receive a diagnosis postpartum may have had previously undetected symptoms that become more apparent with the increased demands of caring for children. Experts quoted in the report emphasize the importance of screening for ADHD in perinatal and postpartum care, as well as tailoring support and treatment options to help parents manage attentional symptoms that can affect daily functioning, well-being and parenting stress.
Read more: ADHD Diagnoses Among Mothers Surge In The Years Following Childbirth
View Study: Maternal ADHD Diagnoses Before and After Childbirth: A Danish Population-Based Cohort Study
Understanding ACEs And Maternal Mental Health: A Resource From The Policy Center
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health explains how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction, affect lifelong health and are linked to premature death and mental health conditions. The resource highlights the relationship between ACEs and maternal mental health, including how trauma can be transmitted across generations and influence outcomes for both parents and children. The Center shares educational tools, webinars and issue briefs that frame maternal mental health as an early point of intervention, emphasizing the importance of addressing adversity before, during and after pregnancy to improve long term family well being.
Read more: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
insights ON-DEMAND
Hope Starts With Us: Episode 94; How Storytelling Can Create Cultural Changes – Featuring Frank Kosa
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.
At NAMI, we know that sharing stories about mental health conditions helps reduce stigma still held by far too many. In this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison is joined by award-winning documentary producer-writer-director Frank Kosa. Frank is also an executive producer of the podcast “Brain Stories,” which demonstrates commitment to changing mainstream culture by creating awareness and caring for people living with mental health conditions. During Dan and Frank’s conversation, listeners will hear about NAMI family education courses, the impact of sharing stories, and how storytelling can change minds and culture.
You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.
community tools & supports
NAMI Connection Virtual Support Group
NAMI Missouri offers a free, peer-led virtual support group for individuals who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. NAMI Connection Support Groups provide a safe, supportive space to share experiences, build connection, and support recovery alongside others with lived experience. The group meets monthly on the third Saturday of the month from 12:00–1:30 p.m. CT via Zoom.
Learn more: NAMI Connection Virtual Support Group
To Download: On a computer, right click and select “Save image as…”. On a mobile device, hold a finger down on the image until you are shown an option to “Share” or “Add to Photos”. Once saved, you can upload the image to your social account with its accompanying caption.
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
To Download: On a computer, right click and select “Save image as…”. On a mobile device, hold a finger down on the image until you are shown an option to “Share” or “Add to Photos”. Once saved, you can upload the image to your social account with its accompanying caption.
UPCOMING TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Find upcoming trainings and development opportunities at https://moactionnetwork.org/announcements/#events
Substance use disorder echo
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 13 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (CT).
This ECHO has been renamed from the Opioid Use Disorder ECHO. The Hub Team, time and same expert experience will remain the same.
To Download: On a computer, right click and select “Save image as…”. On a mobile device, hold a finger down on the image until you are shown an option to “Share” or “Add to Photos”. Once saved, you can upload the image to your social account with its accompanying caption.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Contiuing LEgal Education (CLE)
Date: Friday, April 10
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Missouri Appleseed, in partnership with the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN), is hosting a virtual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) training on Friday, April 10, 2026, focused on strengthening legal and child welfare responses to addiction, recovery, and family stability.
Additional information, including registration details, will be available soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Find upcoming events and opportunities at https://moactionnetwork.org/announcements/#events
2026 Convening for Maternal and Infant Health in Missouri!
To Download: On a computer, right click and select “Save image as…”. On a mobile device, hold a finger down on the image until you are shown an option to “Share” or “Add to Photos”. Once saved, you can upload the image to your social account with its accompanying caption.
AMCHP 2026
The conference will be held March 7–10, 2026 at The Westin, Washington DC Downtown.
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
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
ASAM Annual Conference: Innovations in Addiction Medicine and Science
The ASAM Annual Conference is the premier national event for addiction medicine professionals, offering a platform to connect, learn, and share cutting-edge research, clinical advances, and best practices in the field. Now in its 57th year, the conference brings together physicians, clinicians, researchers, trainees, and policymakers for dozens of expert sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities that span clinical care, policy, science, and innovative treatment approaches. The upcoming event will be held in San Diego, CA, April 23–26, 2026, providing attendees with both professional development and community connection.
Learn more and register: ASAM Annual Conference
Maternal SUD and NAS Summit — Save the Date & Register
Save the dates March 31 – April 1, 2026 for the Maternal SUD and NAS Summit in Columbia, Missouri at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia (3301 Lemone Industrial Boulevard). Day 1 starts with registration at 9:00 a.m. and programming from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Day 2 runs 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. A finalized agenda will be released soon. This summit will bring together providers, partners, and policymakers to strengthen care for families affected by maternal substance use and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
To Download: On a computer, right click and select “Save image as…”. On a mobile device, hold a finger down on the image until you are shown an option to “Share” or “Add to Photos”. Once saved, you can upload the image to your social account with its accompanying caption.
Register here: Maternal SUD and NAS Summit
Standing post — Please share!
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/
© 2026 Curators of the University of Missouri | UMKC IHD, UCEDD • Supported by DHSS • May only be used with permission.
Search
Social