NETWORK UPDATES
Upcoming CLE: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) And Family Reunification
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.
This CLE offers an important opportunity to educate legal and child welfare professionals on the critical role of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in supporting recovery, strengthening families, and improving case outcomes. Designed for attorneys, judges, caseworkers, and other professionals working at the intersection of maternal and behavioral health, substance use, and family law, the training addresses current legal and child welfare training gaps related to MAT, societal perceptions that impact linkage to care, and inconsistencies in case and court outcomes.
Through expert speakers and lived experience perspectives, participants will explore evidence-based benefits of MAT, practical recommendations for improving systems and legal processes, and approaches that support recovery while protecting child safety and parental rights. The CLE will be held virtually and will later be housed as part of an ongoing educational series.
Additional information, including registration details, will be available soon.
Career Opportunity Spotlight: Join the IHD Maternal and Child Health Team
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is hiring a Program Support Coordinator I for the Maternal and Child Health Program within its Institute for Human Development. This full-time position supports program functions including communication, project monitoring, meeting coordination, logistical support, and data activities such as conducting interviews, preparing reports, and assisting with dissemination materials. The role may also involve supporting student workers and serving as a point of contact among team members and partners. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience plus one year of relevant experience is required, and familiarity with project coordination, qualitative research, and maternal and child health is preferred.
Read more: Program Support Coordinator I, Maternal and Child Health Program – Institute for Human Development
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
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
Career Opportunity Spotlight: MHAP & MO-CPAP Part-Time Resource and Referral Specialist
The Center for Child Well-Being within the Department of Psychiatry in School of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia seeks a part-time (.50 FTE / 20 hours per week) Resource and Referral Specialist to serve on Pediatric and Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs. These programs increase capacity for primary care and social service providers in Missouri to respond to mental & behavioral health conditions.
Schedule is flexible within M-F, 8am-5pm, based on project needs and applicant availability.Responsibilities will include:
- Respond to incoming calls to the Psychiatry Access line during normal business hours; screen and triage requests and complete intake forms.
- Serve as the primary contact point for Psychiatry Access Programs, screening all requests to assess need and scheduling with the appropriate providers.
- Complete regular follow-up outreach to patients and families to connect to referral options. Evaluate potential good fit referral options for each patient in their home areas across Missouri. Independently evaluate patient needs to connect them with appropriate available mental health and substance use resources.
- Develop program resources and materials, create individualized behavioral health resource lists for providers with patients, curate database of available statewide resources.
- Performs resource and referral duties in a HIPAA compliant manner, including correspondence with providers and patients regarding clinical and referral updates. Maintains HIPAA compliant case file documentation both in electronic and paper format in accordance with programmatic standards. Ensures all clinical documentation of follow-up and outcomes is in accordance with organizational standards. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
- Assist with data collection and reporting.
- Ensure highest level of engagement, service and satisfaction for providers and patients.
- Other duties as assigned.
Learn more and apply: Resource and Referral Specialist (Part-Time) – Center for Child Well-Being
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
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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
Missouri Appleseed Advocates for Ending the SNAP Drug Felony Ban
Missouri Appleseed highlights House Bill 2751, legislation that would allow Missourians with prior drug felony convictions to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, removing the current lifetime ban that restricts eligibility even when individuals are income eligible. The bill aims to address food insecurity as a key social determinant of health and support long-term stability for individuals and families impacted by the policy.
Read more: Missouri Appleseed On HB 2751 And SNAP Eligibility Reform
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 at all in-person support groups. 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: Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit https://www.wholeparentfoundation.org/
New Digital Tool Supporting Families From Pregnancy Through Early Childhood
Nurture KC has launched the Healthy Start Baby App, a free digital resource for families enrolled in its Healthy Start program across the Kansas City metro area. The app offers accessible pregnancy and infant health education, practical tools, and connections to trusted local resources to support families from pregnancy through early childhood. This initiative is fully funded by a grant from the parent foundation of Healthy Blue Missouri, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for families.
Read more: Healthy Start Baby App
Become a Youth Peer Specialist and Expand Your Impact
Certified Peer Specialists are invited to take the next step by becoming a Youth Peer Specialist (YPS) and using lived experience to support youth and young adults as they transition into adulthood. Youth Peer Specialists provide meaningful peer support, guidance, and hope to young people navigating life changes. YPS certification requires an active Certified Peer Specialist credential, and all trainings are offered virtually so participants can train from anywhere.
Read more: Youth Peer Specialist Virtual Training And Registration
Trauma-Informed Doula Care Virtual Workshop
The Missouri Community Doula Council is hosting a Trauma-Informed Doula Care Virtual Workshop designed to support doulas in building skills that center safety, trust, and compassionate care. This interactive workshop qualifies for CEU certification maintenance and is ideal for doulas seeking to deepen their trauma-informed practice while continuing professional development.
- Sunday, February 8
- 2:00–4:30 p.m.
- Virtual Workshop
- CEUs Available
- Limited scholarships available
Participants will learn from experienced educators and engage in meaningful discussion focused on supporting birthing people through trauma-informed, culturally responsive doula care.
Learn more and register: Trauma-Informed Doula Care Virtual Workshop
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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.
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Register here: Maternal SUD and NAS Summit
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3rd Annual Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit & Black Maternal Health Rest & Healing Experience
The Missouri Community Doula Council and Jamaa Birth Village are honored to announce the 3rd Annual Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit & Black Maternal Health Rest & Healing Experience, April 16-17, 2026, in St. Louis, Mo.
This two-day summit will convene midwives, doulas, parents, healers, maternal health practitioners, community birth workers, policymakers, and advocates to forward Black maternal health justice, policy transformation, and sustainable community care. The summit includes dynamic keynote speakers, interactive workshops, all inclusive field trips and advocacy actions dedicated to providing long-term sustainable solutions to birth inequities, elevating Black maternal health workers, and reclaiming rest, power and wisdom as an act of revolutionary liberation.
“It takes all of us to transform Black Maternal Health! Join US!”
Register here: 3rd Annual Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit & Black Maternal Health Rest & Healing Experience
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Family Birthplace Community Baby Shower and 5K Run/Walk
SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis invites the community to join the Family Birthplace Community Baby Shower and 5K Run/Walk in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week. This family-friendly event brings people together to celebrate and support mothers while raising awareness about the maternal mortality crisis impacting Black women in the United States.
Attendees can enjoy food, giveaways, community vendors, and resources while participating in a 5K run or walk on the hospital campus, followed by a community baby shower. The event is designed to uplift families, connect them with support, and foster collective action to improve maternal health outcomes.
- Saturday, May 2, 2026
- 7:00 a.m. Registration
- 8:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk
- 10:00 a.m. Community Baby Shower
- The May Community Education Center (12303 DePaul Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044)
Registration is available for both the 5K Run/Walk and the Community Baby Shower.
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Insights & Innovations
How Higher Wages May Protect Maternal Health
New research suggests that state minimum wage increases may be linked to improved maternal health during pregnancy. The study found that higher minimum wages were associated with lower rates of maternal hypertensive disorders, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. These findings highlight how economic stability and reduced financial stress can play a role in supporting healthier pregnancies, particularly for lower-income populations.
Read more: Minimum Wage Increases Linked To Lower Rates Of Maternal Hypertensive Disorders
Travel Barriers to Methadone Treatment: Cars vs Public Transit
A new JAMA study examines differences in travel time to methadone treatment clinics when using a personal vehicle compared with public transit. Findings show that individuals who rely on public transportation experience substantially longer travel times to access methadone treatment, a critical service for people with opioid use disorder. These transportation-related delays may affect treatment engagement and retention and highlight transportation access as a key structural barrier to care, particularly in communities with limited transit infrastructure.
Read more: Travel Time To Methadone Treatment Via Personal Vehicle Vs Public Transit
insights ON-DEMAND
Public Health Review Morning Edition: Episode 1061; Adressing opioid risk and stigma among adults 45+ – Featuring Dr. Philip Chan
Fatal overdoses are rising among adults 45 and older and stigma often keeps this age group out of the conversation. In this episode, Dr. Philip Chan, Consultant Medical Director at the Rhode Island Department of Health and a practicing primary care physician, discusses Rhode Island’s No Matter Why You Use campaign. Dr. Chan explains why middle-aged and older adults face elevated overdose risk, how isolation, medical prescribing, and a contaminated drug supply intersect, and why personal storytelling is key to reducing stigma about accessing care. The conversation also highlights Rhode Island’s overdose prevention strategies, from widespread naloxone access to community partnerships, and shares lessons other states can apply to save lives and start conversations sooner.
Understanding Postpartum Psychosis as a Medical Emergency
Postpartum psychosis is rare, but when it occurs, it is a psychiatric emergency that can be easily missed or misunderstood, particularly in individuals with no prior mental health history. In a recent episode of Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives, clinical psychologist and advocate Susan Feingold joins Becky Gleed to explain what postpartum psychosis is and is not, how symptoms can appear suddenly and fluctuate, and why early recognition and hospitalization can be lifesaving.
Expanding Access to Community Health Workers in Rural Communities
This upcoming webinar from Center for Health Care Strategies explores how states are strengthening and expanding access to community health worker services in rural communities. Featuring CHW programs in Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia, the session will highlight practical lessons and strategies for program design, training, certification, accreditation, and meaningful engagement with CHWs and key stakeholders. The webinar is part of CHCS’ Evidence-to-Action Hub and is designed for policymakers, providers, and partners working to improve equitable access to care.
Learn more and register: Expanding Access To Community Health Workers In Rural Communities Webinar Registration
Free Virtual Trainings to Strengthen Substance Use Response Efforts
The Opioid Response Network and Faces & Voices of Recovery are offering a series of no cost virtual trainings designed for advocates, service providers, and community members working across prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Each session includes practical content, opportunities for discussion, and a live Q&A with the presenter. New trainings are offered throughout the month and are open to anyone interested in strengthening community-based substance use response efforts.
Read more: Faces & Voices Of Recovery Training Series
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Expanding Access to Community Health Workers in Rural Communities
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Learn more and register: Transparency in Action: The Mental Health Parity Index
Critical Access and Rural Health Learning Collaborative
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is launching its new Critical Access and Rural Health Learning Collaborative, a virtual webinar series focused on practical strategies to improve ob-gyn care in critical-access hospitals and low-resource rural settings. The first session will explore how emergency departments can build obstetric readiness using adaptable, real-world models. Participants will review the Obstetric Emergency Readiness manual, learn from Indian Health Service and rural care settings, and hear expert insights on managing teams and patient care in resource-limited environments, recognizing success in context, and applying transferable elements of care across communities.
Learn more and register: ACOG’s Critical Access and Rural Health Learning Collaborative
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community tools & supports
Free Prenatal Education Classes Available in 2026
Phelps Health is offering free prenatal education classes throughout 2026 for individuals who are at least 20 weeks pregnant. These classes are designed to help expectant parents prepare for labor, delivery, and newborn care, and include a guided tour of the Phelps Health Obstetrics Unit. Topics covered include labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, cesarean birth and pain management options, newborn care and feeding, and breastfeeding. A support person is welcome to attend.
A support person is welcome. Call (573) 458-7397 to register for a class today!
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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
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.
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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!
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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.
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Register here: Maternal SUD and NAS Summit
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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.
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