NETWORK UPDATES
MHAN Quarterly (q2) All network meeting
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
This quarter’s meeting will focus on the importance of peer support and compassionate, person-centered provider care for mothers and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges.
Agenda:
- Network and system updates
- My Story featuring MHAN Voices of Lived Experience
- Program Highlight by U MATterTM
- Program Highlight by MOMS Line
- Program Highlight by Heartland PMAD
- Missouri program and resource spotlight.
- Closing
Not yet a Network member? Join today to receive invitations to future Network meetings and events. Get started by completing the Membership Information Form.
For more information, contact mo_actionnetwork@umkc.edu or visit moactionnetwork.org
Upcoming CLE: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) And Family unification
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.
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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.
- Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
- Time: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
- Provides: 6.9 CLE Credits, including 2.7 Ethics and 2.7 Elimination of Bias Credits
MHAN & UMKC-IHD Highlight Lived Experience at Statewide Convening
The UMKC-IHD Maternal and Child Health team joined over 300 partners at the 2026 Maternal & Infant Health Convening to advance maternal and infant health across Missouri.
MHAN presented on Reducing Barriers to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Access: Navigation, Peer Support, and Community Trust, centering peer support and community navigation, with Moms’ Advocacy Network leaders sharing lived experience. The UMKC-IHD Maternal and Child Health team also presented on Advancing Maternal and Infant Oral Health Equity in Missouri: Barriers, Opportunities, and Strategies for Action, with next steps including an AI-supported education tool and CHW training integration.
The convening brought together partners from across sectors to collaborate, share strategies, and strengthen systems of care that support moms, babies, and families statewide.
The team also shared an informal dinner with MHAN Moms’ Advocacy Network members, creating space for meaningful connection and continuing to center lived experience at the heart of this work.
For more information, contact mo_actionnetwork@umkc.eduor visit moactionnetwork.org
System UPDATES
Missouri Rural Health Survey to Guide Digital Infrastructure Investments
The State of Missouri is seeking input from facilities participating in the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to better understand digital readiness across the state. This survey focuses on key areas such as digital infrastructure, interoperability, cybersecurity, data reporting, and workforce capacity.
Responses will directly inform how the state prioritizes investments in digital systems and technical assistance for rural providers, helping strengthen care delivery and connectivity across communities. Each organization is asked to submit one coordinated response, with input gathered from relevant team members as needed.
Survey responses are due by March 30, 2026, and participants are encouraged to answer to the best of their ability, selecting “Not Sure” when appropriate.
The survey includes the following sections:
- Facility Information
- EHR and Interoperability
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Data Governance and Reporting
- AI Adoption (not applicable for LPHAs and EMS)
- Patient-Facing Technologies
- Digital Workforce Capacity
- Financial Sustainability
- Infrastructure and Broadband
- Additional Information
Read more: Missouri Rural Health Transformation Program Digital Readiness Survey
Standing post — Please share!
Loan Repayment Funding Opportunity
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s National Health Service Corps is now accepting applications for a new loan repayment support option. This program is designed to provide primary care, dental and behavioral health providers working at approved sites with funding to be used toward repaying student loan debt. Eligible individuals may receive up to $100,000 to pay off their student loans.
Applications are due by 7:30 p.m. ET on March 31. To apply for loan repayment and check application status, providers must set up an account in My Bureau of Health Workforce.
Standing post — Please share!
program & member highlights
Nurture KC Group Education Series: April Session Now Open
Upcoming Webinar: Addressing Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Join March of Dimes for an engaging webinar, Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Accelerating Innovative Solutions, taking place on Tuesday, March 24 from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM ET. This session will explore the future of maternal health and highlight innovative approaches to improving early detection, care, and outcomes related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
This national conversation brings together experts advancing solutions to reduce risk and improve care across systems. We are especially excited to share that the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN), Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PQC), and MC-LAN’s very own Sue Kendig will be featured as a speaker, contributing her leadership and expertise to this important discussion.
The webinar will highlight efforts from the Mom and Baby Action Network and other partners working to drive equitable maternal health outcomes at both local and national levels.
Registration is free and open to all.
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Read more: Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Accelerating Innovative Solutions Webinar Registration
Nurture KC Group Education Series: April Session Now Open
Nurture KC is hosting an upcoming virtual session as part of its Group Education Series, focused on supporting families with practical tools and knowledge. The April session, Adding Produce for a Healthier Diet, will take place on April 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
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This series offers valuable education for parents and caregivers, with upcoming topics including co-parenting successfully, soft parenting, counting kicks, and family financial literacy. Participants will also have opportunities to receive incentives, including gift cards for attending and completing session evaluations.
Registration is required to attend, and participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to secure their spot.
Read more: Nurture KC Group Education Series Registration
Job Opportunity: Maternal Health Peer Specialist Navigator (2 Open Positions)
The Queen of Peace Center is currently seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join their team as Maternal Health Peer Specialist Navigators. This role is a unique opportunity to support perinatal clients while working alongside integrated healthcare teams within perinatal clinic settings.
Maternal Health Peer Specialist Navigators play a critical role in providing peer-based support, guidance, and advocacy for pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly those navigating substance use and behavioral health challenges. This position centers lived experience, compassion, and connection to help improve outcomes for mothers and families.
Position Highlights:
- Support perinatal clients within clinical and community-based settings
- Collaborate with integrated healthcare and care coordination teams
- Provide peer support, navigation, and advocacy throughout pregnancy and postpartum
- Contribute to a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach to care
Qualifications:
- Required: Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) Peer Certification
- Preferred: Doula certification
- Strong passion for maternal health, recovery, and supporting families
If you or someone in your network is committed to advancing maternal health and supporting individuals through their recovery journey, this is a meaningful opportunity to make an impact.
Apply here: Maternal Health Peer Specialist Navigator – Queen of Peace Center
Missouri Doula Program Shows Early Impact as Expansion Gains Momentum
Missouri’s Medicaid-funded doula program is already showing promising results, with more than 600 Medicaid participants having received support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum since its launch. Early outcomes suggest that doulas are helping improve care experiences, provide critical support, and address gaps in maternal health services.
The program, which allows Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, is gaining attention from lawmakers who are now considering expanding access. Doulas play a key role in offering emotional, physical, and informational support, particularly for individuals who may face barriers to care or experience higher risks during pregnancy and postpartum.
As Missouri continues to face challenges with maternal and infant health outcomes, the early success of this program is helping build momentum for broader investment in community-based supports. Expansion efforts could further strengthen access to person-centered care and improve outcomes for families across the state.
Read more: Missouri Doula Program Shows Early Success As Lawmakers Look To Expansion
Building Stronger Rural Health Teams Through Engagement and Retention
The 2026 Missouri Rural Health Workforce Summit will focus on practical, proven strategies to create workplaces where staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay. Designed for rural health leaders across roles, the summit centers on strengthening team culture, improving communication, and advancing workforce retention.
Participants will hear from a panel of healthcare experts sharing real-world approaches to cultivating appreciation, fostering engagement, and supporting long-term career growth within their teams. The event also offers dedicated time for peer networking, shared learning, and meaningful connection with others navigating similar workforce challenges in rural settings.
The day will move beyond theory and into action with an interactive afternoon workshop focused on leading with engagement. Attendees will practice tools that strengthen recognition, responsiveness, and reflection, and will leave with tangible strategies, conversation frameworks, and implementation ideas they can immediately apply in their organizations.
Whether you are an executive leader, provider, manager, HR professional, or emerging supervisor, this summit offers actionable insights to build stronger teams and healthier communities. The event will take place at the Missouri Primary Care Association’s new building in Jefferson City, with registration available for $50.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
Read more: Rural Health Workforce Summit 2026 Registration
Call for Presenters Open for Missouri Rural Health Conference
The Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) is now accepting proposals for presenters at the 2026 Missouri Rural Health Conference, taking place September 9–10, 2026. This opportunity invites professionals, organizations, and leaders to share innovative programs, best practices, and solutions that address rural health challenges across Missouri.
Presenters are encouraged to highlight successful strategies that improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and address disparities in rural communities. Submissions will be reviewed based on relevance, innovation, clarity, and the ability to engage a broad audience of stakeholders, including providers, policymakers, and community organizations.
Selected sessions will contribute to a collaborative learning environment that brings together leaders from across sectors to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance rural health across the state. Applications are due by April 1, 2026.
Exhibitor/Sponsorship link: https://bit.ly/3P3lIFF
Application link: https://bit.ly/4rkG9v7
Read more: Call To Presenters Annual Conference
Insights & Innovations
Leading the Charge on Maternal Health Reform
A new national push is calling for stronger state and employer leadership to address the growing maternal health crisis in the U.S. According to reporting from Axios, maternal mortality has more than doubled since the 1980s, with an estimated 84% of deaths considered preventable.
The initiative, led by Olivia Walton through Heartland Forward, emphasizes state-level solutions and trusted clinical providers as key drivers of change. It also highlights the critical role employers can play in supporting mothers through comprehensive benefits, awareness, and care before and after birth. A new five-year effort, Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America, aims to scale these solutions nationally and improve outcomes for families across the country.
Read more: Olivia Walton: States Must Lead On Maternal Health Crisis
Maternal Mortality Stalls Despite Slight Decline
New federal data show that maternal mortality in the U.S. has not meaningfully improved, despite a slight decrease in deaths. According to analysis highlighted by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, 649 maternal deaths were recorded in 2024 compared to 669 in 2023, but the overall rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 births is not statistically different from the previous year.
The findings also underscore persistent and significant disparities. Black women continue to experience maternal mortality rates more than three times higher than White women, and women over age 40 face dramatically higher risks than younger mothers.
Importantly, the data rely on death certificates that only capture deaths within 42 days postpartum and exclude key causes like suicide and overdose, meaning the full scope of maternal mortality is likely undercounted. The report reinforces the need for more comprehensive data systems and sustained investment in prevention and care across the full postpartum period.
Read more: New Maternal Mortality Death Certificate Data Show No Significant Change In Death Rates
Learn more:
- National Center For Health Statistics (NCHS): Maternal Mortality Rates In The United States, 2024
- Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC): National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
AI Tool Aims to Identify Risk of Intimate Partner Violence Earlier
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed a new artificial intelligence tool designed to help clinicians identify patients at risk of intimate partner violence. The tool uses health data and clinical indicators to provide decision support, helping providers recognize patterns that may signal increased risk and intervene earlier.
The approach is intended to strengthen screening and prevention efforts within healthcare settings, particularly for individuals who may not disclose abuse or who present with related health concerns. By integrating this tool into clinical workflows, providers may be better equipped to connect patients with appropriate support services and resources.
While the technology shows promise, researchers emphasize the importance of using it in a trauma-informed, patient-centered way that prioritizes safety, privacy, and autonomy. The tool is designed to support, not replace, clinical judgment and human-centered care.
Read more: Researchers Develop AI Tool To Predict Patients’ Risk Of Intimate Partner Violence
Severe Maternal Health Risks Persist Beyond Delivery
New research published in JAMA highlights that serious maternal health complications often extend well beyond childbirth, reinforcing the need for continued care throughout the postpartum period. The study finds that a significant proportion of severe maternal morbidity and mortality occurs after delivery, particularly in the weeks and months following birth, an often overlooked window in maternal care.
The analysis underscores that many of these outcomes are preventable with timely follow-up, improved care coordination, and expanded access to services during the full postpartum year. It also points to ongoing disparities, with higher risks among Black women and those facing barriers to consistent care. These findings further support calls for policies that extend postpartum coverage and strengthen community-based and clinical support systems.
Overall, the study emphasizes that maternal health does not end at delivery and that improving outcomes requires sustained, person-centered care across the full continuum of pregnancy and postpartum.
Read more: Postpartum Severe Maternal Morbidity And Mortality Extend Beyond Delivery
Expanding Access to Buprenorphine in Emergency Care
A recent JAMA article by Jessica Moe, Andrew Kestler, and Isabelle Miles explores the role of emergency departments in initiating buprenorphine for individuals with opioid use disorder, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of expanding access in acute care settings. The authors emphasize that emergency departments are a critical access point, particularly for individuals who may not be connected to ongoing treatment.
The article discusses the importance of balancing rapid access to life-saving medication with patient safety, informed consent, and respect for autonomy. It raises key considerations around clinical protocols, provider training, and ensuring that patients are supported in making voluntary, informed decisions about treatment.
Overall, the piece underscores the need for thoughtful implementation of buprenorphine initiation in emergency settings, ensuring that access is expanded in ways that are patient-centered, equitable, and aligned with best practices in addiction care.
Read more: Buprenorphine In The ED Balancing Access, Safety, And Autonomy
Emergency Department Buprenorphine Shows Comparable Outcomes Across Approaches
New research published in JAMA examines how different approaches to initiating buprenorphine in emergency departments impact treatment engagement for individuals with opioid use disorder. The study compares a 7-day extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine with standard sublingual treatment, finding no significant difference in treatment engagement at 7 days or 30 days.
Both approaches were found to be safe and effective, with low rates of adverse events such as precipitated withdrawal and overdose. The injectable form showed some additional benefits, including slightly lower cravings, fewer days of illicit opioid use, and higher patient satisfaction.
Overall, the findings suggest that multiple pathways for initiating buprenorphine in emergency settings can be effective, reinforcing the importance of expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder while allowing flexibility in how care is delivered based on patient needs and clinical context.
Read more: Emergency Department Initiated Buprenorphine For Opioid Use Disorder
Expanding Behavioral Health Teams to Reach Care Deserts
A new advisory from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights the urgent need to expand behavioral health teams in areas with limited access to care, often referred to as “care deserts.” The advisory emphasizes that workforce shortages and geographic barriers continue to limit access to mental health and substance use services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
SAMHSA outlines strategies to address these gaps by expanding multidisciplinary care teams that include peer support specialists, community health workers, and other nontraditional providers. These models aim to improve access, enhance care coordination, and deliver more person-centered, community-based services.
The advisory also underscores the importance of integrating behavioral health into broader systems of care, leveraging outreach, case management, and recovery supports to better meet the needs of individuals who may otherwise go without services. Expanding these teams is positioned as a key solution to improving equity and strengthening the behavioral health workforce nationwide.
Read more: Advisory Expanding Behavioral Health Teams In Care Deserts
Short-Term Heart Effects Observed After Single Adderall Dose
A recent report from MedPage Today highlights new research examining the immediate cardiovascular effects of a single dose of Adderall. In a placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that even one dose of the stimulant can lead to measurable increases in both heart rate and blood pressure within hours of use.
The findings provide important insight into how stimulant medications impact the body in the short term, particularly for individuals who may already have underlying cardiovascular risk factors. While Adderall is widely prescribed and considered safe when used as directed, the study underscores the importance of monitoring and individualized risk assessment, especially when initiating or adjusting treatment.
Overall, the research contributes to a growing understanding of how commonly used stimulant medications can affect cardiovascular function, reinforcing the need for informed prescribing and patient awareness.
Read more: What One Adderall Pill Does To The Heart Within Hours Of Use
insights ON-DEMAND
Virtual Learning Opportunity: Healthy and Pregnant
The Missouri Bootheel Healthy Start Project is hosting a Virtual Maternal Child and Family Health Learning Collaborative focused on supporting healthy pregnancies through nutrition and movement. This session will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 10:00–11:30 AM CST.
Facilitated by Valda Boyd Ford, MPH, MS, RN, the session will explore the importance of food and fitness during pregnancy. Participants will learn about essential nutrients for maternal and infant health, safe physical activity during pregnancy, and how to move beyond common myths and misinformation.
This training is open to a wide range of participants, including healthcare providers, community health workers, case managers, educators, pregnant moms, and community partners. A certificate of completion will be provided, and Healthy Start participants may be eligible for incentive points.
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Registration is required by March 23, 2026.
Read more: Virtual Maternal Child and Family Health Learning Collaborative Registration
New Training Hub Supports Rural Health Workforce in Missouri
The Missouri Rural Health Association (MORHA) has launched a centralized Learning Management System (LMS) designed to support rural providers, advocates, and community members with accessible training and resources. The platform serves as a hub for on-demand education, including webinars, courses, and materials tailored to the unique needs of rural health systems.
This resource helps strengthen workforce capacity by offering flexible learning opportunities that support best practices, policy awareness, and improved care delivery across rural communities. It also connects users to ongoing training opportunities, including webinar series and professional development events aimed at advancing rural health outcomes statewide.
By expanding access to education and tools, MORHA’s LMS plays a key role in building a more connected, informed, and resilient rural health workforce in Missouri.
Read more: Missouri Rural Health Association Learning Management System (MORHA)
Hope starts with us: Episode 98; What Data Shows About Building Supportive Workplace Cultures – Featuring Brit Wanstrath
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.
NAMI released its third annual workplace mental health poll yesterday. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. is joined by Brit Wanstrath, manager of workplace mental health for NAMI. As they explore the key findings from the poll release, listeners will find out what makes employees feel comfortable talking about mental health at work, the scale of burnout impacting American workers, the importance of mental health workplace trainings, and more. With the information from this year’s NAMI-Ipsos Workplace Mental Health poll, companies can begin making plans for increased support for their employees.
Episode links:
Find the new NAMI StigmaFree workplace training, You Can Ask by NAMI, online now.
NAMI’s new workplace training, You Can Ask by NAMI, helps teams learn how to:
- Prepare for a conversation about mental health
- Empathize with your colleagues
- Sustain supportive conversations
- Find their workplace’s mental health benefits
When your teams finish You Can Ask by NAMI, they’ll confidently be able to support their coworkers – and your company will be one step closer to becoming free from stigma.
show Me State of Mind: Season 1, Episode 15; A Journey Through Behavioral Health – From Emergency Psychiatry to System Reform: Dr. Joe Parks’ Journey
The latest episode of the Show Me State of Mind Podcast is now live! Brent McGinty sits down with Dr. Joe Parks to discuss his journey from emergency psychiatry and state hospital work to leadership roles with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Medicaid, and the National Council for Mental Well-Being. Together, they explore major reforms, including tobacco-free hospitals, integrated care grants, Health Homes, CCBHC initiatives, and how strong partnerships and leadership can transform systems of care.
And a special milestone! The Show Me State of Mind Podcast is celebrating ONE WHOLE YEAR since launching in March 2025.
community tools & supports
file your taxes for free
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Read more: GetYourRefund.org
A Night to Recharge: Moms Night Out Returns
MOMS Line is partnering again with Da Hood Talks to host a special Moms Night Out designed just for pregnant and postpartum moms. This evening is all about creating a space where moms can relax, connect, and prioritize self-care alongside others who truly understand the journey.
Guests can enjoy a calming and uplifting experience featuring mocktails, self-care activities, soothing chair massages, and meaningful connection with fellow moms. With childcare support available, this event makes it easier for moms to take a well-deserved break and focus on themselves.
If you know a pregnant, new, or postpartum mom who could benefit from a night to breathe, laugh, and be poured into, be sure to share this opportunity and encourage them to sign up.
Because moms deserve care too ?
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Loads of Love Laundry
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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/
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
Suicide and Substance Misuse: Supporting Safety
Date: Monday, March 23
Time: 10:30 a.m. CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Women’s health matters: supporting wellness for women with idd
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 12:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Integrative Therapies for Pain: Mindfulness
Date: Thursday, March 26
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Reducing Stigma Associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
Date: Thursday, April 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Upcoming CLE: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and family unification
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.
- Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
- Time: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
- Provides: 6.9 CLE Credits, including 2.7 Ethics and 2.7 Elimination of Bias Credits
UPCOMING EVENTS
Find upcoming events and opportunities at https://moactionnetwork.org/announcements/#events
Joint Meeting on Youth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
Date(s): March 24–26, 2026
Location: 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.
Kids health fair
Date: March 25, 2026
Location: 701 Old Wilderness Rd, Reeds Spring
For more information, call (417) 272-0050
Couponing Workshop
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: 705 Business Loop 70W, Columbia
community resource fair
Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: 810 E Shepherd Ave, Kirksville
For more information, call (660) 665-9855
Maternal SUD and NAS Summit
Date: March 31 – April 1, 2026
Location: Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia, Missouri (3301 Lemone Industrial Boulevard)
Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: SIUE Health Sciences Building (100 P2 Road)
3rd Annual Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit & Black Maternal Health Rest & Healing Experience
Date: April 16-17, 2026
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
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.
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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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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