FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: KBEN@kumc.edu
July 2024
Kansas Birth Equity Network and Heartland Conference on Health Equity and Patient-Centered Care Present the Third Annual Birth Equity Summit
Date: September 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Children’s Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111
KANSAS CITY Metro and Kansas – The Kansas Birth Equity Network and the Heartland Conference on Health Equity and Patient-Centered Care are proud to announce the third annual Birth Equity Summit, scheduled for September 20, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. Join us for this empowering event to learn, engage, network, and advocate for birth justice and health equity for Black communities. Register for free and be part of the solution!
Event Highlights: The Birth Equity Summit will feature a dynamic lineup of activities, including:
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Alicia Thomas, DrPH, MHS, the founder of Indigo Strategic Health Advisors, LLC, and former Associate Director of the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award Program. Dr. Thomas is renowned for her work in health equity and community engagement and will share insights and strategies for achieving birth equity across diverse communities.
• Panel Discussions: Focused on “Birth Equity Across Communities,” this session will bring together experts and community leaders to discuss challenges and innovative solutions to improve health outcomes for mothers, fathers, and infants, with a particular emphasis on addressing disparities faced by Black families.
• Community Research and Resources Presentations: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest research, resources, and initiatives that support equitable birth equity.
• Birth Justice Walk: The day will begin with a Birth Justice Walk at 7:00 AM on the Children’s Mercy Park Pitch Apron, symbolizing the collective commitment to advocate for birth justice and equitable healthcare access.
Why Attend? The Birth Equity Summit is a critical platform for community, parents, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and community advocates to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on strategies to improve maternal, paternal, and infant health. This event will particularly focus on dismantling systemic barriers and promoting practices that support healthy pregnancies and births in Black communities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the complexities of health disparities and the innovative approaches needed to foster change.
Register for Free:
Attendance is free, and all parents, community members, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders are encouraged to register at tinyurl.com/KBENSummit24. The summit is an excellent opportunity for networking, learning, and contributing to a movement toward equitable health outcomes.
About the Organizers: The Kansas Birth Equity Network (KBEN) is committed to improving birth outcomes and advancing equity in maternal and infant health. KBEN works to address disparities and promote policies that ensure all families receive the care and support they need. The Heartland Conference on Health Equity and Patient-Centered Care focuses on fostering collaborations and discussions around health equity and patient-centered care practices. Through conferences, workshops, and summits, the organization aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality.
The event is sponsored by the AWHONN- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal (AWONN).
Join us at the Birth Equity Summit and be a part of the movement to create a healthier and more equitable future for all families. Together, WE can make a difference.
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For more information, please contact Sharla Smith, Ph.D., MPH, founder and associate professor, KUMC Department of Population Health, at ssmith37@kumc.edu, or Oluoma Obi, Program Director, KUMC Department of Population Health at 913-945-7892 or, at oobi@kumc.edu.
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Media Notes
For additional information, please contact Oluoma Obi, research assistant, KUMC Department of Population Health at 913-945-7892 or, at KBEN@kumc.edu.
