Maternal, Paternal, & Child Health Track

Join us for the 5th Annual Maternal, Paternal, & Child Health Track on September 9-11, 2026.

Since 2022, the Kansas Birth Equity Network has been proud to co-locate the Maternal, Paternal, & Child Health Summit (MPCH) at the Heartland HEALTH Conference. Through this partnership, we have convened partners across Region VII to improve Maternal, Paternal, and Child Health (MPCH). Once again, we aim to elevate regional and local efforts to advance MPCH and curate a space for cross-sector learning, community engagement, collaboration, and celebration.

Our Objectives

Stimulate and support capacity building efforts for grassroots organizations and programs focused on Maternal, Paternal, and Child Health.
Elevate community-led and regionally grounded MPCH efforts.
Build cross-sector relationships among MPCH professionals.
Highlight emerging practices that center equity, access, and family voice.
Explore birth equity through a justice- and culturally informed lens.

Attendees will enjoy:

Engaging sessions on maternal, paternal, and child health led by local, regional and national partners
Intentional Networking Opportunities
Health Equity Awards Reception
Birth Justice Walk
Annual Baby Photo Contest

Tentative Agenda

Wednesday, September 10th

4pm - 5pm: Meet & Greet with Dr. Joia Crear Perry
(invitation only)

Thursday, September 11th

7:30am: Check In & Breakfast
8am – 10am: Opening & MPCH Sessions
10am - 11am: Keynote by Dr. Joia Crear Perry
11am - 12pm: MPCH Sessions
12pm - 1pm: Lunch & Intentional Networking
1pm - 6pm: MPCH Sessions
6pm - 7pm: Birth Equity & Health Equity Awards

Friday, September 12th

7am - 7:30am: Birth Justice Walk
7:30am: Check In & Breakfast
8am - 10am: Opening & Keynote by Riisa Rawlins, MSW
10am – 12pm: MPCH Sessions
12pm - 12:30pm: Closing Session

Cost

Full Conference Attendance

General attendees: $495
Government, & Nonprofit Rate: $300
Students: $200
Includes:
- Pre-Conference Access
- Full access on Thursday and Friday,
- Continental breakfast, lunch, & afternoon snacks
- Birth Justice Walk
- Health Equity & Birth Equity Awards Reception
- and more!

Single Day Attendance

All attendees: $300
Includes:
- Pre-Conference Access
- Attendance on Thursday or Friday
- Continental breakfast, lunch, & afternoon snacks
- Birth Justice Walk
- Health Equity & Birth Equity Awards Reception
- and more!

Questions about registration?

Download the Birth Equity Summit Registration Guide!

Scholarships

We strive to make the Birth Equity Summit accessible to everyone. There are two scholarship pathways available:

Community Health Worker, Birth Worker, & Community Advocate Pathway
Kansas Birth Equity Network Parent & Community Member Pathway

For details and to apply, please visit the Scholarships page.

Our goal is to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. If you need additional support to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly: [email protected]
We’re happy to work with you to find a solution!

Learn More

Stay in Touch!

Email: [email protected]
Visit us on Facebook: @ksbirthequity & Instagram: @ksbirthequity
Learn more about the Kansas Birth Equity Network!