In Celebration of National Women’s Health Week, Mayor Bowser Announces 2023 National Maternal and Infant Health Summit to Take Place on September 19

(Washington, DC) – In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that this year’s National Maternal and Infant Health Summit will take place on Tuesday, September 19. Mayor Bowser launched the annual National Maternal and Infant Health Summit in 2018 as an opportunity to bring together elected officials, health experts, and community members to have a focused conversation regarding perinatal health and racial disparities in birth outcomes.

"We want people who care about maternal and infant health to mark their calendars and join us on September 19 for our annual Maternal and Infant Health Summit,” said Mayor Bowser. “During National Women’s Health Week, we want to remind all women to check in with their health care providers about what regular screenings they might need based on their age, family history, and other factors. If you’re caught up on your appointments, reach out to friends and family and make sure they are too.'

Additionally, the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI) and DC Health are highlighting resources throughout the week to encourage women and girls in the District to focus on their whole health, including prevention, care, and wellbeing, including:

• Help Me Grow DC (HMG DC) is a program that offers mothers with children who are 0-5 years old and expectant mothers a place to learn about and identify developmental and/or behavioral concerns and be connected to community-based developmental and behavioral services and supports. If you are concerned about your child’s development or are an expecting mother, contact 1-800-MOM-BABY (1-800-666-2229) to speak with a care coordinator or visit dchealth.dc.gov.
   
• DC Healthy Start Program aims to improve health outcomes of women and families before, during, and after pregnancy. Through Mary’s Center and Community of Hope, the DC Healthy Start program provides services to women, parents (including fathers), and infants up to 18 months of age residing in Wards 5, 7, and 8. To learn more, call 1-800-MOM-BABY (1-800-666-2229), email [email protected], or visit dchealth.dc.gov.
   
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers DC residents who are either pregnant or have a child that is 5 years old or younger with free healthy food and nutrition education, immunization assessment and screening, breastfeeding resources, and supports referrals for additional care. To learn more, contact (202) 442-5925 or visit dchealth.dc.gov. 
   
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) offers free nutrition courses and an obesity prevention program for youth and adults. To learn more, contact (202) 442-5925 or visit dchealth.dc.gov. 
   
• Mamatoto’s Perinatal Health Worker Training (PHWT) program prepares women to serve within their own communities. Women receiving training through the PHWT program are uniquely positioned to serve the perinatal community in a myriad of capacities including direct perinatal care and support, advocacy and policy engagement, entry level social work, and public health careers. Mamatoto provides labor and postpartum support, breastfeeding assistance, access to essential baby supplies, and mental health support for families. To learn more, call (202) 248-3434 or visit mamatotovillage.org. 
   
•  DC Health’s ongoing web series, “Let’s Talk About It,” will feature a special National Women’s Health Week installation. This week’s episode will feature a conversation about maternal health, birth, and reproductive health equity, and ways to access services. The episode will stream on youtube.com/@DCHealth/streams on Wednesday, May 17 at 11 am. 

“When we inform women, we transform lives. We know that DC women are creative, daring, and decisive,” said Natasha Dupee, Director of MOWPI. “That’s why this year’s summit will be an immersive experience that celebrates cultures and the centers community needs for both training and services. The build-up to the summit begins now during National Women's Health Week to encourage DC women and families to prioritize their health and take steps toward a healthier comeback. We look forward to seeing you in September!”

Learn more about the National Maternal Health Summit. If you are interested in partnering for the Summit please email [email protected].

Learn more about upcoming MOWPI events.