Maternal Health Symposium: Empowering Conversations & Proven Maternal Health Solutions

November 6, 2024

Registration


There is no cost to attend this online conference. Registration is required. 

Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account. 

For general conference questions, email Megan Aucutt.
 

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates.

Description

This symposium will tackle the critical issues surrounding maternal health. The learners will share insights and develop actionable strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

The symposium will foster empowering conversations and showcase proven solutions that can be implemented in various settings. Learners will gain valuable knowledge from leading experts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore innovative approaches to maternal health care. With a focus on evidence-based practices and real-world applications, the symposium aims to equip learners with the tools needed to make a tangible impact in their communities. 

The symposium will showcase innovative programs, share success stories, and inspire collaboration among attendees committed to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies in underserved rural communities.

Ignite Sessions are rapid-fire presentations where speakers have a limited time to share their projects, insights, and results. Each presentation is concise, energetic, and packed with valuable information, making it an engaging way to learn about the diverse approaches being implemented to tackle maternal health challenges in rural settings. 

Educational Need

Many rural communities face limited access to comprehensive prenatal, maternal, and postpartum care, including high-quality medical facilities and specialized services such as maternal-fetal medicine, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Rural mothers often experience worse health outcomes, including higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, due to social determinants of health such as poverty, transportation barriers, and lack of insurance. Pregnant individuals in rural communities may not be fully engaged in preventive health practices, including early and regular prenatal care, vaccination, and chronic disease management.

Strategies to improve patient engagement through public health campaigns, community outreach, and culturally relevant education will be discussed. The event could provide healthcare professionals with strategies to expand access to care through telehealth, mobile clinics, and partnerships with local organizations.

Agenda

All times listed are in Central Time. The agenda is subject to change.

TimeSession
8:30 am

Welcome

Kelly Garcia, MPA, Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Teresa Hursey, President, Wellpoint Iowa

9:00 am

HRSA Overview and Maternal Health Efforts

Moderator

Speaker

  • Kealy Houlahan, MPH, Public Health Analyst, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides equitable health care to the nation’s highest-need communities. HRSA programs support people with low incomes, people with HIV, pregnant people, children, parents, rural communities, transplant patients, and the health workforce. HRSA supports America’s children and their families through bolstering access to high-quality, equitable health services and expanding the maternal and child health workforce. The presentation will include an HRSA overview highlighting HRSA efforts to support maternal health and resources, find health services locator tools, forecast funding opportunities, and conduct regional activities to support maternal health.

  1. Describe HRSA’s efforts to strengthen the well-being of children and families.
  2. Describe the HRSA programs that are available to support maternal and child health.
  3. Identify HRSA resources available to communities to support maternal health, including maternal mental health.
  4. Identify where to find HRSA funding opportunities and describe forecasted maternal health funding opportunities.
10:00 am

Bridging Gaps: Enhancing and Sustaining Maternity Care Through Rural-Urban Health System Collaboration

Moderator

Speakers

This session will explore rural health systems' innovative approaches to improve and maintain high-quality maternity care and the critical role urban health systems play in supporting these efforts. By fostering collaboration between rural and urban healthcare providers, this session will highlight successful strategies that have enhanced maternity outcomes, reduced disparities, and strengthened healthcare delivery in rural communities.

  1. Describe ways your organization can partner with other facilities that provide obstetric services.
  2. Identify opportunities to improve student experiences.
  3. Detail professional development and growth pathways.
11:15 am

Enhancing Maternal and Rural Health Through Emergency Medical Services Collaboration in Iowa 

Moderator

  • Sarah Hybels, State Expansion Coordinator, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. 

Speaker

  • Joel Otte, MS, NREMT-P, EMS and Fire Science Education Coordinator, DMACC

This presentation will explore the critical role of emergency medical services in supporting maternal and rural health initiatives in Iowa. We will examine rural populations' unique challenges, the importance of timely and effective EMS response in maternal health situations, and strategies for collaboration between EMS providers and healthcare systems. By leveraging local resources and improving communication, we can enhance maternal health outcomes and address health disparities in rural communities.

  • Examine the specific challenges faced by maternal health services in rural Iowa, including access to care, transportation issues, and the impact of geographical barriers on maternal health outcomes.
  • Discuss the critical functions of EMS in maternal health emergencies, including pre-hospital care, transportation logistics, and the importance of training EMS personnel to address maternal health needs effectively.
  • Develop strategies for fostering collaboration between EMS providers, healthcare organizations, and community stakeholders to improve maternal health services and outcomes in rural areas of Iowa.
11:45 am

Enhancing Rural Healthcare in Iowa: Data-Driven Insights

Moderator

  • Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. 

Speakers

  • Donna Santillan, PhD, Research Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director of the Reproductive Health Sciences Research Division, University of Iowa Health Care
  • Mark Santillan MD, PhD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care 

This session will present a comprehensive overview of rural healthcare in Iowa, focusing on both statistical data and personal stories to illuminate the unique challenges and successes in this sector. The speakers will emphasize the importance of continued support and innovation in rural healthcare. They will highlight how leveraging data and personal stories can inform better policies and practices, ultimately improving the health and well-being of rural communities in Iowa.

12:45 pmBreak
1:00 pm

Ignite Sessions

Moderators

  • Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
  • Sarah Hybels, State Expansion Coordinator, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. 

Speakers

  • Courtney Buhrow, DPT, Owner and Physical Therapist, Perimenopause Health Coach, Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness
  • Jacinda L. Bunch, PhD, RN, SANE-A, NREMT, Assistant Professor (Clinical), Senior Advisor, SIM-IA Program, University of Iowa College of Nursing
  • Bethany Hanson, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, Gundersen Health System
  • Audri Lu-Uhlken, Community Health Coordinator, Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity
  • Katie Mednick, MBA, RDN, LDN, Mom’s Meals
  • Rebecca Nyangufi, MPH, CPH, Primary Health Care
  • Jen Rowray, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
  • Chelsea Schmidt, RDH, Community Oral Health Consultant, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  • Tara Shochet, PhD MPH, Director of Programs and Grants, Family Planning Council of Iowa
  • Megan Sloat, CNM, MPH, Primary Health Care
  • Allison Smith, MBA, Executive Director, Family Planning Council of Iowa
  • Madison Sweet, LISW, PMH-C, Bloom Women's Wellness
  • Janean Wedeking, DO, IBCLC, NABBLM-C, Family Medicine,  Floyd County Medical Center

The spirit of an Ignite is to educate, enlighten, and inspire the audience. Specifically, this session aims to raise awareness of all the great work related to Maternal Child Health in Iowa and build connections in the space. 

  1. Showcase the groundbreaking efforts and programs improving maternal and child health across Iowa, with a focus on rural and underserved populations.
  2. Inspire dialogue and connections among organizations, healthcare providers, and support networks to enhance care coordination and resources for birthing individuals in Iowa.    
  3. Educate the audience on the critical challenges faced in maternal child health and motivate participants to engage in ongoing initiatives, support policies, and advocate for improvements in maternal care.
2:30 pm

Empowering Rural Communities: The Vital Role of Doulas in Maternal Health 

Moderator

  • Jen Rowray, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, Healthy Birth Day, Inc

Panel Members

This panel will explore the critical role doulas play in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly in rural communities where access to care is often limited. Doulas provide mothers with essential emotional, physical, and informational support, helping bridge healthcare gaps and foster positive birth experiences.

  • Review the unique contributions of doulas to maternal health, especially in improving birth outcomes and reducing disparities in rural communities.
  • Discuss the barriers doulas and mothers face in rural areas, including limited healthcare access, and identify innovative strategies to address these challenges.
  • Learn how integrating doulas into rural healthcare systems can create a more supportive and culturally sensitive maternal care framework, enhancing long-term community health.
3:30 pm

Advancing Rural and Maternal Health in Iowa

Moderator

  • Emily Price, Chief Executive Officer, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Speaker

  • Juliann Van Liew, MPH, Wellness & Preventive Health Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

This session will reflect on the discussions and insights shared throughout the event, focusing on actionable steps to improve rural and maternal health in Iowa. Participants will engage in a forward-thinking conversation on implementing strategies, strengthening collaborations, and addressing gaps in care. The session will highlight innovative solutions and future opportunities to create lasting impacts on maternal health in rural communities across the state.

  1. Summarize the critical insights and solutions discussed during the event to address Iowa's rural and maternal health challenges.
  2. Collaboratively define concrete actions and strategies to advance maternal healthcare in rural areas, focusing on short-term and long-term goals.
  3. Encourage ongoing partnerships and community engagement to ensure the sustainability of initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes statewide.
4:00 pmAdjourn
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 1.25 AOA Category 1­A
  • 6.75 AOA Category 2­A
  • 6.75 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 6.75 IBON
Course opens: 
08/12/2024
Course expires: 
11/06/2024
Event starts: 
11/06/2024 - 8:30am CST
Event ends: 
11/06/2024 - 4:00pm CST
Cost:
$0.00
Add to calendar: 
Rating: 
5

Accreditation Statements

  • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) through the joint providership of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) and Healthy Birth Day, Inc. DMU is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this live activity for 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 6.75 AOA Category 2-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
  • Nurses: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is Iowa Board of Nursing approved provider #112. This activity has been reviewed and approved for 6.75 continuing education contact hour(s). Nurses must attend the entire session to receive credit. Partial session credit is prohibited and will be forfeited.
  • Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Educational Grants

No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity.

Disclosures

The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers.

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Allison Smith, MBA - Speaker
  • Amy Dagestad, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, RNC-OB - Speaker
  • Audri Lu-Uhlken - Speaker
  • Bethany Hanson, RN, IBCLC - Speaker
  • Chelsea Schmidt, RDH - Speaker
  • Courtney Buhrow, DPT - Speaker
  • Donna Santillan, PhD - Speaker
  • Emily Price - Moderator
  • Jacinda L. Bunch, PhD, RN, SANE-A, NREMT - Speaker
  • Janean Wedeking, DO, IBCLC, NABBLM-C - Speaker
  • Jen Rowray - Moderator and Speaker
  • Jenn Halligan, M.A. Ed, IAT, ICBD, ICCE - Speaker
  • Joel Otte, MS, NREMT-P - Speaker
  • Judi Halbach, ARNP, CNM - Speaker
  • Juliann Van Liew, MPH - Speaker
  • Julie Vignato, PhD, RN, RNC-LRN, CNE - Speaker
  • Katie Mednick, MBA, RDN, LDN - Speaker
  • Kealy Houlahan - Speaker
  • Latoya Houskin-Lewis, MHA, MPA, BSW - Speaker
  • Madison Sweet, LISW, PMH-C - Speaker
  • Mark Santillan MD, PhD - Speaker
  • Megan Aucutt - Activity Director and Moderator
  • Nafissa Egbuonye, PhD, MPH - Moderator
  • Rebecca Nyangufi, MPH, CPH - Speaker
  • Sarah Hybels - Moderator
  • Stacy Peterson, BSN, RNC-OB - Speaker
  • Tara Shochet, PhD MPH - Speaker

Disclaimer

The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. 

Available Credit

  • 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 1.25 AOA Category 1­A
  • 6.75 AOA Category 2­A
  • 6.75 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 6.75 IBON

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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There is no cost to attend this online conference. Registration is required. After you login to your account, click "Enter" to complete your registration.

For general conference questions, email Megan Aucutt.