NeighborHealth Convenes City and State Leaders to Address Health Gaps Among New Moms in Massachusetts

More than 200 clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and advocates join the day of action to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through systemic change

BOSTON, MA (March 25, 2026) – NeighborHealth, Massachusetts’ largest community-based primary care health system, convened healthcare providers, public health leaders, policymakers, and community organizations on Friday, March 20 at La Colaborativa in Chelsea for “From Preconception to Infancy: Embodying Maternal Health Equity,” a conference focused on advancing equitable, compassionate care for birthing families and improving outcomes for mothers and infants across the Commonwealth.

Bringing together experts on topics such as maternal mental health, midwifery, doula care, breastfeeding and birth centers – the conference aimed to catalyze systemic change and actively dismantle barriers negatively impacting maternal and infant health.

According to Massachusetts Department of Public Health data, Black women in Massachusetts are about 1.9 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes (during pregnancy or within one year postpartum) compared to White women[i] – illustrating persistent racial inequities in maternal mortality. Nationwide, more than 84% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. [ii]

“Every family deserves the opportunity to experience a healthy pregnancy, a safe birth, and a strong start for their child,” said Jamie Hazard, NeighborHealth President and CEO. “NeighborHealth believes that advancing maternal health equity requires collaboration across healthcare providers, public health leaders, and community partners. By coming together to share knowledge, data, and personal experiences, we can build systems of care that truly support families from preconception through infancy.”

The event featured a keynote address on Black maternal health and systemic inequities from Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha , PhD, MPH, CHES, Julia A. Okoro, Professor of Black Maternal Health at Tufts University School of Medicine, followed by discussions with experts and providers on maternal health policy, perinatal care innovation, and the role of community-based doulas, home visiting programs, and multidisciplinary care teams.

“We know the challenges facing underserved communities – but we also know what’s needed to move forward,” said Dr. Amutah-Onukagha. “By raising awareness of public health risks, supporting policies and research that strengthen community well-being, and taking proactive steps to address disparities in maternal and child health, we can drive meaningful change and create a path toward more equitable, high-quality care for every family.”

The program included presentations and working sessions from leaders at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston Public Health Commission, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, MassHealth and numerous community organizations working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

“This conference reflected the power of partnership and community voice in shaping a more equitable maternal health system,” said Mimi Gardner, Vice President of Community Impact and Partnerships at NeighborHealth. “Our goal was to move beyond discussion and toward actionable solutions that strengthen care delivery, expand access to culturally responsive services, and address longstanding disparities in maternal health. When we work alongside community organizations and families, we can create meaningful change that improves outcomes for parents and babies across our region.”

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Mimi Gardner, Vice President of Community Impact & Partnerships, NeighborHealth, addresses conference attendees at La Colaborativa’s Survival and Economic Development Center in Chelsea.

Presenter Hafsatou Fifi Diop, MD, MPH, Assistant Commissioner for Health Equity, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (left) and Keynote Speaker Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, PhD, MPH, CHES, Tufts University School of Medicine (right) greet one another.

(From left to right) Shauna Palmer, Flourish Collective; Mari-Elena Leckel, Owner, Boston Birth Associates; Melissa Bowley, CEO, Flourish Care; Candice Wilcox, Community Engagement Manager, Flourish Care; Awara Adeagbo, Non-profit consultant, gather after a session.

(From left to right) NeighborHealth leadership team members Jamie Hazard, CEO and President; Eugenia Coronado, Vice President Specialty Services and Patient Experience; Dr. Julio Mazul, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer meet during a conference break.

With baby in tow, Rachel Blessington (right) of Worcester Community Midwifery joins fellow advocates at the conference, including Kari Radoff (center) of Boston Medical Center.

To further maternal health advocacy efforts, more than 40 individuals contributed handmade fabric squares, weaving together a quilt of hope and support for mothers and families in our community.

[i] Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Report of the Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health [8/11/2023] Available from: https://malegislature.gov/Commissions/Detail/539/Documents

[ii] Hoyert DL. Maternal mortality rates in the United States, 2023. NCHS Health E-Stats. 2025. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc/174577