On November 18th, the third annual Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Conference, hosted by Once Upon a Preemie Inc., will occur at The Study in University City, Philadelphia. The conference, led by President Jenae Johns, aims to tackle disparities in maternal and neonatal health within the Black community. The event brought together healthcare providers, preemie parents, advocates, and policymakers to address systemic challenges and brainstorm solutions.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a significant time to spotlight the alarming statistics surrounding Black maternal health. Black mothers and their babies face disproportionately higher rates of prematurity and complications during childbirth. Johns, a preemie mom herself, shared her deeply personal journey, emphasizing the urgency of culturally sensitive care for families navigating hospital systems.
“This conference is about solutions,” said Johns. “We’re asking healthcare providers to roll up their sleeves and commit to creating culturally appropriate practices that support Black moms and babies.”
This year’s theme, Advancing Solutions and Bridging the Gap, underscores the need for grassroots efforts and systemic reforms. The conference will feature discussions on maternal mental health, tools like doula services, and initiatives inspired by the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. Founded by three Black women legislators, this caucus has successfully pushed several maternal health bills forward, including measures for doula reimbursement and the provision of essential baby supplies.
In addition to policy changes, Johns advocates for innovation from within Black communities. “The solutions that Black women create for Black bodies and Black babies are what will solve this crisis,” she noted. Johns pointed to the rise in Black midwives, doulas, and home birth advocacy as examples of community-led responses addressing healthcare gaps.
The conference coincides with broader conversations about reproductive rights in the wake of heightened political debates over access to care. Johns highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant about these changes, emphasizing the need for continuous community-driven work to protect maternal and neonatal health. “We are strategizing for what’s next because this is our reality now,” she said.
Once Upon a Preemie also hosted a pre-conference fundraiser on November 17th at Wax and Wine in Center City. The event celebrated preemie families and raised funds to expand resources and support different networks.
Through conferences like this, Johns and her organization aim to amplify the voices of Black mothers, reshape healthcare practices, and ensure that every baby, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, has a fighting chance at life.