Kansas Birth Equity Network

10/09/2026

The The Broderick Crawford Center has several upcoming events that you do not want to miss!

🗣️Can We Talk? Sisterhood on October 15 in KC 
🧠Uplift US Mental Health Community Listening Session on October 20 in Wichita
🏡Front Porch Conversations with Dr. Diane Mahoney on October 28 in KC/Virtual 
🗣️Can We talk - Combined on November 5 in KC 
🏥Mental Health First Aid on November 13 in KC

Scan the QR codes or click the links in their bio to resister!

10/07/2026

Thanks to Gretchen Roy, we will be able to provide families with a variety of toiletries during our October Diaper & Resource Depot! We truly appreciate her generosity and support for families in our community!

Interested in providing toiletries for an upcoming diaper depot or partnering with us to host a toiletry drive? Email us at [email protected] or click this link for our wish list! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/K6MLGBXXKO30?ref_=wl_share

10/02/2026

Wichita, this one is for you! 🎬

Join the Kansas Birth Equity Network and local partners in Wichita on November 7th for a free screening of Deliver Us, an award-winning documentary that uplifts the stories of Black midwives and the powerful role they play in supporting healthy pregnancies, births, and families.

After the film, stay for a community conversation with Wichita-area birth workers and community leaders as we celebrate the people who care for families every day, learn about local resources, and talk about how you can advocate for equitable maternal health outcomes.

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
⏰ 12:00-2:30 PM
📍 The Center | 1914 E. 11th St. N., Wichita, KS
🍴 Lunch provided with registration

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, healthcare provider, birth worker, student, advocate, or community member, we hope to see you there!

RSVP here: tinyurl.com/DELIVER-US-WICHITA

09/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 5th Annual MPCH Summit at the Heartland HEALTH Conference! 💛🌻

This year's summit was filled with connection, learning, and collective action as we came together in support of healthier families and more equitable birth outcomes.

We were especially honored to welcome Dr. Joia Crear Perry, founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, as our keynote speaker. Her message inspired us to continue advancing birth equity through community leadership, partnership, and action.

Throughout the conference, we celebrated the incredible work happening across our network through: ✨ 14 KBEN member-led sessions
✨ Fathers Matter 2 highlights
✨ Lessons from our Prenatal Support & Education Program

We were also proud to recognize the recipients of the Marc & Sarah Parrish Birth Equity Award, Abriona Markham and H.T. Cooperwood, for their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing birth equity in their communities. 🎉

Thank you to our KBEN members, presenters, sponsors, and attendees. Your dedication, collaboration, and passion are what make this possible!

Want the full recap? Join us at our KBEN Network Meeting on Thursday, where we'll share highlights, reflections, and what's next.

What do we want? Birth equity!
When do we want it? NOW! 💛

09/29/2026

09/28/2026

Join the Broderick Crawford Center for a hybrid speaker series centered on community engagement, where personal experiences shape health discussions and research. 

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
Zoom & In Person: School of Nursing (SON), 1050, Kansas City Room 1050 
 
Lunch provided to the first 20 in-person attendees. 
October’s Conversation 

This month, we’ll hear from Dr. Diane Mahoney, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC, KUMC School of Nursing Associate Professor.  

Dr. Mahoney will share findings from research examining how social determinants of health relate to health and well-being among African American/Black and Hispanic ovarian cancer survivors. 

The conversation will explore how day-to-day discrimination, food and housing security, supportive relationships, neighborhood conditions, and spiritual life are associated with survivors’ perceptions of their health and well-being. You can click the link in our bio for the zoom meeting link!

09/25/2026

Shalese Clay, CEO @ Uzazi is speaking power today at MHAN conference!

09/24/2026

Join us on Thursday, October 1st at 5:30pm for the Kansas Birth Equity Network meeting.

The focus of this meeting will be recapping the Maternal, Paternal, Child Health Summit, KBEN Member Spotlights, and hearing about upcoming partner events.

As always, little humans and multi-tasking are welcome. 
See you there!

09/23/2026

Join other fathers for a SPECIAL SESSION of Fathers Matter 2 at ArtMakers (537 Central Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101).

You'll participate in the same real conversations about fatherhood, family, and overall wellness while learning about therapeutic art therapy with a licensed therapist.

Share experiences, connect with other dads, help shape resources for fathers in our community, and flex your creative muscles.

Whether you're a new dad or have years under your belt, this session is for you. Don’t miss out on some great conversations!

Free food and $25 incentive provided. Art materials provided. RSVP now here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fathers-matter-2-october-session-tickets-1998810803921