Mass-AWHONN

08/17/2026

Hi MA AWHONN,

As we know, maternal mental health has been garnering a significant amount of attention lately. Please see the following update from Mind the Gap:

The Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition is a statewide group of health care and community-based organizations, other nonprofits, mental health and maternity care providers, survivors of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and/or pregnancy and infant loss and other advocates working to improve state policies impacting perinatal* mental health (PMH).

*During pregnancy and up to one year or more after birth.

Massachusetts Mind the Gap organized in 2022 with the support of Postpartum Support International’s Mind the Gap State Policy Series. We successfully passed the Moms Matter Act (MMA) in 2024 as part of the Commonwealth’s groundbreaking omnibus maternal health bill. The MMA established a state grant program investing in community-based programs supporting perinatal people, particularly in Black and Brown and other communities impacted by maternal health and mental health disparities. We are now proud to be a standing coalition focused on a range of issues impacting PMH, from birth justice, to diaper need, to adequate mental health services.

They are now proposing an Act relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants (S.1171/H.1924) calls for a professional assessment for PMADs if an offense occurs within 12 months of giving birth. If a qualified provider determines PMADs were present, parents could ask to complete a court-approved Postpartum Diversion Plan for mental health treatment instead of the case proceeding. The bill would also make PMADs mitigating factors in sentencing for the most serious crimes, and allow previously convicted parents to petition for resentencing if they feel PMADs were a factor but were not properly identified or considered.

For more information please contact Jessie Colbert at [email protected] and see the link for more information on how to reach your state reps!

Massachusetts Mind the Gap Steering Committee Danielle Beasley, Founder, Daughters of Yahweh Community Outreach Jessie Colbert, Executive Director, Mass. PPD Fund Stephanie Crawford, M.Ed, Founder, Propa City Community Outreach, Owner, Belle Joie Doula & Family Services Manoucheka Dasse, Propa City....

08/13/2026

Hi MA AWHONN,

The Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition is championing legislation that would help ensure our state’s criminal legal system treats parents facing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) like postpartum psychosis (PPP) more fairly and compassionately.

See this link for more information and to sign and share!

The Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition is championing legislation that would help ensure our state’s criminal legal system treats parents facing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) like postpartum psychosis (PPP) more fairly and compassionately.

07/31/2026

Dear MA AWHONN Members,

Registration for the MA AWHONN 2026 State Conference, “The Changing Landscape of Our Practice: Innovation, Evidence & Excellence in Perinatal Nursing” is now open!

Follow this link for conference registration: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000168/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33701572/open

We will be at the Sea Crest Beach Resort, North Falmouth, MA on October 8 & 9, 2-26.

This link will give you access the conference room block, which will be open until Sunday, September 6, 2026: https://reservations.seacrestbeachresort.com/113704?groupID=5267232 #/guestsandrooms

We have a great program for you this year. We have nationally known speakers, Jen Atkisson and Miranda Klassen, as well as amazing local speakers. Attached is the Save-the-Date flyer with a list of all the speakers.

This year’s pre-con, “How to Survive a Deposition” will be on October 8 from 1 to 4 PM

AWHONN Members: $225.00

Nonmembers: $275.00

Pre-Con Registration: $75.00

Make sure to follow this link https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000168/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33701572/open for conference registration!!

Have a great summer and looking forward to seeing you in October!!

Sincerely,

Karen Manganaro, Section Chair and the entire MA AWHONN Coordinating Team!

07/31/2026

Dear MA AWHONN Members,

Registration for the MA AWHONN 2026 State Conference, “The Changing Landscape of Our Practice: Innovation, Evidence & Excellence in Perinatal Nursing” is now open!

Click on the link in our bio for conference registration.

We will be at the Sea Crest Beach Resort, North Falmouth, MA on October 8 & 9, 2-26.

Click on the link in our bio to access the conference room block, which will be open until Sunday, September 6, 2026.

We have a great program for you this year. We have nationally known speakers, Jen Atkisson and Miranda Klassen, as well as amazing local speakers. Attached is the Save-the-Date flyer with a list of all the speakers.

07/22/2026

🍂 Save the Date! 🍂
Mark your calendars for the 2026 MA AWHONN State Conference on October 8–9, 2026, at the beautiful Sea Crest Beach Resort in Falmouth, Massachusetts! 🌊🏖️
This year’s theme, “The Changing Landscape of Our Practice: Innovation, Evidence, and Excellence in Perinatal Care,” brings together inspiring nurse leaders and experts to explore the future of perinatal nursing. From clinical excellence and evidence-based practice to AI, technology, evolving care models, legal preparedness, and emergency readiness, you’ll leave with practical knowledge, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections.
Whether you’re a bedside nurse, educator, APRN, leader, or student, this conference is designed to help you grow, connect, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
✨ Explore. Learn. Connect.
🏨 Reserve your room early! Our conference room block is now open:
https://reservations.seacrestbeachresort.com/113704?groupID=5267232
📍 October 8–9, 2026
📍 Sea Crest Beach Resort | Falmouth, MA
Registration details are coming soon—we can’t wait to see you there!

06/17/2026

Sharing from Debra Bingham PQI LinkedIn to celebrate her Lifetime Achievement award present at the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses conference. She has been recognized for her significant and substantial contributions to women’s health, obstetrical, and neonatal nursing. Let’s celebrate her in the comments section!

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Debra Bingham on receiving the AWHONN Lifetime Achievement Award—AWHONN’s highest honor, recognizing a career of extraordinary leadership, scholarship, mentorship, and dedication to improving outcomes for women, newborns, and families. Through decades of advancing evidence-based perinatal care, fostering nursing excellence, and shaping the future of maternal-child health, Debra has left an indelible mark on our profession. Her passion, vision, and commitment continue to inspire nurses and healthcare leaders around the world. We are grateful for her contributions and thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. 💙👏
The AWHONN Lifetime Achievement Award is the organization’s highest honor and recognizes members who have made significant, lasting contributions to women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing

06/08/2026

Congratulations Julie on your induction!! We couldn’t be happier for you!

06/07/2026

Voting opens tomorrow, June 8 — Massachusetts AWHONN members, mark your calendars and get ready!

This year, we are excited to see one of our own on the ballot. Elizabeth has been an active and dedicated member of our Massachusetts section, bringing passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to the maternal-newborn nursing community we all love. We think that kind of investment deserves recognition — and a vote!

Before June 8, take some time to get to know all the candidates:

📋 **Browse the AWHONN candidate page** on the official website.

💻 **Join a virtual town hall — two chances to tune in:**
• Officer candidates | Tue, June 2 | 8–9:30 p.m.
• Director candidates | Wed, June 3 | 8–9:30 p.m.
⚠️ Not recorded — grab your spot while you can!

🤝 **See the candidates in person** at the 2026 AWHONN Convention — stay tuned for details!

Your vote is your voice. Use it on June 8!

05/21/2026

Hey MA AWHONN! Heads up that if you’re a full member, voting for the 2027 board opens June 8th. One of our own is a candidate for President Elect. Check out the website for bios and to get all your info prior to voting