Born to Thrive: Maternal Health Panel | Ending Maternal Mortality & Improving Birth Outcomes

The First Ladies Health Initiative, in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, presents Born to Thrive, a powerful maternal health panel focused on Black maternal health, maternal mortality, birth outcomes, and perinatal mental health.

Our “Healing in Action” breakout session brings together leading OB-GYNs, public health experts, doulas, neonatologists, and maternal health advocates to discuss what Black maternal health looks like today — and the evidence-based solutions needed to improve outcomes for mothers and families.

This conversation addresses:
• Black maternal mortality and morbidity
• Preeclampsia and high-risk pregnancies
• Perinatal and postpartum mental health
• Trauma-informed care and maternal empowerment
• Community-driven and clinical solutions to health disparities

Panelists include:
• Dr. Charis Chambers — OB-GYN & Founder, The Period Doctor
• Dr. Quantrilla Ard — Public Health Expert & Preeclampsia Survivor
• Dr. George Bugg — Retired Neonatologist & ROSE CFO
• LaCresha Cunningham — Perinatal Mental Health Clinician & Doula
• Dr. Annise Mabry — Trauma-Informed Education Expert & Maternal Empowerment Advocate
• Wanda Irving — Maternal Health Advocate

This panel is designed for mothers, families, healthcare professionals, advocates, and policymakers committed to advancing maternal health equity and saving lives.