May 2026 |
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Inside this edition:
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We’re Hiring a Program Coordinator!
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Waypoint Award: Call for MN Artists
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Next Gen Lacation Grant Funding Provided by Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition
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Observances to Recognize and Honor this May
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Register for the Plans of Safe Care Sprint - Session 2 | May 14, 2026
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Perinatal Education ECHO Kick-Off: Minnesota Maternal Mortality Findings (2017-2021) | May 21, 2026
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Save Your Spot for MNPQC’s Annual Perinatal Improvement Summit
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Maternal Warning Signs: Resources from the CDC Hear Her Campaign
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Star Legacy Foundation: Supporting Families through Pregnancy & Infant Loss
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We’re Hiring a Program Coordinator! |
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Want to help improve perinatal health across Minnesota? MNPQC is hiring a Program Coordinator to help lead and support our quality improvement programs.
In this role, the Program Coordinator will ensure programs run seamlessly from recruitment through sustainability by coordinating planning activities, managing logistics, tracking deliverables, and overseeing survey development and program evaluation, with the overall goal of improving outcomes for Minnesota families.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2026
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| Apply Now |
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Waypoint Award: Call for MN Artists |
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We have renamed and re-envisioned our prestigious individual award, formerly known as the Kunsche Award, to broaden its purpose and ensure more individuals across Minnesota’s perinatal care community have the opportunity to be recognized for their meaningful contributions.
Introducing the Waypoint Award, presented annually to an individual who has advanced MNPQC’s mission of improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Minnesota. A waypoint is a stopping point along a journey—reflecting the many stages of the perinatal experience and the important roles individuals play along the way.
As part of this evolution, MNPQC is seeking an original piece of artwork that represents safe, respectful, and high-quality care for Minnesota families. We are looking for Minnesota-based artists who can use their creativity to bring this idea to life and visually honor those at the heart of perinatal care.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2026
Final Decision Notification: June 5, 2026
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| Submit Your Artwork |
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Next Gen Lacation Grant Funding Provided by Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition |
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The Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition (MBC) is working collaboratively to create environments where breastfeeding is valued and supported to achieve natural infant feeding equity in all Minnesota communities.
To support this mission, MBC is opening a new round of Next Gen Lactation grant funding, which aims to foster a diverse clinical lactation workforce in Minnesota, representative of the state’s diversity. This funding round will support 2–3 applicants in greater Minnesota.
Applications Deadline: May 20, 2026
Decisions Announced: No later than June 1, 2026
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| Learn More |
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Observances to Recognize and Honor this May |
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May is filled with several important observances that highlight issues impacting mothers, infants, and their families, from mental health to preeclampsia to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR). These observances offer an opportunity to raise awareness, reflect, and take action. Below is a list of key observances, along with resources to learn more.
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Register for the Plans of Safe Care Sprint - Session 2 | May 14, 2026 |
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Last week, over 100 participants joined our first Plans of Safe Care (POSC) session to explore key components, federal and state requirements, and current implementation challenges and opportunities.
We’re excited to continue the momentum with Session 2: Operationalizing POSC: Practical Strategies for Hospitals and Community Systems, on May 14, 2026, from 12-1 PM. Presenters from Boston Medical Center will share practical strategies and workflows that can be adapted to support implementation efforts in Minnesota.
Registration is still open; don’t miss the chance to learn from national leaders at Boston Medical Center, build on your learning, and connect with peers across the state.
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| Register for Session 2 |
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Perinatal Education ECHO Kick-Off: Minnesota Maternal Mortality Findings (2017-2021) | May 21, 2026 |
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MNPQC is kicking off our free, virtual Perinatal Education ECHO Series on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm CDT with a presentation from Dr. Jennifer Almanza on the latest Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) findings.
This session offers valuable insight into the current landscape of maternal health in Minnesota, key findings from the report, and what they mean for clinical care and system-level improvement, along with actionable recommendations for change. This is a do-not-miss event!
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| Register Now |
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Save Your Spot for MNPQC’s Annual Perinatal Improvement Summit |
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Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for MNPQC’s 2026 Perinatal Improvement Summit. This annual event brings together over 200 health professionals, advocates, and community members for an “All Teach, All Learn” experience, creating space to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections across disciplines.
This year’s theme, Uniting to Advance Perinatal Health, highlights collaboration among clinicians, doulas, nurses, advocates, community organizations, public health professionals, and families. Join us on October 27, 2026, at the Minneapolis Marriott West for a day of learning, connection, and collective impact.
Early bird registration is now available through August 1, 2026
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| Save Your Spot |
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Maternal Warning Signs: Resources from the CDC Hear Her Campaign |
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In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Hear Her campaign, featuring short documentary-style videos of women across the United States sharing their experiences with pregnancy-related complications. This campaign raises awareness of urgent maternal warning signs that can lead to serious health risks during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Following this launch, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) compiled CDC Hear Her campaign materials into a single resource webpage for Minnesota families and health care providers to reference, including posters, patient palm cards, conversation guides, social media graphics, and handouts.
In the United States, up to 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable when warning signs are recognized early. Learn more and help spread awareness.
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| MDH's Hear Her Site |
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Star Legacy Foundation: Supporting Families through Pregnancy & Infant Loss |
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Star Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing pregnancy loss and neonatal death while supporting families who have experienced these losses. Their work spans research, education, advocacy, and community support.
As part of this mission, they offer a comprehensive range of free resources for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss. These include virtual grief support groups, phone and text support, bereavement brochures, and other printed materials. They also provide immediate support, including lactation-after-loss guides, guidance on making memories with a beloved baby after loss, and more. They recognize that grief is not linear, and their resources are designed to reflect the deeply individual nature of each family’s experience with compassion and care.
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| Bereavement Resources |
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