#United States #Atlanta #Black Maternal Health #HealthConnect One #Dr. Twylla Dillion

HealthConnect One Leadership at BMHC26

HealthConnect One is set to play a vital role at the upcoming 2026 Black Maternal Health Conference & Training Institute (BMHC26), which will take place from September 10 to 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. This national event, organized by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), is recognized as a pivotal gathering that focuses on enhancing Black maternal health, rights, and justice.

Leading the charge from HealthConnect One will be Dr. Twylla Dillion, President and CEO, alongside National Advocacy Manager Tiwani Oseni and Research Liaison Dr. Breana Turner. Their participation signifies the organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing pressing maternal health disparities, particularly for Black women who are disproportionately affected by adverse health outcomes.

Focus on Urgent Issues

According to the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the maternal mortality rate among Black women stands alarmingly high at 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that starkly contrasts with the rates for white (14.2), Hispanic (12.1), and Asian women (18.1). This data underscores the urgent need for enhanced access to healthcare, quality provider education, and effective community support systems, especially since more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. could potentially be prevented.

During BMHC26, HealthConnect One will actively engage with numerous stakeholders to foster new partnerships and share their insights from a decade of community-based doula work. Tiwani Oseni will partake in important discussions surrounding policy and advocacy efforts that target Black maternal health at both state and federal levels, while Dr. Turner will delve into research-focused sessions, spotlighting the latest evidence on maternal health disparities and effective interventions.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Dr. Dillion stated, "HealthConnect One is celebrating 40 years of impactful work, and this conference aligns perfectly with our mission, especially as we aim to build valuable connections within the community and beyond. We are honored to present our findings and collaborate with peers in our continuous pursuit of enhancing maternal health equity."

Diverse Programming

Throughout the three days of the conference, HealthConnect One will contribute a wealth of knowledge and expertise across various programming sessions. Dr. Breana Turner will present insights on the MENTOR Framework, which focuses on culturally grounded doula training aimed at advancing Black maternal health, as well as on strategies for integrating community-based doulas into hospital systems. Meanwhile, Tiwani Oseni will share her expertise in shifting cultural perceptions and expanding the notion that doulas can serve a diverse range of families. Dr. Dillion will lead a session centered on establishing exemplary community-based doula programs, emphasizing how these initiatives are rooted in justice and designed for joy.

As they prepare for this prestigious event, HealthConnect One remains dedicated to enhancing access to quality maternal care and driving forward health equity initiatives that serve communities across the nation. In an era where maternal health deserves urgent attention, their continued advocacy represents a beacon of hope for many.

About HealthConnect One

For nearly four decades, HealthConnect One has been a leader in community-based doula services and breastfeeding support, advocating for birth equity particularly among underserved populations. By training and empowering community birth workers, the organization is committed to fostering trust and improving health outcomes for families nationwide and internationally. For more information about their work, visit healthconnectone.org.