#United States #The Collective #Maternal Health #March of Dimes #New York, Los Angeles

March of Dimes’ The Collective: A Call to Action for Maternal Health

The March of Dimes is set to host its second annual event, The Collective, across both New York City and Los Angeles, uniting thought leaders and advocates to address the most urgent challenges affecting mothers today. This bi-coastal gathering aims to foster conversations centered around indispensable topics such as maternal mental health, creating robust support systems, and empowering women to prioritize their health during and after pregnancy.

Recent survey results underscore the necessity of this initiative. They reveal alarming gaps in the perceived support available to mothers. According to the research, only 47% of American adults believe mothers feel supported, while a mere 28% are confident that mothers dealing with mental health challenges postpartum know how to seek assistance. These statistics highlight the pressing need for a dialogue that not only identifies issues but provides actionable solutions.

Cindy Rahman, the President and CEO of March of Dimes, emphasizes the importance of sharing mothers' experiences to inform and shape the support system around them: "Listening to moms, understanding their experiences, and ensuring their voices are heard are foundational to addressing the challenges we face," she stated. Through The Collective, the organization aims to establish an inclusive culture where every mother feels she can access the care she requires, reinforcing a community where no mother has to traverse the path of motherhood alone.

The Essence of The Collective

The success of The Collective is rooted in its ability to bring diverse voices together. In New York, the event will see notable figures such as NBC4 anchor Natalie Pasquarella leading the program, which features a fireside chat with Cindy Rahman followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Michael Warren, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of March of Dimes. The panel will include experts like Dr. Nastassia K. Harris, a Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant; Elizabeth Baron, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in maternal mental health; and Danielle Olivera, a prominent TV personality and NICU mom. The diversity in perspectives ensures a comprehensive understanding surrounding the issues faced by mothers today.

On the West Coast, Los Angeles will continue the momentum, featuring entertainment and health reporter Lanae Brody as emcee. A meaningful dialogue will be sparked with a fireside chat led by Karen Walker Johnson, CEO of Clever Care Health Plan, alongside California Surgeon General, Dr. Diana Ramos. Following that, Dr. Warren will moderate another insightful panel featuring maternal health advocates and experts from various fields.

Sponsorship and Community Engagement

The engagement of local programs is central to the mission of nurturing families. In New York, organizations like NewYork-Presbyterian and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital are offering grassroots support, while Cedars-Sinai backs the efforts in Los Angeles. The Collective has garnered incredible backing from sponsors including Johnson & Johnson, The Honest Company, Philips Avent, and Pampers, all coming together to enhance the mission of March of Dimes.

As part of its campaign, It Starts With Mom, March of Dimes is committed to promoting research, education, and advocacy initiatives aimed at supporting all mothers and their families. The legacy of March of Dimes, which has been actively supporting mothers since 1938, features critical programs and services that ensure families receive the best possible start.

Conclusion

The Collective represents a vital step towards bridging gaps in maternal health awareness and support. By bringing together prominent voices in health, advocacy, and media, March of Dimes is paving the way for mothers to find their voices and seek the support they rightly deserve. This public dialogue is crucial in fostering an environment in which mothers feel empowered, understood, and most importantly, supported. For more information about their initiatives, visit marchofdimes.org.