#United States #Chicago #Maternal Health #HealthConnect One #Brenda Reyes

HealthConnect One Expands Global Influence with Brenda Reyes

As HealthConnect One (HC One) celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organization has made a pivotal appointment, naming Brenda Reyes, RN, CLC, as the Senior Advisor for Global Maternal and Child Health Policy. This move not only strengthens HC One's commitment to community-based birth equity, but also positions the organization as a key player in global health policy discussions, particularly concerning maternal and child health.

Brenda Reyes steps into this newly created role with an impressive track record of over two decades in maternal and child health leadership. With expertise in breastfeeding, lactation policy, and coalition building at multiple levels, Reyes is well-equipped to engage with policymakers from the U.S. Congress to international health ministries. Her experience uniquely positions her to advocate for community-based healthcare on a global scale, addressing the needs of families in varying cultural contexts.

Throughout its history, HC One has championed community-based practices that resonate with families often overlooked by traditional health systems. As the organization shifts focus from local initiatives to broader international influences, Reyes's appointment captures the essence of HC One's philosophy; that those closest to families possess the most invaluable insights into their needs.

Dr. Twylla Dillion, President and CEO of HC One, expressed confidence in Reyes’s capabilities, stating, “Brenda has spent her career building the relationships and credibility that make this next chapter possible.” The importance of community-based birthwork is increasingly acknowledged in Latin America and the Caribbean. Governments and civil society organizations are actively seeking partners who understand how to build and sustain high-quality care integrated into national health systems. Reyes's new role places her at the forefront of these discussions.

Reyes is set to officially commence her duties at the 15th Anniversary ROSE and ROBE Breastfeeding Birth Justice Summit, taking place in New Orleans from August 26 to 29, 2026. This significant event will bring together diverse voices from the sphere of breastfeeding support, including lactation professionals and birth workers, underscoring the crucial link between breastfeeding, birth justice, and community health.

“What community-based birthwork knows how to do is exactly what communities across the Americas are asking for,” Reyes noted. “I am honored to carry that truth into new rooms, from Washington to the capitals of the hemisphere, and to help build a future where every birthing person, in every country, is surrounded by community-based care.”

HC One's reputation for advocacy and its roots in grassroots movements contribute to their ongoing relevance in modern health policy debates. The organization has made significant strides in maternal health, and with Reyes onboard, they are prepared to navigate the complexities of international health diplomacy.

In conclusion, Brenda Reyes's appointment as Senior Advisor aligns perfectly with HC One's mission to ensure that every family has access to the care they need, exemplifying a model of health equity that recognizes and values community expertise. As HC One embarks on this new journey, the implication of her role extends beyond borders, signaling a dedicated approach to maternal and child health that reverberates around the globe.