2026 Maternal Health
Conference

hosted by Care Ring

presented by Novant Health

April 9, 2026
8:30 am - 4:00 PM
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Conference Center (Charlotte, NC) & Virtual

About the 2026 Conference

On April 9, 2026, in support of National Maternal Health Month, Care Ring hosted our 3rd Annual Maternal Health Conference, in Charlotte, North Carolina alongside Presenting Sponsor Novant Health. This conference was jointly provided with South Piedmont AHEC, aiming to support both birthing professionals and families by providing valuable continuing education and networking opportunities.

With a focus on improving maternal health and reducing preventable maternal deaths, the conference will feature informative sessions focused on healthy birth outcomes for mothers and their babies, and empowering families through strategic health system changes.

Key partners included Atrium Health, Mecklenburg County Public Health, and a variety of grassroots and community organizations.

Highlights from the event are detailed below.

CONFERENCE ALERTS EMAIL SIGN UP

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Opening Speakers

Our opening remarks were from Emcee Ramona Holloway, who welcomed guests to the event. Ramona is a local media icon, working in radio and television for decades; and most recently serves as Community Relations & Civic Engagement Director at The Mint Museum.

Andrea Wages, Chair of the Care Ring Board of Directors, thanked and recognized key stakeholders of the event such as sponsors, organizers, presenters, the continuing education team, exhibitors, and more.

Tchernavia Montgomery, CEO of Care Ring, provided a bridge into the next slate of speakers by talking about Care Ring's work in the maternal and infant health space, gains made, and challenges still ahead.

The State of Maternal Health

Representatives and experts in maternal health from the national, state and county level gave updates and action items about the state of maternal health.

US Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD spoke about her Momnibus Bill and the impact it is having and could have, should the entire suite of legislation be passed.

Tara Owens Shuler, Branch Head, Maternal Health Branch – Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section at NC Department of Health & Human Services, spoke about outcomes and efforts being taken at the state level. VIEW HER SLIDES HERE

Kimberly Scott, DrPH, Interim Director of Mecklenburg County Public Health, spoke about outcomes at the county level, challenges, and efforts being made. VIEW HER SLIDES HERE

Impact Speaker

North Carolina Senator Natalie Murdock was our Impact Speaker, sharing her perspective and the legislative work she is doing to improve maternal health outcomes for North Carolina moms and their babies.

Panel Discussion

The lunchtime panel discussion topic was "How Smart Philanthropy & Investment is Driving Maternal Health Innovation."

Panel participants were (L to R): Racquel Washington with Atrium Health; Jonisha Brown, MD with WEBE Institute; Nicole Campbell, EdD with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County; Tchernavia Montgomery with Care Ring; Heather R. White, MD with Novant Health; and Whitney Feld with Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation. The panel was moderated by J. Hill with BrandUScript Agency (photo, right).

The panel discussion included two videos: one from Jay Kennedy at The Duke Endowment, speaking on their funding support of maternal and infant health in NC & SC; and remarks from J Hill, who shared his very personal reason for his advocacy for improved maternal healthcare.

Breakout Sessions

The conference included 12 different breakout sessions - 6 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon, covering a variety of topics, presented by experts in their field.

Photos, L to R: Neshe Conley, Laura Corsig, and Kelle Pressley presented on topics around improving data and experience collection; breastfeeding; and how fathers can support maternal advocacy.

IMPACT Awards

IMPACT Awards (Innovating Maternal Programming & Advancing Communities Together) were presented by Care Ring to two organizations who are making a big impact on maternal health outcomes in our area.

The Alli & Aiden Foundation were recognized for their work in providing not only essential supplies for new mothers, but providing access to college scholarships and other continuing education opportunities. Presenting the award was Beck Tait, MD (retired), member of the Care Ring Nurse-Family Partnership Community Advisory Board. Accepting the award was Founder, Lori Levin.

The Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation was recognized for their partnership and funding of innovative maternal health initiatives like Care Ring's Two Generation Clinic. They also provide funding for education and human services initiatives, making a significant impact on the Charlotte community. Accepting the award was Foundation President, Whitney Feld. Tchernavia Montgomery presented the award.

Other Highlights

Exhibitors Hall

Guests could visit with 25 different exhibitor tables, including some of our sponsors as well as maternal health related community based organizations and businesses in our Exhibitors Hall.

Mobile Care Units

Novant Health's Community Care Cruiser and the Atrium Health Women's Care Drive to Thrive Mobile were onsite in the parking lot offering tours and information about their services.

Sponsor Remarks & Raffle Prize Drawings

Throughout the day, our top sponsors' representatives gave remarks about their investment in the conference. Afterwards, they assisted us in drawing for our over $2,000 in door prizes. Kicking off the remarks was Lugenia Grider with Presenting Sponsor, Novant Health. Hover on each picture below for more information. Raffle prizes were also provided for our virtual participants, courtesy of First TEAM America.

Ramona Holloway presents Joey Dockery with a gift basket donated by Elon University at Charlotte

Keva Womble with Bank of America, Ramona Holloway and raffle winner Danielle Green.

Jennifer Snow with Atrium Health, raffle winner, and Ramona Holloway

Aimy Steele with Jack & Jill of America QC Chapter, raffle winner, and Ramona Holloway

Lori Parsons with United HealthCare, raffle winner Vivian Richardson, and Ramona Holloway

Ramona Holloway with raffle winner

Maternal Touch Therapy Demonstrations

During lunch break, Kaffia Radiance Gammon, licensed neuromuscular massage therapist, perinatal bodywork specialist, certified birth doula, and Founder of Radiance Integrative Health, will conducted demonstrations on how regulated, therapeutic touch supports nervous system regulation and stress reduction, which are key factors in maternal health outcomes.

Musical Entertainment

Local Charlotte DJ Jus Joe kept the energy flowing and the vibe just right throughout the day.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS

presenting sponsor

More Sponsors Here

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 EVENT PARTNERS

US Congresswoman
Alma S. Adams, PhD

County Seal with Public Health designation Blue

THANK YOU TO OUR DOOR PRIZE DONORS

1 hour private treehouse rental & wine tastings for 2

A swaddle & blanket plus free access to their LovEntourage app

First TEAM America is providing 3 gift card prizes for our virtual-only attendees

2 hour shopping party for 25 with champagne and hors'doeuvres

NAHSE NC is donating a $150 MasterCard gift card.

A selection of fine teas in their signature tote bag

Elon University has put together a great gift basket of local, healthy food and self-care products and some branded swag, valued at $300

1 hour maternity photo session at their studio plus 5 portraits.

Gift card for fine wine and beer or admission for 2 to a wine tasting seminar

ACHE of Greater Charlotte is donating a $250 Visa gift card

Two 5-day play passes courtesy of Grow Café CLT

EVENT PRESS

Matt Stell with Queen City News/WJZY covered the conference, interviewing Tchernavia Montgomery, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, NC Senator Natalie Murdock, and conference participant and Care Ring client Chanelle Alvarez (pictured).

READ THE STORY HERE or WATCH IT BELOW.