Overview:

The Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality (KyMMM) Task Force and Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KyPQC), in partnership with AWHONN Kentucky, March of Dimes, Frontier Nursing University, KyCOMPASS, and the Kentucky Perinatal Association, are proud to host the 2026 Kentucky Symposium for Maternal and Infant Outcomes. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Connecting Communities for Maternal & Infant Well-Being,” reflects a shared commitment to collaborative, team-based care that strengthens systems and improves outcomes for birthing individuals and infants across the Commonwealth.

The Symposium is designed to provide cross-disciplinary education and foster collaboration among perinatal care providers, social service professionals, administrators, payers, researchers, policymakers, community organizations, and individuals with lived experience. The agenda includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, simulation-based learning, and community-focused sessions addressing Medicaid coverage across the perinatal period, rural obstetric service sustainability, maternal mental health and substance use disorder, hypertension, sepsis, neonatal and infant mortality trends, and respectful maternity care. Highlights include keynote sessions on translating national maternal health initiatives into community action and expanding access to care in rural Kentucky; and interactive high fidelity simulation labs in hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal overdose, and sepsis. Additional sessions focus on strengthening community connections, supporting families through coordinated care, and addressing emerging priorities such as maternal mental health, substance use disorder, and violence prevention.

The KyMMM Task Force expands outreach to community stakeholders and supports evidence-based strategies aligned with recommendations from the Kentucky Maternal Mortality Review Committee, while the KyPQC continues to lead statewide quality improvement initiatives in partnership with birthing hospitals. The Symposium will also feature an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions from clinical, community, and nursing leaders, including honors from KyPQC, KyMMM, and Kentucky AWHONN.  

Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force (KyMMM)
The Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality (KyMMM) Task Force is a grant-supported, inclusive work group focused on reducing maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity across the state. The Task Force engages both clinical and community stakeholders, supports evidence-based initiatives, and responds to recommendations from the Kentucky Maternal Mortality Review Committee. KyMMM emphasizes addressing social determinants of health and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience to drive meaningful change.

Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KyPQC)
The Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KyPQC) is a statewide initiative that brings together perinatal care stakeholders to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through data-driven quality improvement. KyPQC partners with birthing hospitals to implement evidence-based practices, hosts educational webinars, and shares timely resources to support clinical excellence. Its annual meeting serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and recognition of outstanding contributions to perinatal care.

AWHONN- Kentucky Section
The Kentucky Section of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a professional community dedicated to empowering and supporting nurses who care for women, newborns, and families. With over 230 members across the state, Kentucky AWHONN promotes excellence in nursing practice through education, advocacy, and research, and plays a vital role in advancing maternal and infant health outcomes. https://kentucky.awhonn.org/

Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is a nationally recognized leader in graduate nursing and midwifery education, with a mission to serve rural and underserved communities. FNU prepares nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, and psychiatric-mental health professionals to deliver compassionate, community-focused care. As a key partner in the Symposium, FNU contributes expertise in rural health innovation and team-based care models.

KyCOMPASS

KyCOMPASS offers resources for healthcare providers who serve mothers in the perinatal period facing mental health conditions and substance use. Our licensed providers offer fast, expert guidance so you can provide safe, personalized care for every patient when she needs it. KyCOMPASS is here to Support Providers to Support Moms. 

March of Dimes – Kentucky
March of Dimes is a national nonprofit organization with a strong presence in Kentucky, dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies. Through research, advocacy, education, and community programs, March of Dimes works to prevent maternal and infant complications, reduce preterm birth, and address key drivers of poor outcomes. In Kentucky, the organization partners with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community groups to advance evidence-based solutions and expand access to care for all families.

Kentucky Perinatal Association
The Kentucky Perinatal Association is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving perinatal health through education, collaboration, and advocacy. The Association brings together healthcare professionals, public health leaders, and community partners to promote best practices in maternal and infant care. Through conferences, networking opportunities, and shared learning, the organization supports the advancement of safe, high-quality care for families across Kentucky.

Simulations are limited and are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Disclaimer: Photography & Media Release
Sessions may be photographed or recorded for promotional and educational use. By registering and attending, you consent to the use of your image in marketing materials, publications, and future event promotions. If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify event staff upon arrival.

Special Services 
If you require special assistance in attending this event, please contact [email protected]

An Equal Opportunity University.

Thank you to our Birthing Hospitals
AdventHealth Manchester
Baptist Health Corbin
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Hospital
Baptist Health Hardin
Baptist Health La Grange
Baptist Health Lexington
Baptist Health Louisville
Baptist Health Paducah
Baptist Health Richmond
Centerpoint Health - Georgetown
Centerpoint Health - Winchester (Clark Regional)
CHI Saint Joseph Health - Flaget Memorial Hospital
CHI Saint Joseph Health - Saint Joseph East
CHI Saint Joseph Health - Saint Joseph London
CHI Saint Joseph Health - Saint Joseph Mount Sterling
Deaconess Henderson Hospital
Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center
Frankfort Regional Medical Center
Harrison Memorial Hospital
Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center
Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center
Jackson Purchase Medical Center
Jennie Stuart Medical Center
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital 
Meadowview Regional Medical Center
Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital
Middlesboro ARH Hospital
Murray-Calloway County Hospital 
Norton Hospital
Norton Women's & Children's Hospital
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center
Pikeville Medical Center
Spring View Hospital
St. Elizabeth Edgewood
Taylor Regional Hospital
The Medical Center at Bowling Green
TJ Samson Community Hospital
UK Chandler
UK Kings Daughters Medical Center
UK St. Claire
UofL Health - UofL Hospital
Whitesburg ARH Hospital