CPPR Brings Compassionate Coordination to Maternal Mortality Prevention Conference

As preparations continue for the upcoming A Million Moments for Maternal Mortality Prevention Conference, the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships & Research (CPPR) is helping support statewide efforts to improve maternal health outcomes through collaboration, planning and community engagement.

Working alongside Kansas Connecting Communities and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, CPPR has helped shape conference experiences that bring together health care and behavioral health professionals, public health leaders, and community partners to address maternal mortality and strengthen systems of care across Kansas.

The inaugural conference highlighted the importance of every interaction along the maternal health journey. Participants explored topics including mental health, substance use, and interdisciplinary approaches to care. The theme resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom described leaving with new tools, renewed commitment, and a greater understanding of maternal health challenges. As one participant shared, “Every touch and interaction matters… Listen and be present.”

To make complex information more accessible, CPPR developed visual materials that combined data and storytelling. Conference resources highlighted findings from the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, including that 153 pregnancy-associated deaths occurred in Kansas between 2016 and 2022 and that 70% occurred during the postpartum year.

The two-day event brought together 239 attendees, 32 speakers, 18 educational sessions and 17 exhibitors. Post-conference evaluations showed strong participant satisfaction, with 94% rating the conference as excellent. Attendees also reported increased knowledge and confidence in areas such as interdisciplinary screening, empathy-centered communication and team-based care.

Behind the scenes, CPPR supported conference planning, speaker coordination, communications, materials development and evaluation activities. The work reflects CPPR's broader commitment to helping partners convene people, share knowledge and translate data into action.

As Kansas prepares for the next A Million Moments conference, CPPR remains committed to supporting collaborative efforts that strengthen maternal health systems and improve outcomes for families across the state.