The Black Pearls Society once again brought together healthcare professionals, advocates, community leaders, educators, doulas, midwives, public health practitioners, and community members for its 4th Annual Black Maternal & Infant Health Conference, held under the powerful theme, "Sacred Bodies, Broken Systems: Reimagining Black Maternal and Infant Health."

Now in its fourth year, the conference continues to serve as an important platform for education, dialogue, advocacy, and action focused on improving outcomes for Black mothers, infants, and families. Through thought-provoking presentations and meaningful conversations, participants explored the structural and systemic factors influencing maternal and infant health while identifying opportunities for change within healthcare systems and communities.

A highlight of this year's conference was the keynote presentation by Michelle Browder, creator of the Mothers of Gynecology monument and a nationally recognized artist, curator, and storyteller. Through her work, Browder challenges audiences to examine overlooked histories in women's healthcare and consider how those histories continue to shape experiences today. Her presentation encouraged attendees to engage in honest conversations about equity, justice, and the future of maternal healthcare.

Conference sessions addressed a range of timely topics, including maternal health equity, reproductive justice, workforce development, rural maternal health, Black fatherhood, environmental birth justice, and community-driven solutions to improve outcomes across the maternal-child health continuum. Throughout the day, speakers and participants emphasized the importance of listening to families, uplifting community voices, and designing systems of care that are responsive, respectful, and equitable.

A Community Organization Making a Lasting Impact

At the heart of this event is the Black Pearls Society, which leads with a vision of a future where Black women leaders are fully supported, valued, and equipped to lead transformative change while building intergenerational networks committed to equity and inclusion.

The annual conference reflects that vision by ensuring conversations about Black maternal and infant health move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action. By creating space for education, partnership, and innovation, the Black Pearls Society inspires collective efforts to improve outcomes for mothers, babies, and families while advancing maternal health equity throughout North Carolina and beyond.

Building Momentum Through Partnership

The success of the 4th Annual Black Maternal & Infant Health Conference was made possible through the collaboration of speakers, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) was honored to partner with the Black Pearls Society in support of this important educational event and its mission to advance maternal and infant health.

As discussions around maternal and infant health continue, the conference serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires collaboration across healthcare, public health, community organizations, and advocacy groups. The knowledge shared and connections formed during this year's conference will help strengthen ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for families and communities throughout North Carolina.

Northwest AHEC was also grateful for the opportunity to honor the memory of our colleague, Nicole McLaurin. Nicole's passing due to maternal health complications serves as a poignant reminder that maternal health challenges affect families, communities, and workplaces alike. Recognizing her during the conference reinforced the importance of continuing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure that every parent receives safe, equitable, and compassionate care.

The 4th Annual Black Maternal & Infant Health Conference reflects the vision and leadership of the Black Pearls Society and the collective dedication of all who contributed to its success. Northwest AHEC was honored to support this year's event and participate in conversations that inspire action, strengthen partnerships, and advance maternal and infant health equity. As the momentum from this year's conference continues, we look forward to supporting the ongoing work of the Black Pearls Society and our community partners to create healthier futures for mothers, babies, and families across North Carolina.

Readers interested in continuing their learning may also want to explore several upcoming Northwest AHEC programs, including the 44th Annual Perinatal Conference: Gravidas at Risk and the Annual Breastfeeding Forum, with registration opening soon. Watch for more opportunities coming soon, including the Because We Care Workshop and a new Essentials of Lactation Support self-paced online program that will offer practical, evidence-based lactation education for healthcare professionals across disciplines.

As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, there’s no better time to invest in the knowledge and skills that help families achieve their infant feeding goals. Whether you're supporting patients in a hospital, clinic, or community setting, having the confidence to address breastfeeding challenges can make a lasting difference.

Strengthen Your Lactation Support Skills This World Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding support goes far beyond the first feeding. Families often face questions, challenges, and barriers that require knowledgeable, compassionate guidance from healthcare professionals. That's why Northwest AHEC is offering Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving, a comprehensive live webinar designed to equip healthcare professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies to support breastfeeding success.

During this engaging training, participants will explore the foundations of breastfeeding, learn effective problem-solving techniques, and gain valuable tools for addressing common concerns such as latch difficulties, breast pain, milk supply issues, and supplementation decisions. The course is grounded in Baby-Friendly principles and emphasizes the important role healthcare professionals play in prenatal education, early initiation, and ongoing breastfeeding support.

This program is ideal for nurses, nutritionists, social workers, doulas, and other professionals who work with families during the perinatal period and want to deepen their lactation support skills. Participants can earn 5.5 contact hours, including 5.5 nursing contact hours. 

Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving will be held as a live webinar on October 16, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT and will be led by Georganna Cogburn, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC, RLC.

World Breastfeeding Week reminds us that every family deserves informed, skilled support. Join us to strengthen your practice and help improve breastfeeding outcomes in the communities you serve.

👉 Register today: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/78559/breastfeeding-basics-and-problem-solving

On April 22, 2026, an Interprofessional Education (IPE) event brought together a diverse cohort of more than 330 students representing multiple institutions and healthcare disciplines. This collaborative experience centered on a simulated patient case designed to foster interprofessional communication, critical thinking, and team-based problem-solving within a realistic clinical scenario.

Are you passionate about healthy aging, supporting older adults, or advancing geriatric care? The 2026 Aging Well Conference is your opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with an incredible interprofessional community dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.

The 2026 Aging Well Conference is focused on promoting healthy aging for older adults. As our population ages, it is essential for health professionals to meet the evolving needs of this demographic.

May 14-15, 2026
In Person at Appalachian State University Boone Campus, Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences.

This year’s conference brings together healthcare professionals, caregivers, community members, researchers, social service providers, and aging adults for two days of dynamic learning and collaboration.

Whether you support aging adults in a clinical setting, community program, or within your own family, you’ll walk away with practical, person‑centered tools you can use immediately. Aging Well is more than a conference, it’s a community movement. Past attendees describe it as “one of the greatest conferences I have ever attended” and praise the collaborative, uplifting atmosphere.

Come be part of meaningful conversations, innovative learning, and a mission rooted in improving the health and well‑being of older adults across our region.

What's New for 2026

• New breakout topics (LGBTQ+ aging, women’s intimacy/sexual wellness, wearable sensors, behavioral health & loneliness, planning for longevity)
• Even more interprofessional speakers
• Pre-recorded sessions for additional CEU access
• Expanded sponsorships and exhibitor hall
  

In Partnership with:

Appalachian State University, Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a program of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and part of the NC AHEC System and The UNC Center for Aging and Health, Carolina Geriatric Education Center.

Northwest AHEC would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all phlebotomists for the vital role you play in health care every day. Your skill, precision, and compassion are essential to patient care and clinical decision-making. We celebrate you every week, but highlighting now since this past week was the official recognition week. 

Whether you are drawing blood in hospitals, clinics, labs, or community settings, your work often happens behind the scenes—but its impact is felt throughout the entire health care system. You help ensure accurate diagnoses, guide treatment plans, and provide comfort to patients during vulnerable moments.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. We are grateful for all you do to support patients, providers, and communities across our region.

With appreciation,
Northwest AHEC

Each November, North Carolina joins the nation in recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. A time to honor families walking through memory loss, uplift caregivers, and renew our commitment to building communities where older adults can thrive with dignity and support.

Join us in honoring the incredible Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who make a difference every day in our communities. November 9–15 is recognized as National and North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Week, a time to celebrate the dedication and expertise of these vital healthcare professionals.

With approximately 16,687 Nurse Practitioners reported in North Carolina (per the NC Board of Nursing), this growing workforce plays a critical role in expanding access to high-quality healthcare across our state—from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between.

To all Nurse Practitioners: thank you for your extraordinary work and the compassionate care you provide. Your commitment strengthens the health and well-being of North Carolina communities.

👉 Explore Northwest AHEC’s Upcoming Nursing Programs - Click Here