Building a Healthier Future for Families: CareFirst’s Maternal Health Summit
In April, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) welcomed healthcare providers, policy advocates, nonprofit partners and community leaders from across the region for its maternal health summit. The event provided a dedicated space to collaborate on solutions to the maternal health crisis, focusing on equity, connection and community-driven change.
The summit featured clinical education workshops, peer learning sessions and panel discussions that explored topics such as culturally competent care, behavioral health and social drivers of health. Attendees included frontline clinicians, health system leaders, maternal health advocates, researchers and nonprofit organizers, all working towards a shared goal: improving outcomes for mothers and families across the region.
The day began with remarks from Brian D. Pieninck, CareFirst’s President and CEO, who announced a $1.4 million investment in the Developing Families Maternal Health Fund, a partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation. This fund will support local organizations working to eliminate disparities in maternal health and create sustainable, community-based care models. The full announcement can be found in here.
"At CareFirst, we believe that every mother deserves access to quality care and support. This investment is a step towards ensuring that all families have the resources they need to thrive," said Brian D. Pieninck, President and CEO of CareFirst.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations and hands-on learning while also visiting a community partners expo showcasing vital services available to expecting and new families. The summit concluded with a volunteer activation event focused on menstrual care and infant needs, further reinforcing the importance of collective action in supporting whole-person health.
CareFirst is proud to help convene partners who are advancing maternal health from every angle—clinical, social and systemic. We look forward to continuing this work together in service of stronger, healthier communities.
