Stronger Together: Missouri Comes Together to Advance Maternal and Infant Health
Published Oct 22, 2026
More than a conference, the 2026 MO PQC Maternal and Infant Symposium served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when clinicians, hospitals, community organizations and state partners work toward a shared goal. Held Oct. 13-15 in Branson, Mo., the symposium brought together nearly 200 maternal and infant health champions from across Missouri to share successes, learn from one another and continue building momentum for better outcomes across the state.
Throughout the three-day event, one message surfaced again and again: meaningful change happens when health care teams, community partners and families work together.
“The symposium showcased the strength of Missouri’s maternal and infant health community and the collective commitment to improving outcomes for families across the state,” said Alison Williams, Missouri Hospital Association’s division vice president of clinical quality affairs and MO PQC lead. “Through collaboration, innovation and a shared vision for the future, our attendees left Branson with new ideas, stronger connections and renewed motivation to continue advancing this important work.”
Participants explored a wide range of topics, from maternal mental health and postpartum care to neonatal outcomes and new quality improvement initiatives. Yet, despite the diversity of sessions and speakers, several common themes emerged.
Strengthening Clinical and Community Connections
Many presentations and workshops highlighted the importance of bridging gaps between health care and community-based services. Sessions focused on strengthening care coordination, supporting families beyond delivery, and creating pathways that connect patients to the resources they need throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Programs such as Project STORK and discussions around postpartum care reinforced the value of partnerships that extend beyond the hospital walls.
Speakers emphasized that improving outcomes requires more than excellent clinical care alone. It requires coordinated systems that support families across settings, organizations and communities.
Turning Evidence Into Action
Another recurring theme centered on quality improvement implementation. Across Missouri, teams are working to take proven practices, toolkits, and quality improvement strategies and embed them into daily clinical workflows.
From presentations focused on neonatal encephalopathy recognition and management to sessions addressing maternal mental health, emergency preparedness, and postpartum care, attendees shared practical strategies for translating evidence into action and creating sustainable change within their organizations.
The conversation consistently returned to a key question: How can we ensure effective practices are not isolated successes but become standard care across Missouri?
Recognizing Progress While Looking Ahead
One of the symposium’s most meaningful takeaways was the recognition that Missouri’s collective efforts are making a difference.
As outcome data and statewide progress were highlighted throughout the event, attendees reflected on the impact of years of collaboration, quality improvement work, and investment in maternal and infant health. The initiatives, resources and toolkits developed through Missouri’s perinatal quality improvement efforts are helping drive real change across the state.
While there is still work to be done, the symposium offered an opportunity to celebrate measurable progress and acknowledge the commitment of hospitals, providers and community partners that have made those advances possible.
Dreaming Audaciously About What’s Next
At the same time, participants were encouraged not to become comfortable with the status quo.
A spirit of optimism and ambition echoed throughout the symposium, challenging attendees to continue imagining what better care can look like and to be willing to lead that change. Whether through innovative partnerships, new models of care or quality improvement initiatives, speakers repeatedly called on attendees to think boldly about the future of maternal and infant health in Missouri.
The message was clear: meaningful progress begins when people are willing to envision something better and work together to make it a reality.