Provided by Virginia Women and Family Support Center
This weekend, something powerful happened.
The Virginia Women and Family Support Center Maternal Health Workshop brought together providers, doulas, OB-GYNs, therapists, elected officials, mothers, and community leaders for one shared purpose: to listen, to learn, and to take meaningful steps toward improving maternal health outcomes and saving lives.
From the very first conversation to the final session, the day was filled with honesty, expertise, and a deep commitment to change. Real stories were shared. Evidence-based insights were explored. Most importantly, a community came together around the belief that maternal health is not just a moment in time but a lifelong journey that deserves attention, care, and action.
VAWFSC is Grateful For
… The sponsors who made the 2026 Maternal Health Workshop possible: Sentara Health, Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems Inc./EAESSI, Pelvic Pro Physical Therapy, and The Bracero Family.
… The volunteers, thank you for giving your 110%. From early morning setup to the final moments of the day, your energy, care, and commitment did not go unnoticed. You helped create an environment that was welcoming, organized, and full of heart.
… Speakers, thank you for sharing your knowledge, your experiences, and your voices: Alana Hillard, Amy Hammond, Dr. Helen Chin, Dr. Carmen Bailey, Dr. Tontra Lowe, Ruth Alleyne, Dr. Shirlea North, Phyllis Jennings-Holt, Madelle Kangha, Senator Emily Jordan, Leslie Greene, Claire Labrie, Tanya Bittenbender, Patricia Davis, Demetrius Geiger, Dr. Grishma Shah, Dr. Lauren Arrington, Elizabeth Hawkes, Delegate Michelle Maldonado, Frances Robin, Delegate Josh Thomas, Pat Victorson, Lydia Allen, Pastor Stevie Burke, Meagan Pa, Sultana Karim, Dr. Roxanne Mirabal-Beltran, Dr. Ryshell Henderson, Elizabeth Wilson, Marcia Flowers, Tonja Ancrum, Dana Wright, and the team at Virginia Women and Family Support Center.
Each of you brought something essential to this conversation. Because of you, attendees walked away more informed, more connected, and more inspired to be part of the solution to improve maternal health outcomes.
… The generous food sponsors who helped care for the community throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks were generously sponsored by Wegmans, Cracker Barrel, Gainesville Diner, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Glory Days, and Pizza NY Margherita, Costco, and Agape Love.
This workshop may have been one day, but its impact will continue.
Keep this momentum going, stay connected, and take the next step:
- Come to the Jazz on the Lawn event celebrating 10 years of housing women and families! Register at vawfsc.org/jazzonthelawn
- Leave a lasting legacy by purchasing a commemorative brick to support women and children at vawfsc.org/legacybricks
Together, let’s build a future that supports healthier mothers, stronger children, and a more compassionate community.
