On April 24, 2025, nearly 100 dedicated attendees, speakers, and vendors from across Virginia gathered in Richmond for the 6th Annual Day of Learning, hosted by the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC). This event was a powerful reminder of the impact that collective efforts can have in breaking down barriers in advancing maternal and infant health in our communities.
We were privileged to hear from Leah Mills, the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources, who spoke about the incredible work of healthcare professionals, public health workers, and community leaders across Virginia. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and the vital role each of us plays in improving the health and well-being of mothers and infants throughout the Commonwealth.
During the event, the VNPC team shared updates on our recent work, including the recipients of the Spring 2025 VNPC Community Fund, findings from our latest report on substance use in the perinatal population, and our new podcast created in partnership with the CDC’s Hear Her campaign. This podcast, Bear Hug Conversations, focuses on urgent maternal warning signs and this knowledge’s potential to provide for early prevention and/or recognition of life-threatening conditions.
The heart of the Day of Learning was the numerous breakout sessions offered. Nine learning sessions in total were led by subject matter experts in a wide range of disciplines and areas. From Dr. Avery Michienzi’s insightful discussion on supporting pregnant and parenting women exposed to cannabis to Bonnie Daniels and Lori Johnson’s presentation on women’s health navigation, these sessions provided deep dives into some of the most pressing issues in maternal and infant health today.
Attendees came from a vast array of specialties, agencies, fields and backgrounds helped make the 2025 Day of Learning that much more enriching and meaningful. From neonatal nurse practitioners to public health professionals to doulas, attendees came together to network, share ideas, and form connections that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations aimed at improving health outcomes in Virginia.
We were also honored to have a diverse group of vendors join us, offering valuable resources, education and services for Virginia communities. First Shift Justice Project shared information on their work in providing advocacy and legal support for families, while Organon provided information on their work in advancing women’s health through postpartum hemorrhage technologies. Virginia Health Information provided resources on how they utilize vital data and analytics to support the health of the Commonwealth’s moms and babies, while Early Impact Virginia highlighted their initiatives to support early childhood development and family support. Additionally, representatives from the Virginia Department of Health’s Newborn Blood Spot Screening initiative were present to share about the importance of early detection in promoting infant health. The participation of these vendors undoubtedly enriched the event, leaving our attendees better informed and connected, and overall strengthened the collaborative spirit of the day.
The VNPC is grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the 2025 Day of Learning, whether as a vendor, speaker, or participant. Your engagement and commitment to advancing maternal and infant health is what makes these events so meaningful. We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Fall Summit on October 19-20, 2025, in Roanoke, VA. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and make a difference, one connection at a time.