The Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC) hosted its 9th Annual Summit on October 19–20, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia. Held at the historic Hotel Roanoke, the event brought together more than 150 maternal and infant health professionals, partners, advocates, and community members from across the Commonwealth.
This year’s summit theme was “Building Up Opportunities: Innovate, Act, Transform,” and featured two distinguished keynote speakers: Mayor of Roanoke, Joe Cobb, and epidemiologist and public health advocate, Dr. Brian Castrucci. Mayor Cobb and Dr. Castrucci’s insights helped frame timely conversations about improving outcomes for women, infants, and families in Virginia.
Attendees also enjoyed dedicated time connecting with colleagues and networking across disciplines before the conference, fostering meaningful collaborations that will continue long after the conference. More than 60 attendees joined the reception held on October 19, which served as an icebreaker before the full program began. The reception included an engaging round of trivia featuring maternal and infant health facts, key statistics from across Virginia, and fun facts about VNPC, making it both a social and educational way to kick off the summit.
Throughout the summit, VNPC staff shared updates on achievements from the past year, emerging trends in maternal and infant health, statewide data insights, and upcoming initiatives. 
Participants selected breakout tracks aligned with the summit theme, “Innovate, Act, and Transform.” Each track featured two sessions led by expert speakers, for a total of 12 speakers overall. With two breakout blocks on the agenda, attendees were able to join up to four sessions total—covering topics such as child protective services’ response to substance- exposed infants, strategies for doula inclusivity, and building foundations for trauma-informed care.
A community panel spotlighted leaders who are driving innovative, community-centered approaches to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Additionally, over a dozen vendors including medical technology companies, non-profits, and community partners connected with attendees and contributed valuable resources, enriching the overall conference experience. A highlight of the event was the first in-person introduction of Ginny, VNPC’s new mascot, who brought excitement, smiles, and a sense of shared identity to the collaborative’s growing community.
The summit also honored outstanding leaders in maternal and infant health through the VNPC 9th Annual Summit Awards.
- The Donald Dudley Bacon Award for Hospital Recognition was presented to Daphne Bazile, MD, for her commitment to improving care within hospital settings.
- The Donald Dudley Iced Tea Award for Community Recognition went to Degra Nofsinger, CPM, whose community-based work continues to elevate maternal and infant health across Virginia.
- The Joan Williamson Wonder Nurse Award was awarded to Namrata Khanal, MPH, BSN, RN, in celebration of her exceptional dedication and impact as a standout nurse in her community.
Save the date: The 10th Annual VNPC Summit will take place on October 25–26, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. Join us as we celebrate a decade of statewide collaboration and progress in maternal and infant health!
