OVERVIEW
The Institute of Medicine of Chicago Maternal & Child Health Workgroup began in the fall of 2023 to unite industry leaders, community advocacy groups, and experts in maternal and child health across the Chicagoland area and the State of Illinois to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in maternal and child health, emphasizing the intersection of physical and mental health.
In addition to webinars and its specific initiatives, the Maternal & Child Health Symposium hosts an annual symposium addressing access to care, behavioral health, social challenges, and currently available resources to improve outcomes. Through collaborative discussions and evidence-based strategies, the symposium aims to address disparities and enhance healthcare for mothers and children in our communities.
The 2025 Maternal & Child Health Symposium consisted of over 20 speakers, an interactive panel and an opportunity to share lessons and challenges. See video here>
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The Maternal & Child Health Workgroup is dedicated to supporting women's and infants' health before, during, and after pregnancy, through clinical care and leadership. Made up of IOMC Fellows, the Workgroup is committed to improving maternal and child health, reducing mortality and morbidity, and advancing health equity by addressing healthcare disparities in Chicago and across the State of Illinois.
Maternal and Child Health care, in general, is the health services provided to mothers (women in their child bearing age) and children. age range is from 15 – 49 years of age, children, school age population and adolescents.
Infant mortality refers to the loss of a baby before reaching their first birthday. This measure is widely recognized as a key reflection of a community’s overall health and well-being. In 2022, the United States reported an infant mortality rate of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births (CDC, 2026).
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Maternal & Child Health Workgroup is to identify and reduce key healthcare disparities impacting maternal & child health, mortality and morbidity, and identify intended actions and timeline to advance maternal justice through clinical care practices.
OBJECTIVES
- Improve access to entry-level OB care
- Establish a Level II Ultrasound OB facility on the south side
- Address transportation issues for people seeking upper-level OB care
- Promote the importance and necessity of Implicit Bias Training - hospitals and providers, and educate patients
- Create an open network for OB care for Medicaid-managed care plans
- Address the issue of malpractice rates for OB-GYN physicians
Maternal & Child Health Workgroup
Beena Peters, DNP, RN,FACHE, FABC, FAAN, Fellow, IOMC
Chair, Maternal & Child Health Workgroup, IOMC
Former System Chief Nursing Executive, Cook County Health System
Dawn Gay, MBA-HCM, Fellow, IOMC
Chief Relationship Officer, Executive Director, CareAdvisors
Lisa Green, DO, MPH, Fellow, IOMC
Chief Executive Officer, Family Christian Health Center
Ian Jasenof, MD, FACOG, MHA, CPE, Fellow, IOMC
Chief Medical Officer, Mile Square Center University of Illinois Health Center
Lovelle Reynolds, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, CNE, Fellow, IOMC
Nursing Faculty, City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
Myrtis Sullivan, MD, MPH, Fellow, IOMC
Professor, Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Chicago Medical School
Anita Stewart, MD, MPH, JD, MBA, Billings Fellow, IOMC
Director, Retired, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois; Department Chair, Medical Studies, Borra College of Health Science, Dominican University
If you are interested in joining the Maternal & Child Workgroup, send an email to contactus@iomc.org.
Related Links
IOMC Programmatic Focus - visit this page>
4.22.2025 IOMC- 1st Maternal & Child Health Symposium. Video. 155 minutes.
3.10.2023 Webinar- Resistance to Adopting Childhood Vaccines - Is this a Rising Public Health Issue?
2.24.2023 Webinar- Advancing Maternal and Child Health Workgroup Action Plan. 62 minutes. Summary Brief Download here
Video Library: Visit IOMC's Video Library for more information related to Maternal & Child Health and other topics, click here>
Calendar and Events: Check the IOMC Calendar and Programs for upcoming events>Events
Blog: Check IOMC's Blog for more information on Maternal & Child Health and other relevant topics, visit this page>
Mailing List: If you would like to join this workgroup or obtain more information and news, send an email to info@iomc.org.
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