ABOUT THE MATERNAL HEALTH WORKSHOP
Join Virginia Women and Family Support Center for a transformative Maternal Health Workshop, to raise awareness about maternal health crisis, educate our community on the maternal health issues, empower women to advocate for themselves. empower mothers and mothers-to-be with resources, and essential knowledge about maternal health. This event unites healthcare professionals, mothers, policymakers, advocates, mothers-to-be, and community leaders to address critical issues impacting maternal health in our state and communities. Expert speakers and engaging panel discussions will cover topics such as improving maternal health outcomes, supporting mental health, prenatal care, nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, creating birth plans, self-advocacy during labor, and postpartum care. Together, let’s support women and families for healthier futures.

Meet Our Keynote Speaker
Dr. Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN
Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN is a nationally recognized nursing thought leader whose expertise is at the nexus of health equity, social justice, anti-Black racism, mental health, and community-centered work. As the inaugural Dean of the relaunched School of Nursing at Georgetown University, she works with internal and external stakeholders to establish a world class academic destination for advancing excellence in nursing education, research, scholarship, and transformative engagement with communities. She is responsible for academic and operational leadership of the school, which is composed of prelicensure, master’s and doctoral nursing programs.
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Waite’s expertise is amplified in her roles as Board Director for Family Process Institute, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Georgetown MedStar Hospital, and Advancing Health Equity’s National Advisory Board supported by the RWJF. As an inaugural Macy Faculty Scholar, her educational research focused on leadership development of nursing and health professions students using a social justice lens.

KEY SESSIONS
The Housing-Maternal Health Connection
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The impact of housing stability on maternal stress, pregnancy & infant health outcomes
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How evictions, overcrowding, and unsafe housing affect pregnancy
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How homelessness and housing insecurity increase maternal and infant mortality
Research highlights: The links between housing access and preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Affordable housing and birth outcomes
Policy, Medicaid & Healthcare Systems
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Medicaid coverage expansion for pregnant women and housing supports
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Federal & state policies that impact maternal housing and healthcare access
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Local solutions & funding opportunities for housing-insecure pregnant women
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Medicaid & maternal health: Coverage gaps, expansion efforts & opportunities
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The intersection of housing assistance programs & maternal care
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Funding opportunities: Grants, public assistance, and nonprofit programs
Trauma, Mental Health & Housing Insecurity
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The psychological effects of housing instability on pregnant women
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Screening & interventions for mental and maternal health risks in housing-insecure mothers
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How housing insecurity affects perinatal mental health & postpartum depression
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The role of trauma-informed care in supporting homeless pregnant women
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Solutions: Supportive housing models, counseling services & community partnerships
Pregnancy, Nutrition, and Postpartum
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Programs & partnerships
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Exercise during pregnancy
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Postpartum Physical
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Newborn care
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Bathing, Feeding, Schedules and Routines
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Best practices from nonprofit, healthcare, and government sectors
Pregnancy Grief and Loss
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First Time Pregnancy and Mental Health
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Managing Physical Recovery
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Grief and Loss
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Recognizing and addressing Postpartum depression and anxiety
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Best practices Creating Plans to address Mental health, Postpartum, Grief and Loss
Mental and Emotional Well-being
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Managing Stress and Anxiety
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Techniques for relaxation and mindfulness
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Recognizing and addressing prenatal depression
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Building a Support Network
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Importance of social support
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Connecting with local resources
WHEN
APRIL 19, 2025
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
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WHERE
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
PRINCE WILLIAM CAMPUS
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10900 University Boulevard
Manassas, VA 20110

CONTACT
571-261-2838
ADDRESS
14019A Glenkirk Rd.
Gainesville, VA 20155
ABOUT VAWFSC
Virginia Women and Family Support Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to housing and supporting women and families experiencing homelessness.