Healthy Generations eNewsletter

A recent article (A Somali Tradition of Postpartum Care in Minnesota) in the UMN School of Public Health's Advances Magazine features The 40-Day Project (40DP), a community-based curriculum that supports immigrant parents during the postpartum period. The Center is proud to support the 40DP through paid deployments (internships) to former and current MCH students Mollie Kohler, Munira Salad and Ruby Kinney, who have helped grow the project over the years. Additionally, the Center received a supplemental grant from HRSA MCHB that provided partial funding for a June 2026 40DP facilitator training for Somali and Latinx community members interested in delivering the 40-Day curriculum. Thanks to the team at the University of Minnesota Extension, and their community partners and facilitators, for undertaking this important work!

Another article in Advances highlights MCH alum Sonja Ausen (MPH ‘17). Sonja is a birth and death midwife, and her experience provides insight into the intersection of grief, trauma, healing and public health. Sonja shares, “When people feel safe and supported in their grief, and when we can collectively process the losses our communities and culture have experienced, the result is not only greater connection and resilience, but better health outcomes for everyone.”

#UMNMCH student Lauryn Magwaro (MPH 2027) reflects on how her deployment with the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) in North Minneapolis has deepened her interest in community health and maternal and child health (MCH). In this reflection, she shares how her experience with NAZ bridged her academic training and personal passions, highlighting how a NAZ scholarship is supporting her journey to doula certification. Read more about Lauryn’s experience here.

November 17, 2026 | 12:00 pm-1:00 pm CT | Virtual

Join the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) for a discussion that will highlight both the opportunities and challenges libraries may encounter when supporting rural health, including issues related to access, community partnerships and reaching underserved populations. Attendees will hear directly from panelists about their experiences, lessons learned and practical approaches that may be adapted in other library and community settings.

• Register here (log in required)

November 18, 2026 | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm CT | Virtual

This event is the final virtual webinar in a four-part series entitled “Reimagining Access: Solutions to Strengthen Maternal Health Care Across Communities,” hosted by the March of Dimes Mom and Baby Action Network. This webinar will focus on community-centered solutions, policy opportunities, workforce strategies and innovative approaches that help communities maintain access to safe, high-quality obstetric care.

• Register here

December 16, 2026 | 8:30 am-10:00 am CT | Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs

In honor of the late Esther Wattenberg, the UMN Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) and the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) is hosting the 2026 Esther Wattenberg Policy Forum and Breakfast. Join the organizers for a delicious breakfast and a short program.

• Register here

• Website: MCH Appropriations Alliance (MCHAA)
  MCHAA is a coordinated voice for advancing federal investments in MCH. The newly published site serves as a hub for connecting stakeholders, MCH advocates and presents opportunities for engagement.

• Video: From Housing to Health-Building Systems That Help Families Thrive From the Start Last month, Thrive From the Start hosted a webinar exploring how housing and homelessness systems can work together with health care systems to better support families during pregnancy and early childhood. Watch here.

• November National Observance Resources

• National Native American Heritage Month

• National Diabetes Month

• National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month