By Summer Williams
Trinity Times Correspondent

For women in Washington, D.C., pregnancy can bring life-threatening risks alongside the promise of a new life. 

Barriers to prenatal care and persistently high maternal mortality rates have made maternal health a pressing public health concern, prompting health professionals and advocates to examine how to better protect mothers and their babies. Those challenges took center stage Sept. 17 at Trinity Washington University, where the D.C. Public Health Association held its 2026 annual meeting to address maternal health and the factors that influence pregnancy outcomes in the nation’s capital.

The event in Trinity’s O’Connor Hall brought attention to maternal mortality, healthcare disparities and resources available to mothers and children. The discussion also highlighted the importance of community support and featured Moose Alperin, president-elect of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

For Trinity students, the event was more than a conversation about public health. It was an opportunity to learn about issues affecting women in their communities and how they can become part of the solution.

Nicole Betschman, an associate professor of public health at Trinity, told Trinity Times this event helped students connect what they are learning in the classroom.

Although Trinity does not currently offer a dedicated course in maternal and child health, topics such as advocacy, community resources, program planning and the effects of health disparities on different populations are woven throughout both programs, Betschman said.

One of the biggest concerns discussed was maternal mortality, particularly among Black women in Washington, D.C.

According to figures cited by Betschman, Black women account for approximately half of all births in the District but more than 75% of pregnancy-related deaths. She also highlighted  disparities in access to maternal healthcare in Wards 7 and 8, where residents continue to face barriers to obtaining care.

Education and community resources can help address these disparities, Betschman said, adding that organizations such as Mamatoto Village and DC Health as examples of resources that students can learn about and share with others.

For students like Princess Garuba, a sophomore nursing major at Trinity, the event showed why learning about maternal and child health is important, even for those who are not currently parents.

Garuba said maternal and child health education is especially important at Trinity because of its history as a women’s college. She explained that some students may be considering having children or may already be pregnant, making it important for them to understand the healthcare resources available to them.

Garuba also recalled learning how difficulties with medical referrals and healthcare access can discourage women from seeking the care they need.

This event helped biochemistry major Catherine Owusu-Brinfour understand how community organizations support women who may feel overwhelmed by pregnancy or motherhood.

“What I learned is that there are organizations that are out there for people to utilize that specifically cater towards women that are in need of any maternal health resources,” Owusu-Brinfour said.

Trinity could do more to educate students about maternal and child health by offering additional events or seminars focused on healthcare resources and the needs of student parents, she told Trinity Times.

“I also think that Trinity should do more events like this,” Owusu-Brinfour said, suggesting that future programs could focus more directly on Trinity students and their experiences.

Beyond providing information, the meeting encouraged students to recognize their responsibility in advocating for healthier communities.

Improving maternal and child health begins with making healthcare accessible to everyone, Alperin said.

“I think one of the things that always needs to be improved is access to care,” she said. “People need access to affordable, accessible, equitable healthcare, regardless of who they are.”

Alperin also encouraged students to become involved in issues that matter to them, whether they plan to pursue careers in public health or other fields.

“Use your voice,” she said. “Speak out about topics and issues that are important to you and to your community.” 

Betschman echoed this message, explaining that colleges like Trinity have a responsibility to prepare future public health professionals through education, internships and hands-on experiences.

Improving maternal and child health requires involvement from entire communities, not just mothers or healthcare professionals, she said.

As conversations about maternal mortality and healthcare access continue across Washington, D.C., the meeting served as a reminder that education and awareness are important steps toward change.

For Trinity students, the message was clear: understanding maternal and child health is not just about preparing for a future career or motherhood. It is also about recognizing the challenges facing women and families today and using that knowledge to help create healthier communities.

“We need your energy,” Alperin reminded students. “We need your innovation, your excitement, your passion, and your voice.”