Partner Message Board
Find updated progress updates, event reminders, emerging resources and more here.
May Wk 2, 2026
Next Partner Meeting:
Wed., June 10th
12:00pm - 1:30pm
*In Person* at UROC
Events
May is American Indian Month in MN!
Thu., May 21st | 2pm-6pm - MIWRC Open House & Community Feast
Tues., May 26th | 2pm-4pm - AIFC Open House
Thu., May 28th | 6pm-8pm - NATIFS Open House
For more events, click here
Announcements
Minneapolis Health Dept Recognizes BJC
Birth Justice Collaborative was honored with the A Healthy Start to Life and Learning, Thriving Youth and Young Adults award for outstanding efforts to strengthen systems of care, partnerships, and support for pregnant and parenting families by the Minneapolis Health Department during its annual Local Public Health Heroes Award Ceremony and Resource Fair!
Emerging Resources
MDH Survey of Doulas, Birthworkers, Midwives
The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking input from doulas, birthworkers, and midwives across the state through two important workforce surveys. These surveys aim to better understand who is providing care, where services are offered, barriers to success, workforce strengths, and what support is needed to expand access to care. Responses will help inform strategies to strengthen Minnesota’s doula and midwifery workforce and improve health outcomes for mothers, fathers, birthing people, and infants.
Each survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and will remain open through June 30. Ten participants (five from each survey) will be randomly selected to receive a $100 gift card. If you work in one of these professions, please complete the survey and share it widely within your networks.
Doula & Birthworker Survey: https://redcap.health.state.mn.us/redcap/surveys/?s=FHJDM7RMCR9P8NMJ
Midwife Survey: https://redcap.health.state.mn.us/redcap/surveys/?s=LAD3RCJR9LNMFLX9
Legislative & Funding Updates
The Birth Justice Collaborative and partners have been advocating for:
A Medicaid waiver to allow coverage of culturally specific, community-based birth practices; and
Sustained funding for Homeplace-style programs that support Black families with holistic, community-rooted care before, during, and after pregnancy.
These priorities have been critical given ongoing disparities in maternal health outcomes as families in Minnesota continue to face significantly higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, driven by systemic inequities in access, care quality, and culturally competent services.
These two priorities were not included in either the House or Senate bills omnibus bills but we continue to seek funding and a path forward for both priorities, working with lead authors and supporters.
During our upcoming Policy Strategy Meeting, on Monday, June 8th, we will discuss this sessions gains, and how to leverage them going forward into the Spring 2027 session.
April Wk 4, 2026
Next Partner Meeting:
NEXT WEEK!
Wed., May 6th
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Zoom (online)
Events & Opportunities
May 2 - AIPBL Naming Ceremony (not open to public)
MNQPC Pregnancy & Substance Use Survey (link)
Emerging Resources
Integrated Care for High-Risk Pregnancies (ICHRP) RFP
The Integrated Care for High-Risk Pregnancies (ICHRP) RFP is now live and can be found here! This program is housed within the Health Care Administration at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The purpose of this program is to reduce adverse outcomes such as prenatal substance use, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
The RFP is focused on initiating new ICHRP care collaboratives, led by the Native and/or Black Communities. The work funded by the grant must be spent on initiatives to serve American Indian and/or African American Medicaid enrollees during the perinatal period (from conception through one-year post-partum). The lead organization must be a Tribal or non-profit community-based organization whose board members and staff reflect the community of focus.
This opportunity is for an initial two-year grant with the ability to be renewed for up to five years total before having to reapply. The funding available is approximately $1,200,000.00 per fiscal year. The State anticipates awarding one or more contracts to qualified grantees, and funding does not need to be split equally among the grantees.
The RFP must be submitted electronically by May 15th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to be considered.
Additional questions regarding the RFP may be sent to Jordon Barthel (Jordon.Barthel@state.mn.us) before May 1st, 2026 at 4:00PM.
Legislative & Funding Updates
The legislature remains at a budget impasse, with no agreed-upon targets and only a skeletal budget resolution advancing, while shifting forecasts (from surplus to deficit) are influencing a more cautious fiscal approach. Some policy movement continues, including revenue-neutral bills, select Senate Health and Human Services priorities, and ongoing negotiations led by key leaders, though alignment between the House and Senate remains limited. Looking ahead, there are opportunities to strengthen coalition-based maternal health advocacy; aligning with shared priorities, preparing new 2027 bill drafts (including HomePlace and the 1115 waiver), and potentially advancing a competitive grant funding model over direct appropriations.
April Wk 3, 2026
Next Partner Meeting:
Wed., May 6th
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Zoom (online)
Emerging Resources
Training: Webinar training on perinatal substance use disorders
Perinatal substance use disorder training hosted by the Policy Center, Postpartum Support International, and Colorado Department of Public Health. Learn more about how to recognize and effectively respond to substance use concerns during pregnancy, early parenthood, and with the birthing parent/child dyad. Considerations related to treatment and supporting the parent-child relationship will be discussed. Visit Perinatal Substance Use Disorders 101 to register for one of the three remaining training dates: April 20, July 27, and Oct. 5.
Grant to Prevent Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in Minnesota’s American Indian and Black/African American Populations
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) seeks applications for the Grant to Prevent Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in Minnesota’s American Indian and Black/African American Populations. The purpose of the grant is to fund one organization to create, manage, and support Community Action Teams to implement culturally appropriate, data driven solutions to reduce sudden unexpected infant deaths in Minnesota’s American Indian and Black/African American populations. Find out more here.
Legislative & Funding Updates
HF4720: A new bill to expand Medical Assistance coverage to include culturally specific health and wellness services is moving forward this session. The legislation also establishes a task force to guide implementation and requires a report to ensure accountability, learning, and long-term impact. Authored by Rep. Agbaje and co-authored by Reps. Clardy and Reyer, with companion leadership from Senator Oumo Verboten, the Senate companion language was signed last week, marking meaningful progress. Update from policy partners is forthcoming on Wed. 4/22.
April Wk 1, 2026
Next Partner Meeting:
Wed., May 6th
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Zoom (online)
Upcoming Events
Apr 11-17. Black Maternal Health Week
Apr 13. AABC “Rooted in Justice & Joy” Event
Apr 15. AABC AA Community Baby Shower
Apr 18. NACC AI Community Baby Shower
Emerging Resources
Training: Psychosocial Support Essentials for Minnesota’s Providers link
US Breastfeeding Committee is looking for award candidates for their upcoming (June) Conference: Categories include the Hamlin-Taylor Community Impact Leader Award, the Native Knowledge Award, and the Cultural Changemaker Award. Submission is due April 10th.