Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium Celebrates 20th Anniversary During Annual Summit

NEWS FEED

Delaware EARNS Savers Reach $10 Million in Retirement Assets
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

HCA and Archaeological Society of Delaware Announce Presenters, Delmarva Archaeology & History Symposium
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium Celebrates 20th Anniversary During Annual Summit
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

EPA, DDA, Renew Pledge to First State Farming, Environmental Health with Memorandum of Understanding
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Students named 2026 Secretary of Education Scholars
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

DNREC-Sponsored Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale to be Held on Saturday, May 2
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Governor Meyer Announces Application Opening for Student Member of State Board Of Education
Date Posted: April 13, 2026

DNREC to Hold Training at Cape Henlopen for Volunteer Beach-nesting Bird Monitors Saturday, May 2
Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Mezzanine Gallery presents Mike McSorley’s “Out of the Ordinary”
Date Posted: April 10, 2026

DMV Scam Alert
Date Posted: April 9, 2026

John Dickinson and the Defense of Delaware at the Archives’ April First Saturday Program
Date Posted: April 9, 2026

DNREC Announces Two New Superintendents for Delaware State Parks
Date Posted: April 9, 2026

EDGE 2.0 Finalists and Pitch Competition Dates Announced
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Governor Meyer, DSPC, and Enstructure Announce Permit Issuance for Delaware Container Terminal
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Delaware’s 2025 Wildlife Action Plan Gets U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Approval
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Dover House Fire
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Governor Meyer Appoints Brenda Wise to DEFAC
Date Posted: April 7, 2026

DNREC to Conduct Statewide Assessment of Wastewater Infrastructure in Manufactured Home Communities
Date Posted: April 7, 2026

Governor Meyer Nominates Bob Osmond as Chief Information Officer
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Houston House Fire
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Upcoming Electricity Rate Increase Adds to Cost Increases for Delmarva Customers
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump to block election interference
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Slow Down and Stay Focused: OHS Kicks Off Spring BRAKE and Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings wins appeals court ruling against HUD’s attempts to restrict housing-assistance programs
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Volunteers Sought to Join DNREC in Cleaning Up Concord Pond near Seaford for Earth Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointments Update
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

DMV on the Go for 2026
Date Posted: April 2, 2026

Historical and Cultural Affairs Presents Arts & Education Programs for the Month of April
Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Governor Meyer Names Updated Delaware Interfaith Council
Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Smyrna State Service Center Relocating to New Location on DHCI Campus
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Announces Deputy Director and PIO Appointments
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Los Líderes De Delaware Instan a Los Residentes a Conocer Sus Derechos
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Delaware Leaders Encourage Residents to Know Their Rights
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Delaware Releases Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and First PFAS Implementation Plan
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Turkey Hunting Season to Offer an Extra Day; Season Opens April 4 and 5 with Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunts
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

H.B. du Pont Middle School Students Crowned 2026 Solar Racer Champions
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Lewes Fire
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Delaware Veterans Connect, Create, and Showcase Their Work Through Free Statewide Art Classes
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Take A Kid Fishing! Program Returns for Special Spring Break Dates
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Electronic Red-Light Safety Program Adds 15 Locations
Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Court rules with State, clears way for offshore wind substation critical to Delaware’s energy future
Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Wilmington Fire
Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Expands Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission
Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Emergency Sirens Test on Tuesday, April 7
Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Announces Major Broadband Milestone for Delaware
Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Seventeen Officers Complete POST Instructor Course
Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Visit Delaware Releases Updated Travel Guide
Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Governor Meyer Orders Lowering of Flags to Honor Former State Senator Nancy Cook
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DOJ announces arrest of Delmar officer in stalking, sexual contact investigations
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Winners
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DE250 Invites Public to “Celebrate Delaware” at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Reopen April 1
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DOJ secures life sentences, additional time for two men involved in the murder of Shiheem Durham
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay Sits Down with Small Business Leaders Across the State
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DSHA kicks off healthy heart programming for residents
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Potassium Iodide Distribution on April 2 in Middletown
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Felton Fire
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Results of OHS’ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend DUI Checkpoint and Sober Rides Program
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Delaware Senators Move One Step Closer to Protecting Civil Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

BASSE Charter to close in June
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Delaware Launches New Statewide AI Training for State Employees
Date Posted: March 19, 2026

DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pool Habitats
Date Posted: March 17, 2026

DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week March 16 to 20
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Public Advocate Names New Deputy and Key Staff to Strengthen Consumer Advocacy
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

DOJ secures convictions in the murder of Marell Lowe
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Controlled Burn to be Scheduled at Brandywine Creek State Park
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Governor Meyer Celebrates 125 Years of Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Bring Your Family History to Life at the Archives’ Community Digitization Days
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Registration Now Open for DNREC-Sponsored Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8m to strengthen classroom reading instruction
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day Set for April 4
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Delaware Division of the Arts Seeks Public Input in New Statewide Strategic Planning Process
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire Declared Under Control
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

DNREC Announces 2025-‘26 Deer Harvest Totals, Launches New Interactive Game Harvest Dashboard
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Property Reassessment & Your Insurance: What Really Drives Premium Costs
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Amid Hints of Spring, DNREC Reminds Delawareans of Yard Waste Options, Including Beneficial Reuse
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Returns from India Trade Mission with New Investment and Innovation Opportunities
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Two Cape Henlopen Trails to Close for Repairs
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

DelDOT Accepting Applications for TAP Community Projects
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

Delaware Officials Highlight DTRN360, Innovative Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to stop latest round of illegal tariffs
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Policy Leaders Take Aim at Primary Care Reform, Health Care Affordability
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware students attend U.S. premiere of Glory Ride
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Women and Tavern Keeping on the Dover Green at the Archives’ March First Saturday Program
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointment System Now Open
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Smyrna Building Fire
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Proclaims March 9-13, 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Week
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

The Mezzanine Gallery presents Tanya Bracey’s “Community”
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DSB Launches Online Form to Nominate New Opportunity Zone Census Tracts
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

Attention Ag Insurance Agents: Subsidy issues subject of Monday, March 9 virtual Q&A with USDA Risk Management Agency
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings intervenes in USPS case that would allow guns to be mailed with virtually no limits
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

Delaware Department of Education sets measurable targets to accelerate student achievement statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings blocks another Trump Admin attempt to defund SNAP, collect personal data
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

March 1-7 is Weights and Measures Week in Delaware
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware Entradas a las fiestas para ver los partidos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 saldrán
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

NEWS FEED

Delaware EARNS Savers Reach $10 Million in Retirement Assets
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

HCA and Archaeological Society of Delaware Announce Presenters, Delmarva Archaeology & History Symposium
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium Celebrates 20th Anniversary During Annual Summit
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

EPA, DDA, Renew Pledge to First State Farming, Environmental Health with Memorandum of Understanding
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Students named 2026 Secretary of Education Scholars
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

DNREC-Sponsored Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale to be Held on Saturday, May 2
Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Governor Meyer Announces Application Opening for Student Member of State Board Of Education
Date Posted: April 13, 2026

DNREC to Hold Training at Cape Henlopen for Volunteer Beach-nesting Bird Monitors Saturday, May 2
Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Mezzanine Gallery presents Mike McSorley’s “Out of the Ordinary”
Date Posted: April 10, 2026

DMV Scam Alert
Date Posted: April 9, 2026

John Dickinson and the Defense of Delaware at the Archives’ April First Saturday Program
Date Posted: April 9, 2026

DNREC Announces Two New Superintendents for Delaware State Parks
Date Posted: April 9, 2026

EDGE 2.0 Finalists and Pitch Competition Dates Announced
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Governor Meyer, DSPC, and Enstructure Announce Permit Issuance for Delaware Container Terminal
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Delaware’s 2025 Wildlife Action Plan Gets U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Approval
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Dover House Fire
Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Governor Meyer Appoints Brenda Wise to DEFAC
Date Posted: April 7, 2026

DNREC to Conduct Statewide Assessment of Wastewater Infrastructure in Manufactured Home Communities
Date Posted: April 7, 2026

Governor Meyer Nominates Bob Osmond as Chief Information Officer
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Houston House Fire
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Upcoming Electricity Rate Increase Adds to Cost Increases for Delmarva Customers
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump to block election interference
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Slow Down and Stay Focused: OHS Kicks Off Spring BRAKE and Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings wins appeals court ruling against HUD’s attempts to restrict housing-assistance programs
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Volunteers Sought to Join DNREC in Cleaning Up Concord Pond near Seaford for Earth Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointments Update
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

DMV on the Go for 2026
Date Posted: April 2, 2026

Historical and Cultural Affairs Presents Arts & Education Programs for the Month of April
Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Governor Meyer Names Updated Delaware Interfaith Council
Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Smyrna State Service Center Relocating to New Location on DHCI Campus
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Announces Deputy Director and PIO Appointments
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Los Líderes De Delaware Instan a Los Residentes a Conocer Sus Derechos
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Delaware Leaders Encourage Residents to Know Their Rights
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Delaware Releases Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and First PFAS Implementation Plan
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Turkey Hunting Season to Offer an Extra Day; Season Opens April 4 and 5 with Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunts
Date Posted: March 31, 2026

H.B. du Pont Middle School Students Crowned 2026 Solar Racer Champions
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Lewes Fire
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Delaware Veterans Connect, Create, and Showcase Their Work Through Free Statewide Art Classes
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Take A Kid Fishing! Program Returns for Special Spring Break Dates
Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Electronic Red-Light Safety Program Adds 15 Locations
Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Court rules with State, clears way for offshore wind substation critical to Delaware’s energy future
Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Wilmington Fire
Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Expands Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission
Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Emergency Sirens Test on Tuesday, April 7
Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Announces Major Broadband Milestone for Delaware
Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Seventeen Officers Complete POST Instructor Course
Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Visit Delaware Releases Updated Travel Guide
Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Governor Meyer Orders Lowering of Flags to Honor Former State Senator Nancy Cook
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DOJ announces arrest of Delmar officer in stalking, sexual contact investigations
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Winners
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DE250 Invites Public to “Celebrate Delaware” at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Reopen April 1
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DOJ secures life sentences, additional time for two men involved in the murder of Shiheem Durham
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay Sits Down with Small Business Leaders Across the State
Date Posted: March 23, 2026

DSHA kicks off healthy heart programming for residents
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Potassium Iodide Distribution on April 2 in Middletown
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Felton Fire
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Results of OHS’ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend DUI Checkpoint and Sober Rides Program
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Delaware Senators Move One Step Closer to Protecting Civil Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

BASSE Charter to close in June
Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Delaware Launches New Statewide AI Training for State Employees
Date Posted: March 19, 2026

DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pool Habitats
Date Posted: March 17, 2026

DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week March 16 to 20
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Public Advocate Names New Deputy and Key Staff to Strengthen Consumer Advocacy
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

DOJ secures convictions in the murder of Marell Lowe
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Controlled Burn to be Scheduled at Brandywine Creek State Park
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Governor Meyer Celebrates 125 Years of Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Bring Your Family History to Life at the Archives’ Community Digitization Days
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Registration Now Open for DNREC-Sponsored Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8m to strengthen classroom reading instruction
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day Set for April 4
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Delaware Division of the Arts Seeks Public Input in New Statewide Strategic Planning Process
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire Declared Under Control
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

DNREC Announces 2025-‘26 Deer Harvest Totals, Launches New Interactive Game Harvest Dashboard
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Property Reassessment & Your Insurance: What Really Drives Premium Costs
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Amid Hints of Spring, DNREC Reminds Delawareans of Yard Waste Options, Including Beneficial Reuse
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Returns from India Trade Mission with New Investment and Innovation Opportunities
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Two Cape Henlopen Trails to Close for Repairs
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

DelDOT Accepting Applications for TAP Community Projects
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

Delaware Officials Highlight DTRN360, Innovative Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to stop latest round of illegal tariffs
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Policy Leaders Take Aim at Primary Care Reform, Health Care Affordability
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware students attend U.S. premiere of Glory Ride
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Women and Tavern Keeping on the Dover Green at the Archives’ March First Saturday Program
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointment System Now Open
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Smyrna Building Fire
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Proclaims March 9-13, 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Week
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

The Mezzanine Gallery presents Tanya Bracey’s “Community”
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DSB Launches Online Form to Nominate New Opportunity Zone Census Tracts
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

Attention Ag Insurance Agents: Subsidy issues subject of Monday, March 9 virtual Q&A with USDA Risk Management Agency
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings intervenes in USPS case that would allow guns to be mailed with virtually no limits
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

Delaware Department of Education sets measurable targets to accelerate student achievement statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings blocks another Trump Admin attempt to defund SNAP, collect personal data
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

March 1-7 is Weights and Measures Week in Delaware
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware Entradas a las fiestas para ver los partidos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 saldrán
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware News

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On April 13, the Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium (DHMIC) celebrated two decades of improving maternal and infant health during its annual summit. The theme — “Learning from the past. Leading in the present. Shaping maternal and child health for the future” — highlighted past achievements while focusing on innovative strategies to drive continued progress.

More than 370 maternal and infant health advocates attended the full-day event, which included presentations by industry experts, question and answer sessions to engage attendees, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and group breakout sessions. Engagement activities throughout the Chase Center ballroom showcased key initiatives and accomplishments that have shaped maternal and child health in Delaware.

“Reaching our 20 year milestone is both a celebration and a call to action,” said DHMIC Chair Dr. Priscilla Mpasi. “Our progress proves what is possible when communities, health systems, and policymakers work together. As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to ensuring every Delaware family has access to the care, support, and equitable opportunities they deserve.”

Multi-Emmy Award-winning and NAACP Image Award-winning director Emmai Alaquiva, served as the keynote speaker for the event. Alaquiva spoke about his award-winning film The Ebony Canal, showed clips from the film, and talked about the importance of getting out the stories of women who experience disparities in maternal health and infant outcomes, particularly in Black and Brown communities.

“The key takeaway today, for me, is bringing all of our partners together so we can learn from each other,” said Leah Jones, Division of Public Health (DPH) Section Chief of Family Health Systems. “While we celebrate the 20 years, we know there is still more work to be done. But when funding and data align, and we implement evidence-based strategies that we know will work, we can evaluate the progress and show a return on investment that will benefit not just mothers and their babies, but will allow all families to thrive.”

Since 2004, Delaware’s infant mortality rate dropped from the sixth highest among the states to the 22nd. According to the Division of Public Health, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2012–2020), Delaware experienced a 36.2% drop in infant mortality and a 17% increase in pregnancy intention. Delaware reached a record-low infant mortality rate of 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017-2021.

20-Year Recap:
• 2005 — Delaware’s infant mortality rate (IMR), as reported by DPH, was the sixth highest in the nation, with significant disparities across race and ethnicity. There were 9.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births (representing a five-year average from 2000 to 2004).¹
• 2006 — The IMTF produced several recommendations, including formally establishing DHMIC in Delaware law as a statewide, collaborative body focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes and reducing disparities.
• 2008 — Statewide prevention and education efforts expanded. DHMIC established committees, began a safe-sleep campaign (Long Live Dreams) based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, scaled up preconception health initiatives, and increased public awareness efforts that addressed prematurity and infant mortality risk factors.
• 2009 — Infant mortality rates began to decline.
• 2010 — As a result of the Affordable Care Act, the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program launched voluntary evidence-based Home Visiting Programs to serve families across the state.
• 2011 — Birthing hospitals began participating in coordinated maternal and infant quality-improvement initiatives, and statewide collaboration was established between hospitals, public health agencies, and maternal health experts.
• 2013 — Programs expanded access to maternal health services, specifically for underserved communities. Statewide education on safe sleep, reproductive life planning, and the health benefits of breastfeeding for both moms and babies continued.
• 2015 — Community-based strategies were implemented, including the Medical-Legal Partnership Program between DPH and the Community Legal Aid Society Inc. to develop a medical-legal partnership focused on supporting high-risk pregnant women in the Healthy Women, Healthy Babies program.
• 2017 — DHMIC strengthened preconception and postpartum interventions as well as maternal health education initiatives, while focusing on reducing racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.
• 2019 — The Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative (DPQC) was formally codified in Delaware law, providing a framework to support sustained statewide quality-improvement efforts in perinatal care.
• 2020 — Delaware’s infant mortality rate declined to 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births for the 2016–2020 period. This was a significant milestone compared to the state’s five-year average at the time the DHMIC was established, and it reflected sustained progress in maternal and child health efforts.
• 2022 — The Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program launched, providing pregnant women in the first and second trimester of their pregnancy with a guaranteed income of $1,000 each month for two years.
• 2022 — The Momnibus Legislation passed in the Delaware General Assembly, representing a comprehensive legislative effort to address racial disparities and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
• 2024 — The Delaware Home Visiting Program served 655 Delaware families and 634 children through 7,181 visits. This voluntary, evidence-based program promotes maternal and child health, strengthens parenting, and improves long-term family outcomes.
• 2026 — Delaware advanced statewide efforts to strengthen perinatal mental health access, screening, and support through House Concurrent Resolution 82 (HCR 82).

The DHMIC annually recognizes an individual and an organization that goes the extra mile to improve health and well-being throughout Delaware. The 2026 Kitty Esterly, MD Health Equity Champion Awards were presented to:
• Cassandra Codes-Benjamin, MPA, Director, School Support Services, Delaware Department of Education – A transformative leader whose more than twenty-year career has strengthened maternal and child health, Ms. Codes-Benjamin has advanced health equity, and shaped policy and systems at the state and national level. Her impact is deeply embedded across Delaware’s maternal, child, and family health landscape.
• Children & Families First Delaware – one of Delaware’s longest standing and most trusted non-profit leaders in providing the supports and services children and their families need to thrive.

Through partnerships and innovative initiatives, DHMIC will continue its mission to prevent infant and maternal mortality and improve the health of women of childbearing age and infants in Delaware. For more information visit DEThrives.com/DHMIC.

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On April 13, the Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium (DHMIC) celebrated two decades of improving maternal and infant health during its annual summit. The theme — “Learning from the past. Leading in the present. Shaping maternal and child health for the future” — highlighted past achievements while focusing on innovative strategies to drive continued progress.

More than 370 maternal and infant health advocates attended the full-day event, which included presentations by industry experts, question and answer sessions to engage attendees, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and group breakout sessions. Engagement activities throughout the Chase Center ballroom showcased key initiatives and accomplishments that have shaped maternal and child health in Delaware.

“Reaching our 20 year milestone is both a celebration and a call to action,” said DHMIC Chair Dr. Priscilla Mpasi. “Our progress proves what is possible when communities, health systems, and policymakers work together. As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to ensuring every Delaware family has access to the care, support, and equitable opportunities they deserve.”

Multi-Emmy Award-winning and NAACP Image Award-winning director Emmai Alaquiva, served as the keynote speaker for the event. Alaquiva spoke about his award-winning film The Ebony Canal, showed clips from the film, and talked about the importance of getting out the stories of women who experience disparities in maternal health and infant outcomes, particularly in Black and Brown communities.

“The key takeaway today, for me, is bringing all of our partners together so we can learn from each other,” said Leah Jones, Division of Public Health (DPH) Section Chief of Family Health Systems. “While we celebrate the 20 years, we know there is still more work to be done. But when funding and data align, and we implement evidence-based strategies that we know will work, we can evaluate the progress and show a return on investment that will benefit not just mothers and their babies, but will allow all families to thrive.”

Since 2004, Delaware’s infant mortality rate dropped from the sixth highest among the states to the 22nd. According to the Division of Public Health, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2012–2020), Delaware experienced a 36.2% drop in infant mortality and a 17% increase in pregnancy intention. Delaware reached a record-low infant mortality rate of 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017-2021.

20-Year Recap:
• 2005 — Delaware’s infant mortality rate (IMR), as reported by DPH, was the sixth highest in the nation, with significant disparities across race and ethnicity. There were 9.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births (representing a five-year average from 2000 to 2004).¹
• 2006 — The IMTF produced several recommendations, including formally establishing DHMIC in Delaware law as a statewide, collaborative body focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes and reducing disparities.
• 2008 — Statewide prevention and education efforts expanded. DHMIC established committees, began a safe-sleep campaign (Long Live Dreams) based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, scaled up preconception health initiatives, and increased public awareness efforts that addressed prematurity and infant mortality risk factors.
• 2009 — Infant mortality rates began to decline.
• 2010 — As a result of the Affordable Care Act, the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program launched voluntary evidence-based Home Visiting Programs to serve families across the state.
• 2011 — Birthing hospitals began participating in coordinated maternal and infant quality-improvement initiatives, and statewide collaboration was established between hospitals, public health agencies, and maternal health experts.
• 2013 — Programs expanded access to maternal health services, specifically for underserved communities. Statewide education on safe sleep, reproductive life planning, and the health benefits of breastfeeding for both moms and babies continued.
• 2015 — Community-based strategies were implemented, including the Medical-Legal Partnership Program between DPH and the Community Legal Aid Society Inc. to develop a medical-legal partnership focused on supporting high-risk pregnant women in the Healthy Women, Healthy Babies program.
• 2017 — DHMIC strengthened preconception and postpartum interventions as well as maternal health education initiatives, while focusing on reducing racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.
• 2019 — The Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative (DPQC) was formally codified in Delaware law, providing a framework to support sustained statewide quality-improvement efforts in perinatal care.
• 2020 — Delaware’s infant mortality rate declined to 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births for the 2016–2020 period. This was a significant milestone compared to the state’s five-year average at the time the DHMIC was established, and it reflected sustained progress in maternal and child health efforts.
• 2022 — The Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program launched, providing pregnant women in the first and second trimester of their pregnancy with a guaranteed income of $1,000 each month for two years.
• 2022 — The Momnibus Legislation passed in the Delaware General Assembly, representing a comprehensive legislative effort to address racial disparities and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
• 2024 — The Delaware Home Visiting Program served 655 Delaware families and 634 children through 7,181 visits. This voluntary, evidence-based program promotes maternal and child health, strengthens parenting, and improves long-term family outcomes.
• 2026 — Delaware advanced statewide efforts to strengthen perinatal mental health access, screening, and support through House Concurrent Resolution 82 (HCR 82).

The DHMIC annually recognizes an individual and an organization that goes the extra mile to improve health and well-being throughout Delaware. The 2026 Kitty Esterly, MD Health Equity Champion Awards were presented to:
• Cassandra Codes-Benjamin, MPA, Director, School Support Services, Delaware Department of Education – A transformative leader whose more than twenty-year career has strengthened maternal and child health, Ms. Codes-Benjamin has advanced health equity, and shaped policy and systems at the state and national level. Her impact is deeply embedded across Delaware’s maternal, child, and family health landscape.
• Children & Families First Delaware – one of Delaware’s longest standing and most trusted non-profit leaders in providing the supports and services children and their families need to thrive.

Through partnerships and innovative initiatives, DHMIC will continue its mission to prevent infant and maternal mortality and improve the health of women of childbearing age and infants in Delaware. For more information visit DEThrives.com/DHMIC.

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