Check out what’s new!
Birth and Beyond
Virtual
March 5th-26th
Wednesdays, 6pm-8:30pm
Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents
Virtual
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
7pm and 7:30pm
Recent Updates
Potential State Government Shutdown Announcement
September 30th, 2025
We would like to inform you of an important and unexpected development affecting the Southwest Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (SWMPQIC).
If the State of Michigan has not passed a state budget as of 12:01 AM on October 1, a government shutdown will go into effect. Because SWMPQIC’s funding is provided through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), all work supported by this grant will pause immediately until state operations and funding are reinstated.
What this means:
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SWMPQIC leadership, contractors, and partner organizations cannot continue activities, communications, or deliverables funded by the MDHHS grant during the shutdown.
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Meetings, projects, educational classes, social media, and technical support provided by MPHI or other SWMPQIC contractors will be on hold.
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Once state government resumes and we have clarity on the FY26 budget, we will update you promptly on next steps, including re-engaging paused work.
We recognize the strain this pause may cause and know how important this work is for families, birthing hospitals, and community partners across Region 8. Please know we remain committed to our shared mission and will restart our collaborative efforts as soon as it is permitted and funding is available.
We will share updates as soon as new information is available.
Thank you for your partnership, patience, and continued dedication to improving maternal and infant health during this challenging time.
With gratitude,
Southwest Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (SWMPQIC)
Upcoming SWMPQIC Classes
Infant Car Seat Safety, Birth and Beyond, and Infant Feeding classes are on hold, beginning October 1, 2025, if a government shutdown occurs. Postpartum Planning Class will still be available through PSI, however the incentive will not be offered to those from Region 8. Please stay tuned here for updates to future class schedules.
Regional Events and Happenings
News from our partners…
Recent event successes!
Congratulations to Corewell’s ABEST Taskforce for hosting an amazing “Boots on the Ground” event supporting and celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week!
Baby Steps 5k Walk/Run
Don’t forget to sign up for the Baby Steps 5k Walk/Run for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. For race information and registration, click HERE
Cradle Kalamazoo Listening Sessions
Come share your experience about your birthing experience within the hospitals and healthcare system. For a flyer, click HERE
Got an event, opportunity or update you want to share? Let us know!
On our Socials…
Our facebook page is a great place to stay informed about regional events. Be sure to follow us!
MDHHS Updates
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Statewide Maternal & Infant Health Data Meeting
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health is partnering with the Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MI PQC) to host an annual Statewide Maternal & Infant Health Data Meeting. The event will showcase maternal and infant health data across the state and regionally.
Date: October 14, 2025
Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Virtually via Zoom
Registration is now open! Please use this link to register: Data Meeting Registration
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Infant Safe Sleep Month Virtual 5k Your Way
You can now sign up for the Infant Safe Sleep Month Virtual 5K Your Way. You can participate anytime during the month of October 2025. You can register as an individual, for your immediate family or with a team.
Why Participate
October is Infant Safe Sleep Month in Michigan. This virtual 5K will raise awareness about the importance of supporting safe sleep practices whenever and wherever babies are placed down for a nap or to sleep.
How to Participate
To participate, complete a 5K run/walk or any other activity for at least 30 minutes (bike, swim, dance, chair aerobics—just move) during the month of October 2025. Participate your way, at your pace, in a way that’s fun and comfortable for you.
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Michigan Midwife Newborn Screening Conference
Join MDHHS’ Newborn Screening Program on September 30, 2025, at the State NBS Laboratory in Lansing, Michigan. This event is open to certified midwives and will highlight program updates, a lab tour, and the opportunity to earn nursing contact hours. Use the flyer’s QR code to register. or visit
https://forms.office.com/g/6GKwXeL0q1.
Note: This event is currently limited to certified midwives, but future offerings may expand to include additional provider groups. If you have any questions about the NBS Program or the upcoming conference, please email NewbornScreening@michigan.gov.
