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
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As we head into a season of celebration and light, we want to thank ALL of our partners, families, supporters and advocates throughout Region 8, for your collaboration and continued determination to improve maternal and infant health. Together we are making an impact across the Region! Thank you!
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Be sure to plan ahead and check out dates for upcoming SWMPQIC classes!
Advocacy Opportunity
Let’s get loud Region 8!
ACTION NEEDED FOR MICHIGAN MOMS & BABIES
Statement from Rx Kids on House Appropriations Actions
Read Full Statement Here
From Rx Kids social media on 12/11/2025
“Yesterday, the Michigan House cut already-approved funding for Rx Kids. We are learning what this means and are working to find solutions. Nothing changes for you today. We will update you as soon as we know more.
Now we need your help. You and your baby matter:
1) Tell your legislator what Rx Kids means to you. Find their contact info here: https://www.michiganvotes.org/legislators
2) Make noise: share your Rx Kids story with your community, online and in person!
Thank you for being part of this community and for standing with us. We are committed to doing everything possible to sustain this transformative work, and we’ll continue to update you as we learn more.”
On our Socials…
Our facebook page is a great place to stay informed about regional events and resources. Be sure to follow us!
MDHHS Updates
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Maternal Infant Health Summit 2026
The Maternal Infant Health Summit (MIHS) has become the must-attend gathering for champions of maternal, infant, and family health—selling out year after year and igniting momentum across Michigan and beyond. Now in its 9th year, the Summit brings together a powerful, multidisciplinary network of national and statewide leaders who are shaping the future of care for mothers, infants and babies, and advancing healthy births.
This vibrant summit is more than a meeting—it’s a driving force for change. Here, innovative ideas spark action, stories inspire change, and collaboration fuels breakthroughs. Together, we elevate the voices of families and communities, celebrating them as the changemakers and leaders at the heart of this work.
Michigan’s MIHS stands as a catalyst for innovation and transformation— confronting long-standing challenges, breaking down barriers to health, and driving bold, actionable solutions.
Submission deadline: Midnight, January 16, 2026
Presenters are encouraged to submit a proposal to speak at the MIHS because your voice can help shape a healthier future for Michigan families—and because this Summit is where Michigan’s brightest ideas become momentum for change.
Thank you for being part of this powerful effort to advance the health and vitality of Michigan families!
Please contact Heather Boyd, BoydH1@michigan.gov, with proposal questions. Stay tuned for more conference details coming soon! Participant tickets will be available starting March 2026. Be sure to check our website MIHealthSummit.com for updates.
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MDHHS issues statement on Hepatitis B Vaccination
LANSING, Mich. – Vaccines play a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and have led to the eradication of several diseases and significant reductions in illnesses and fatalities. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services strongly disagrees with the decision made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices today to delay the hepatitis B birth dose and urges families and providers to follow the immunization schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Nearly 1.6 million people in the United States are estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, with about half not realizing they have the virus. Infection can be transmitted through casual contact with blood or certain body fluids, including through contact sports, sharing of towels, toothbrushes or razors and contaminated medical equipment. The hepatitis B virus causes 22,000 infections and 2,000 deaths annually across the U.S.
Hepatitis B attacks the liver, and about 90% of infants infected at birth develop chronic hepatitis B infection, with 1 in 4 of these children dying prematurely from liver disease. Proven to be safe and effective in its use over the past 20 years, since the universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth was adopted in 2002, hepatitis B disease among children and adolescents has virtually been eliminated. According to studies, delaying the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine will lead to new infections and lifelong disease for tens of thousands of children.
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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has strengthened its syphilis recommendations to include screening at delivery.
Michigan Law, per section 333.5123 of Michigan’s Public Health Code, Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978 (amended 12/2018) requires prenatal HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis screening for all women during the first trimester AND rescreening during the third trimester. MDHHS recommends third trimester screening to be done between 28 and 32 weeks. Medical facilities are encouraged to have written policies and procedures, as well as standing orders in place to ensure that testing for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis are done. While 333.5123 does not require hepatitis C (HCV) screening at this time, it is recommended by MDHHS, based on American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and Centers for Disease Control as Prevention (CDC) recommendations.
While 333.5123 does not require additional screening at delivery, MDHHS has updated its recommendations to screen for syphilis at delivery for all women. This update was informed by recent increases in Michigan congenital syphilis epidemiologic data. Screening at delivery provides an opportunity for the mother and baby to receive proper treatment before being discharged. This is especially important to identify late pregnancy infections in people who previously tested negative or were reinfected during pregnancy.
Additional resources for all health care providers
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Work with MDHHS disease intervention specialists who can help patients overcome additional barriers to syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy.
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Please call MDHHS HIV/STI Surveillance Unit at 313-400-2007 for a comprehensive syphilis testing and treatment record.
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For questions about MDHHS screening and treatment recommendations, please contact Aleigha Phillips, Congenital Syphilis Coordinator, at 313-316-4680 PhillipsA3@michigan.gov.
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Physical copies of the resources below will be available to order via our STI/HIV Operations and Resource System(SHOARS) in early 2026.
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Visit the perinatal HIV & STI page for the most up-to-date resources.
Click HERE for a pdf of updated guidelines
