Philadelphia to Host Neonatal Equity Conference
The upcoming event provides health equity training to help improve outcomes for Black preemie families.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Babies
Live Poll
Do you trust local hospitals to provide equitable care to all families regardless of race?
Once Upon A Preemie, an organization dedicated to reducing racial health disparities, will host its fifth annual Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Conference in Philadelphia on November 17, 2026. The event focuses on training for medical professionals to improve outcomes for Black preemie families.
Why it matters
The nonprofit works to eliminate racial health disparities in maternal and neonatal care by providing targeted equity training to healthcare staff. Addressing these systemic gaps is essential for ensuring equitable support and improved health outcomes for Black families during and after a NICU stay.
A case study from a Lubbock, Texas hospital demonstrated that breastfeeding rates among Black mothers increased 30 days after staff completed the organization's equity-focused e-learning academy, compared to a four-year period of stagnant rates prior to the implementation.
The players
Once Upon A Preemie, Inc.
A nonprofit organization that provides health and racial equity training to perinatal and neonatal professionals and support for NICU families.
Jenné Johns
The founder of Once Upon A Preemie and former Director of Health Disparities at a Medicaid managed care organization.
The details
Once Upon A Preemie partners with hospitals to implement standardized care measures and professional training focused on racial equity. By educating perinatal and neonatal professionals, the organization seeks to dismantle bias in clinical settings. These evidence-based training modules are designed to bridge the gap in support and resources for families whose infants are born prematurely.
Timeline
Once Upon A Preemie was founded in 2020.
The fifth annual Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Conference occurs November 17, 2026.
Health Landscape
This conference aligns with the broader national effort to address persistent racial disparities in U.S. maternal and neonatal health outcomes. By focusing on professional training, it shifts the standard of care toward a model that proactively mitigates systemic bias in perinatal medicine.
If you are currently navigating a NICU stay, discuss with your care team whether your hospital has participated in specialized equity and cultural competency training. These programs are designed to ensure all families receive standardized, high-quality communication and support.
The takeaway
Advocacy for equitable care is a critical component of the neonatal journey, especially for families at higher risk for disparities. Families can benefit from identifying supportive resources early and ensuring their medical team is aligned with current best practices for inclusive care.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources for families at Philadelphia Babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Out.
Live Poll
Do you trust local hospitals to provide equitable care to all families regardless of race?
