The AMETHIST Communications Summit brings together IMPROVE investigators, patient advocates, practitioners, and legislators to engage in meaningful dialogue about messaging, misinformation, mistrust, and maternal health in the United States. Attendees will gain access to vital resources and insights designed to support IMPROVE network teams in their ongoing research projects. By promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders, this meeting will help forge a strong professional network and foster partnerships that amplify our collective efforts in addressing maternal health challenges.

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Keynote Speaker

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was first sworn into Congress on January 3, 2019. She is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress.

Rep. Underwood is a registered nurse and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which addresses America’s Black Maternal Health crisis in Congress and advances policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities. Rep. Underwood is Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.

Prior to her election to Congress, she served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helping communities across the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, bioterror threats, and public health emergencies. As a career public servant at HHS, she also helped implement the Affordable Care Act, broadening access for those on Medicare, improving health care quality, and reforming private insurance. Rep. Underwood has taught future nurse practitioners through Georgetown University’s online master’s program and worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago to ensure it provided high-quality, cost-efficient care.

She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University.

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Summit Agenda