Rogers and Hertel Selected for Fellowship to Advance Maternal and Child Health

State Rep. Rogers and state Sen. Kevin Hertel are the first Michigan legislators chosen for the program since its inception in 2019

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 18, 2024 — State Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and state Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) were two of 18 legislator finalists selected from around the nation to participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Maternal and Child Health Fellows Program.

The Maternal and Child Health Fellows Program brings together state legislators from across the country to collaborate on policy solutions that improve maternal and child health outcomes. The 2025 fellows comprise NCSL’s seventh cohort, and Rep. Rogers and Sen. Hertel are the first legislators to be selected from Michigan.

“We are thrilled to see two champions for maternal and child health in Michigan, Rep. Rogers and Sen. Hertel, have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and share the policy successes in our state with other state legislators,” said Amy Zaagman, Executive Director of the Michigan Council for Maternal & Child Health. “We have benefitted from the leadership of Rep. Rogers and Sen. Hertel and we’re excited to see what new ideas and policy solutions they’ll develop as part of the Maternal & Child Health Fellows Program.”

As longtime advocates for health policy, Rogers and Hertel will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, share Michigan’s legislative successes and develop new strategies to support families in the state. They will participate in two in-person meetings and several virtual updates throughout the year.

“As a former Health Policy Committee Chair, I am honored to be named as one of NCSL’s Maternal and Child Health Fellows, alongside my friend and colleague, Sen. Hertel,” Rogers said. “We have both championed policies to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in Michigan and look forward to sharing ideas and learning with other legislators from across the nation.”

By participating in this program, Rogers and Hertel will continue their commitment to advancing maternal and child health policies that make a lasting impact on Michigan families and save lives.

“Ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children is critical to building strong families and communities,” said Hertel. “I am honored to join Rep. Rogers and leaders from across the nation to collaborate, explore policies, and develop solutions to improve maternal health outcomes for Michiganders. By working together and learning from one another, we can make a real difference in the lives of parents and kids here in Michigan and beyond.”

###