Rogers Leads Community Town Hall to Tackle Maternal Health Gaps

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Aug. 1, 2025 — State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) hosted a Maternal Health Equity Town Hall last night in Kalamazoo, bringing together families, health advocates and experts to discuss ways to improve maternal health outcomes in Michigan. Among the featured panelists were Dr. Grace Lubwama of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Jeff Patton of Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, Dr. Sara Schugars of Beacon Health and Lindsay Starks of the Bronson Breast Milk Bank.

In Michigan, about 80 to 90 women die from pregnancy-related causes each year, and 64% of those deaths are preventable, according to state health data. Those sobering statistics, and the stark racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, underline the urgency of the conversation.

“For me, maternal health isn’t just policy — it’s personal. As a health care professional and the daughter of an obstetrics nurse, I heard too many stories growing up about moms who struggled because they couldn’t access prenatal care. Whether you’re a new parent, a provider or a neighbor, we all know that maternal health matters. And we have to close the gaps in health care so every mother and baby gets the support they need,” Rogers said.

Rogers highlighted recent bipartisan reforms aimed at closing gaps in maternal care. New laws now require mental health screenings for new mothers, covered by both Medicaid and private insurance, and expand access to home blood pressure monitors to help prevent complications like preeclampsia. Rogers also sponsored a bill eliminating Michigan’s outdated rule requiring repeated HIV tests for breast milk donors, aligning the state with national standards and easing access to vital infant nutrition.

“These policy changes came directly from conversations with families, physicians, nurses and community leaders. Last night’s town hall was about continuous improvement — we want to make sure the policies we’ve already passed are working, and continue to listen so we know where the gaps still exist. That’s how we keep improving care for Michigan moms and babies,” Rogers continued.

Rogers also celebrated new investments to support expecting and new parents beyond the doctor’s office. The 2024-25 state budget includes $20 million to expand the Rx Kids cash assistance program into Kalamazoo and two other communities. Beginning in 2025, eligible pregnant women in Kalamazoo will receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly during the baby’s first year. Rogers, a champion of the program, said Rx Kids aims to reduce infant poverty and improve health by giving families a financial boost during a child’s critical early months. She first learned about the program during last year’s Flint pilot, and this year it expanded to three communities, including Kalamazoo.

Rogers closed the event by thanking the panelists, community partners and attendees for coming together to seek solutions. She noted that her team, including summer interns, had knocked on nearly 9,000 doors across the district to share information about maternal health resources ahead of the town hall, and the strong turnout showed the community’s desire for support. She also shared key resources, including the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA), a free 24/7 support line for expecting and new mothers.

“In the legislature, I’ll continue advocating for policies that center equity, expand access and support Michigan families at every step of the journey to parenthood. Improving maternal health outcomes in Michigan depends on all of us working together,” Rogers concluded.

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