On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, leaders from across Maryland’s public health, policy, academic, and community sectors gathered at the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis to celebrate Meeting the Moment: Maternal Health Awareness Day 2026—an evening defined by reflection, collaboration, and shared commitment to strengthening maternal and child health systems across the state. The program highlighted the importance of coordinated action, sustainable investment, and cross-sector partnership in addressing the evolving needs of families statewide. B’more for Healthy Babies (BHB) sponsored this event.

A central highlight of the evening was the presentation of the BHB Journey Award to Dr. Yvonne Bronner, ScD, Morgan State University and Principal Investigator, Maternal Health Research Collaborative (MHRC). The award honored Dr. Bronner’s decades of service as a researcher, educator, and leader in maternal, child, and family health whose work has shaped programs, informed policy, and strengthened institutions across the state and beyond. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing maternal health through evidence-based practice, mentorship, and sustained engagement with public health systems. Her current role as the Principal Investigator of the Maternal Health Research Collaborative (MHRC), a HRSA-funded grant, continues this focus. This effort works to enhance the maternal health research capability of 16 institutions located in under resourced locations. Under her leadership, MHRC now offers mentorship, learning opportunities in developing and implementing research, technical assistance, communications, and other skills needed to sustain and grow these research centers.

The award served as a testament not only to Dr. Bronner’s professional accomplishments, but also to her enduring influence as a trusted leader and mentor whose work continues to shape the field of maternal and child health. We congratulate Dr. Bronner on this significant milestone.

Dr. Yvonne Bronner, ScD, Morgan State University and Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis, District 28

Dr. Michelle Taylor, MD, DrPH, MPA, Commissioner, Baltimore City Health Department and Rebecca Dineen Assistant Commissioner, Maternal and Child Health, Baltimore City Health Department join Dr. Bronner and her family in celebrating her receiving the BHB Journey Award.