April 2026 Update

Rooted in Justice and Joy is this year’s theme for Black Maternal Health Week which began on April 11. It is no coincidence that Nurture KC held our community baby shower, Welcome New Peeps, that day. While justice is always driving our mission, joy must also be front and center. There is much to celebrate and seeing those smiling faces last Saturday was a needed reminder of the collaboration that occurs across Kansas City to cherish and prioritize Black families while still striving to close the gaps.

Our sponsors included University Health, Healthy Blue, NorthPoint Foundation, and Home State Health. Exhibitors included: Swope WIC, Labored with Love, First Call, Promise 1000, Mattie Rhodes, The Healing Corner, and Whole Parent Foundation in addition to the sponsors. These partners provided resources, education and goodies for all 100 attendees.

The breadth of the entities who showed up for Kansas City families is just a sample of the efforts underway to improve Black maternal health. Nonprofits, governments and systems take varied approaches all in service of the same goal, reaching families and walking alongside them to ensure better health for parents and babies. At Nurture KC, our strategy combines one-on-one service as well as policy advocacy to improve outcomes for all families across the two states.

KC Health Equity has convened a Learning Action Network (LAN) focused on improving Black maternal health by bringing together community, organizations and systems to collaborate on answers and impact across our city.

While seeing those new babies last Saturday put a smile on my face, the real joy is also in the work and progress underway in Kansas City to celebrate Black moms by addressing the inequities that must be torn down.

Gratefully,

Tracy Russell

Chief Executive Officer, Nurture KC

Welcome New Peeps Baby Shower

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Congratulations to Ellysia Dunn, KCHSI Participant of the Year

Congratulations to Ellysia Dunn, our KCHSI Participant of the Year. A mom of two and a student pursuing her degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology, Ellysia is a dedicated advocate for families in our community. As Community Consortium Co-Chair, she brings valuable lived experience to the table and was recently selected to represent Missouri in the national Strolling Thunder initiative. We’re proud to celebrate her leadership and impact.

In the News: Nurture KC CEO Tracy Russell on Advocacy for Black Mothers

Don’t miss this Access Health News interview featuring our CEO, Tracy Russell, on advocacy for Black mothers and families. In the article, she shares insights on the barriers families face and the importance of advancing policies and community-based solutions that support healthier outcomes.

Read the full interview here.

Healthy Start Moms Selected for National Advocacy Initiative

We’re proud to share that two Nurture KC Healthy Start moms have been selected to represent Missouri and Kansas in the ZERO TO THREE Strolling Thunder Project.

Through this national initiative, families are trained to speak with lawmakers and will travel to Washington, DC to share their experiences with Congress, helping drive policy change on issues like child care, early learning, health, mental health, and economic stability.

Ellysia Dunn, a current Healthy Start participant, will represent Missouri. A mom of two and a Criminal Justice and Criminology student, she also serves as Community Consortium Co-Chair, representing families with lived experience.

Davinya Hinojosa, a Healthy Start graduate, will represent Kansas. A mother of five and active community member, she is passionate about early intervention and supporting families.

We’re honored to support them as they help shape policies that impact families nationwide.

New Podcast Episode: Paid Family and Medical Leave

In this episode of the Nurture KC News Podcast, CEO Tracy Russell is joined by Brenda Bandy and Brian Huston of the Paid Leave for Working Kansans Coalition to discuss the current state of Paid Family and Medical Leave in Kansas, along with a national snapshot.

This conversation offers helpful insight into the issue and its impact on families and communities. Listen here.