By: Brina Salazar
I had a wonderful experience at the CityMatCH conference 2025 in St. Louis. This was my first time attending this conference, and it did not disappoint. CityMatCH is a much smaller conference than APHA, which I attended last year. I liked the smaller setting because it had a stronger focus on maternal and child health, and I could make more valuable connections.
I enjoyed attending the plenary sessions, reading the poster presentations, and listening to the group abstracts. The panel discussion on personal leadership in times of crisis was inspiring. They talked about the importance of saying “I don’t know” in these unprecedented times, instead of saying nothing. They also talked about self-care because how will we care for others if we are not taking care of ourselves? This resonated very deeply with me.
I learned a lot in group abstract sessions about the unheard voices in MCH, childbirth settings and interventions, lived experiences as experts and informing care, increasing access to care, and reproductive health care. I made valuable connections during the conference by talking to people after their abstract presentations, asking about their posters, and starting conversations during networking breaks.
Outside of the conference, I explored St. Louis. Along with my new friends, I visited the Gateway Arch. We went up the tram to the top, which was a bit scary but exciting. We also visited Union Station and ate great food.
At the end of the conference, there was a session called “Reimagining the Future of Maternal and Child Health. ” This meaningful discussion drew MCH as a house, examining its foundation, pillars, and roof. Interactively, we uncovered which pillars of MCH are under threat, which are holding strong, and what we can do as MCH professionals. This conversation was so important at a time like this. Overall, I enjoyed my time at CityMatCH, furthering my passion for maternal and child health.
Brina Salazar, BSPH, BS, is a second-year MPH student concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. She plans to graduate in May 2026. Her interests include health equity, reproductive justice, and black maternal health. She also loves traveling, photography, and dance.
