iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Join Dr. Ashley Hill as she Explores the Effects of Extreme Weather on Pregnancy Outcomes on Thursday, October 8 from 1-2:30pm. RSVP at tinyurl.com/EMBRACESeminar

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Pittsburgh-area parents, have you had a baby in the last year? If so, we want to talk to you! bit.ly/4pHnV6G

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Congratulations to Liz Monk on her promotion to the Director of the Western PA Regional Data Center! Thank you for helping lead our Data Justice team!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

We're excited to have Dr. Martina Anto-Ocrah alongside Ngozi Tibbs as co-leaders for EMBRACE Training Component!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Kyle Ross (he/him) has joined the EMBRACE team as the Training Component Coordinator! Welcome to the team!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Congratulations to Bob Gradeck on your promotion to the Director of Strategic Partnerships! Thank you for helping lead our Data Justice team!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Doulas continue to see racial inequities in care. While Medicaid coverage can expand access, credentialing, enrollment, and administrative barriers can make it harder for doulas to do their work. Read more about this work here ➡ pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Myana (Mothers, you are not alone) is a comprehensive postpartum support app designed to help birthing parents make informed decisions about their health and well-being throughout the first year after birth. Read more about how Myana was built here ➡ pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

We had such a great time last week filming our new podcast, EMBRACE Today! We filmed our entire first season interviewing researchers, advocates, and community members across Allegheny County. Stay tuned for more!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Join Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi this Thursday from 3:30-5 at Alan Magee Scaife Hall for her talk, "From Framework to Practice: A Research Agenda for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Rheumatology." calendar.pitt.edu/event/from-f...

calendar.pitt.edu

From Framework to Practice: A Research Agenda for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Rheumatology

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Our Data Justice Working Group is building community power by advancing equitable, transparent, and accessible data practices. Together with the community, we're strengthening collaboration and shaping research that drives knowledge justice and meaningful impact.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

This week is Black Maternal Mental Health Week, a time to recognize that maternal mental health in Allegheny County matters and that Black mothers are facing unique challenges and disparities in accessing mental health support.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Erricka Hager, PhD, MPH (she/her) has just joined EMBRACE as a Postdoctoral Associate!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Have you met our artist in residence, Alecia Dawn Young? Alecia is a ceramic artist, scholar, and wellness practitioner whose artistic work is deeply rooted in Black cultural traditions, specifically drawing inspiration from hair care rituals, collectivism, and community archives.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Thank Cafe Nikki P for the amazing food! We appreciate you and what you bring to our community!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Did you miss our newsletter? No worries! You can check it out here in case you missed it in your inbox mailchi.mp/30bcc040fe75...

mailchi.mp

EMBRAC-ing our community!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

“When families lack access to safe housing or basic resources, it directly impacts infant safety...If we want to save lives, we must invest in communities, strengthen maternal health, and meet families with compassion and culturally responsive care.” www.pennlive.com/health/2026/...

pennlive.com

Increase in infant sleeping deaths is ‘public health crisis,’ says one Pa. county

Every 2024 case in the county included at least one unsafe sleep factor.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Today, we honor and celebrate Juneteenth! At EMBRACE, we continuously work to advance maternal & reproductive health equity & justice through research, training, practice, & policy efforts focused on Black birthing people. Celebrate Juneteenth this weekend: www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festi...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

As part of the EMBRACE summer book club we will be reading Torn apart: how the child welfare system destroys Black families — and how abolition can build a safer world by Dorothy Roberts. Register here for the Zoom information to join: pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

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Reposted by EMBRACE Center of Excellence

Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 17/06/2026

A survey of people nationwide who gave birth in 2023 and 2024 found those using Medicaid described worse outcomes than those on private insurance, access to care remains limited for some, and women often feel unheard and disregarded during pregnancy and labor and delivery. From @stateline.org

penncapital-star.com

Nationwide survey shows ongoing struggles for pregnant patients on Medicaid • Pennsylvania Capital-Star

A survey of more than 3,800 people nationwide who gave birth in 2023 and 2024 found those using Medicaid described worse outcomes than those on private insurance.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Our training component supports early-stage investigators in community-engaged maternal and reproductive health equity through mentorship, training, and capacity building.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The number of babies who died from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is on the rise in Allegheny County. “Taking action as a community means speaking openly and without blame,” said Jada Shirriel. www.post-gazette.com/news/health/...

post-gazette.com

Preventable infant deaths on the rise in Allegheny County

Allegheny County has seen a dramatic increase in infant deaths over the last several years — nearly all of them preventable. Public health officials...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Help defend an independent, expert-led scientific review process. You can take action by submitting a public comment by July 13th, 2026 to ensure reproductive justice perspectives are represented at bit.ly/NIHpubliccomment.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Are you pregnant or recently had a baby? Or are you a perinatal care and family support provider? Join our research study and help us co-design a sleep health program! Learn more and get involved by emailing momstudy@pitt.edu or calling 412-360-8225.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Black birthing people face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality, yet most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Our team is developing a model of actionable postpartum care strategies to improve postpartum health and well-being of Black birthing people.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Dr. Stacy Bartlett recently published A Guide to Implementing Fourth-Trimester Care in a Family Medicine Practice, emphasizing how earlier contact with patients during the postpartum period is important for assessing complications and preventing maternal morbidity. www.aafp.org/fpm/2026/050...

aafp.org

A Guide to Implementing Fourth-Trimester Care in a Family Medicine Practice

Earlier contact with patients during the postpartum period is important for assessing complications and preventing maternal morbidity.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

The Allegheny County Health Department recently announced a proposal that, if passed, would require all employers in the county to offer at least 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Read more here ➡️ www.publicsource.org/allegheny-co...

publicsource.org

Allegheny County may compel all employers to offer paid parental leave

If passed, a new proposal would require all Allegheny County employers offer at least 18 weeks of paid parental leave.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Our Community Component ensures that the local Pittsburgh community is meaningfully involved in all research, training, data collection, and dissemination. Through our network of maternal health partners, our team leverages the many strengths and accomplishments of our community.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Ready to move from conversation to real change? Join the EMBRACE Summit, a dynamic space filled with interactive working sessions, wellness experiences, meaningful networking, and powerful dialogue! 🎟️ Save your spot now! www.eventbrite.com/e/embrace-su...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Dr. Hyagriv Simhan analyzed 11,000 cesarean deliveries which identified several factors linked to higher postpartum infection risk, including smoking, obesity, labor before cesarean delivery, longer surgeries, and more. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41850326/

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

A huge thank you to all the moms and maternal figures making the world a better place, one loving moment at a time. Wishing you a day filled with joy, appreciation, and well-deserved recognition! 💜

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Are you pregnant or had a baby in the last year? You may be eligible to participate in the OPTIMIZE study, a research study on sleep and health during and after pregnancy. pittplusme.org/studyarms/pu...

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Reposted by EMBRACE Center of Excellence

Reproductive Equity Now | Abortion Advocacy @reproequitynow.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Happy National Nurses Day! Shout out to the frontline workers that show up, day-after-day, to keep our health care system running 👩‍⚕️🏥

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

New research from EMBRACE's team is shining a light on an important gap in maternal COVID-19 vaccination rates in Allegheny County. The findings underscore a clear need for more thoughtful, community-informed vaccine outreach that supports families and builds trust.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Ready to move from conversation to real change? The EMBRACE Summit is more than an event, it’s a full-day, immersive experience where care, practice, and policy come together. 🎟️ Save your spot:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embrace-summit-tickets-1987547138996?aff=oddtdtcreator

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

We’re proud to announce this year’s Willa Doswell Embracing Excellence in Maternal & Child Health Interns! Each intern is paired with both a community preceptor and an academic mentor—fostering meaningful skill development, leadership growth, and real-world impact in maternal and child health. 💙

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

We are looking to create a postpartum sleep health program that is culturally responsive, feasible for Community Health Workers, and not a burden for participants. Interested? Contact research@hsipgh.org.

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Thank you all for an amazing book club this semester💜

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Today's event is now completely virtual! Please register below for the link to attend New Voices: Beyond the Birthing Box: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

EMBRACE Center of Excellence is excited to invite you to our Spring 2026 Seminar Series! Please join us on Thursday, April 23, for our guest speaker, Rochelle L. Jackson! Join us on Zoom at: pitt.zoom.us/j/93904945287

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Our community is coming together for a packed week of events this Black Maternal Health Week! 💜 Join us and our collaborators across Pennsylvania for a week full of events rooted in justice and joy! live-embrace-pitt.pantheonsite.io/events/ #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHW2026 #rootedinjusticeandjoy

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

🚨 The CDC funding that supports PRAMS is set to expire on April 30th. Tell your lawmakers why PRAMS funding must continue. Your voice can help protect programs that families rely on every day! igniteadvocacy.com/go/tell-your... #PublicHealth #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #DataMatters #PRAMS

igniteadvocacy.com

Tell Your Lawmaker: PRAMS Matters

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Did you miss our most recent newsletter? No worries, we've got a viewable copy for you here! 🌟 mailchi.mp/04c65ca1284f... And don't forget to add yourself to our listserv to stay connected with all EMBRACE activities! embrace.pitt.edu/stay-connect...

mailchi.mp

Rooted in Justice and Joy: Black Maternal Health Week and Local Activities Throughout April!

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Reposted by EMBRACE Center of Excellence

PHAB Lab @phablab-pitt.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

We are currently recruiting for a research study on Black mothers’ experiences of sleep and bodily awareness during pregnancy. If you are currently pregnant, identify as Black, and live in the Pittsburgh area, consider filling out our screener to see if you qualify! redcap.link/PRISMStudy

Poster title for Research Study: Rest Isn't Equal - Sleep and Black Pregnancy Experiences Research Study. A collaborative team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and community partners are studying how Black mothers relate to their bodies and how they sleep during pregnancy.

What will I have to do? Answer questions about your sleep and connection to your body twice a day for 14 days Meet with the researcher for a Zoom interview about your experiences.

Who is eligible? Black women who are currently pregnant, Access to a smartphone and internet

Qualifying participants can be paid up to $200 for completing the study
Learn more about sleep and health during pregnancy.

You can participate by filling out our screening survey and we
will contact you: https://redcap.link/PRISMStudy

We will share more info on the study and all participation is voluntary. Questions? Want to know more? Contact Us! email: kinkelramss@upmc.edu

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

We are so incredibly grateful for the tremendous work our community accomplishes! Thank you for the joy, laughter, and memories we have created together. 💜 Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a fruitful new year!

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Bring in the New Year by attending the EMBRACE Center's first seminar of the spring semester! Dr. Monica McLemore will be joining us in person on Thursday, January 22 at 1:00 PM to discuss how to increase community voices in scientific publishing. pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Community-engaged participatory research is a collaborative approach that equitably involves community members, organizations, and researchers at every stage of the research process while centering the voices of those most impacted. #CommunityEngagedResearch #CommunityCentered #SharedPower

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

There's still time to apply for EMBRACE's Community-Engaged Research Pilot Program. This initiative supports bidirectional training and research enrichment in reproductive justice, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and humanity centered design. Find more information here: tinyurl.com/rfaembrace

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EMBRACE Center of Excellence @embracecenter.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

If you weren’t able to attend our seminar on Ethics in Reproductive Health Research, you can still access the full discussion on our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBln...

youtube.com

Ethics in Reproductive Health Research

YouTube video by EMBRACE Center of Excellence

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