UH–NEOMED symposium brings leaders together to advance maternal and child health

by Taylor Szumski

On May 1, 2026, University Hospitals (UH) and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) hosted the Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Together in Northeast Ohio Symposium at the Warren E. Anderson MidTown Collaboration Center in Cleveland. The event brought together clinicians, researchers, health system leaders, policymakers, community organizations and family representatives, for a collaborative discussion focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes across Northeast Ohio. 

Moderated by Bernhard Fassl, M.D., of NEOMED, and Samudragupta Bora, Ph.D., of University Hopitals, the central panel discussion explored the current state of maternal and child health in the region and examined opportunities to move from fragmented efforts toward a more coordinated regional system of care. Panelists represented a broad range of perspectives, including health systems, academic research, clinical care, community organizations and lived family experience. 

In addition to the panel discussion, attendees heard a series of flash talks addressing topics such as trauma and maternal health, innovation in maternal care delivery, and the role of digital and artificial intelligence solutions in maternal and child health systems. The event also provided meaningful opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees already working within the maternal and child health space, as well as those looking to become more engaged in the field. 

The symposium marked an important step forward for the UH–NEOMED Maternal and Child Health Collaborative. Insights shared throughout the day helped identify key priorities, opportunities for partnership, and future directions for the collaborative as it continues working to improve outcomes for birthing people, children and families across Northeast Ohio. 

Gallery

Dr. Samudragupta Bora speaks into a microphone while gesturing toward the audience Two young women listen intently to a presentation while seated in a meeting room A man wearing glasses and a tan jacket spreads his arms while speaking into a microphone behind a podium woman in black and white plaid sweater gestures with her hands while talking to another women whose back is to the camera Candid snapshot of Dr. Bernhard Fassl and Dr. John Langell A man and a woman seated at a table while participating in a panel discussion. The man speaks into a handheld microphone A man in button shirt and vest stands in front of a colorful backdrop while speaking into a microphone Four women seated at a table during a panel discussion. One woman speaks into a microphone. Another one holds a child on her lap. Two women chat smiling in front of a colorful mural.

May 11, 2026
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