CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS NOW OPEN! DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS OCTOBER 31, 2026.
Before the Breaking Point
What we miss, what isn't safe to say, and what happens next
December 9, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PT
Virtual via Zoom. Free to attend.
Proposals due October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT
IMPORTANT DATES
RFP Opens
October 1, 2026
Proposals due
October 31, 2026
Notifications
November 7, 2026
Black perinatal mental health conversations too often begin after a mother is already in crisis. We screen for depression but do not always ask whether she feels safe enough to answer honestly. We make referrals but do not consistently know whether she reaches care.
The 2026 Black Perinatal Mental Health Summit asks presenters and participants to move upstream, before the breaking point. Two concurrent tracks, one for providers and one for mothers and the people who support them, are both grounded in what Black mothers are actually experiencing and what systems are consistently missing.
This is not a general maternal health conference. We are asking for sessions that examine an overlooked problem, challenge an assumption, or give participants something they can use immediately.
Moving upstream, before the crisis
ABOUT THIS SUMMIT
Who should submit
Licensed mental health professionals, physicians, nurses, midwives, and doulas
Birth workers, researchers, and policy leaders
Health-system and health-plan representatives
Community-based organizations
Black mothers, survivors, partners, and family members
Three themes. One direction.
Proposals must respond to at least one of these themes. Sessions should examine an overlooked problem, challenge an assumption, demonstrate a promising approach, or give participants something they can use immediately.
Choose your track
What we are looking for
A clear and specific problem, not a general overview of perinatal mental health
Current research, sound clinical reasoning, or clearly identified lived experience
Culturally responsive content that directly considers the experiences of Black mothers
Practical application through tools, scripts, frameworks, demonstrations, or action planning
Interactive delivery that respects participants as contributors, not passive listeners
Plain language appropriate for the selected track
What will not be prioritized
Broad awareness presentations without a clear problem or practical takeaway
Sessions that rely on inspiration without evidence, application, or participant engagement
Clinical or treatment claims presented outside the speaker's professional scope
Content that blames mothers for barriers created by healthcare, insurance, or social systems
Product-centered presentations or sales pitches
Your knowledge can shape earlier care
Complete the online proposal form by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Accepted presentations will be organized into one-hour thematic blocks with no more than three presenters per block.
Read the full RFP before submitting. It covers proposal requirements, selection priorities, presentation structure, and what to include in your abstract and learning objectives.
SUMMIT RECAP
Looking Back
In May 2026, BGMH Foundation and its partners brought 682 attendees together at Compton College. Here is what came of it.
"Seeing Black women united and in agreement that our mental and maternal health matters was truly beautiful, filled with divine moments and connections."
Summit Attendee
"The most valuable part of the Summit was the opportunity to hear directly from Black mothers and providers about their lived experiences, which reinforced the urgency of advancing culturally responsive, community-centered care.”
Summit Attendee
Not presenting this year? You can still help bring Black mothers, families, and providers together. Give, partner with us, or see what the last Summit made possible.
Help build the next Summit
GET INVOLVED