4Kira4Moms, through its 4Kira4Dads initiative, will host the 3rd Annual “Dads Got Something to Say!” Advocacy Day, sponsored by Healthy Moms Healthy Babies, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This national gathering will bring together fathers, families, clinicians, and policymakers to elevate the critical role of men as advocates in the fight to end the maternal mortality crisis.
Generating awareness of the national crises surrounding maternal health equity, Dads Got Something to Say! will highlight the voices and lived experiences of fathers and non-birthing parents as essential members of the maternal care team. Program participants will engage directly with federal leaders who are shaping policies to improve outcomes for mothers and families across the country.
“This is a critical time in our country for maternal health equity,” said Charles Johnson, Founder of 4Kira4Moms. “Every week, we learn of a mother who will not go home with her beautiful child because of preventable complications during childbirth. Our nation is better than this. We have to protect our mothers and birthing parents. Through Dads Got Something to Say!, we are creating and educating Dadvocates who are proud to stand alongside our partners to show up, speak out, and drive meaningful change.”
“Research is clear: when fathers are engaged during pregnancy and the postpartum period, outcomes improve for both mother and baby,” said Olivia Walton, founder of Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America. “Fathers who show up — at appointments, at home, and now on Capitol Hill — are not just supportive, they are protective. HMHBA is proud to stand with 4Kira4Moms in elevating that truth.”
Event Highlights Include:
- 11 a.m. to Noon: Congressional press briefing with national advocates and leaders sponsored by Representative Nikema Williams and the Black Maternal Health Caucus
- Noon to 1 p.m.: Lunch and conversations with key community advocates and legislators
“Our ‘Dads Got Something to Say!’ Advocacy Day invites fathers, families, advocates, and partners nationwide to join together for a moment of action,” said Gabrielle “Gabby” Albert, Executive Director of 4Kira4Moms. “Working together, we can empower dads, uplift families, and educate the community on the importance of maternal health equity.”
The work of the Black Maternal Caucus has led to the recent awarding of more than $9 million in federal grants to 11 community-based perinatal health organizations under the Kira Johnson Act in the Momnibus. The awards were facilitated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health’s Healthy Families Community-Based Perinatal Health Initiative (COPHI), with funding initiated by the Black Maternal Health Caucus (BMHC) under the Biden-Harris administration through the congressional appropriations process.
This new round of funding brings the total amount awarded through the program to $36 million to date. Starting in FY2023, the BMHC has secured funding every year in the annual federal appropriations package to support this program, which is based on the Kira Johnson Act in the Momnibus. The Momnibus is a comprehensive package of 14 bills designed to address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the U.S.
Dads Got Something to Say! speakers include:
- Representative Lauren Underwood, Illinois’ 14th Congressional District
- Stacey Brayboy, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, March of Dimes
- Ashley Michele, Director of Special Projects, Mothering Justice
- Charles Johnson, Founder, 4Kira4Moms
- Gabrielle “Gabby” Albert, Executive Director 4Kira4Moms
- Plus a host of Dadvocates from across the country
The Dads Got Something to Say! Advocacy Day is free and open to all who are interested in learning more. Register for “Dads Got Something to Say!” here: https://join4kira4moms.myflodesk.com/u6fhan8x8p.
About 4Kira4Moms & 4Kira4Dads
4Kira4Moms is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes and ending preventable maternal mortality. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, the organization works to ensure that every mother receives respectful, equitable, and quality care. 4Kira4Dads is an initiative of 4Kira4Moms focused on empowering fathers and non-birthing partners to become active advocates for maternal health, supporting families before, during, and after childbirth. Learn more at 4Kira4Moms.com.
