The Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN), a program within the UMKC Institute for Human Development, was recently awarded a 2026 Good Apple Award by Missouri Appleseed — a non-profit organization advocating for systemic reform in public health, criminal justice and child welfare.
Good Apple Awards are presented to pivotal partners of Missouri Appleseed who have helped advance the mission to improve the systems and policies.
MHAN has been recognized for its leadership as a statewide, collaborative network working to improve systems of care for Missouri mothers, children and families affected by perinatal substance use and mental and behavioral health challenges.
A group photo with the recipients of the 2026 Good Apple Awardees — Melanie Stinnett (MO State Representative), Kurtis Gregory (MO State Senator), Maternal Health Action Network (UMKC-IHD).
Left to right: (Back row) Gerardo Martinez (UMKC-IHD), Martha Smith (DHSS), Katie Ortbals (accepting on behalf of Melanie Stinnett), Mary Quandt (Executive Director of Missouri Appleseed), Kurtis Gregory, Christina Haddock (MHAN Mom), Bryce Starr (MHAN Project Manager), Danielle Chiang (Director of IHD Maternal Health program), and Kri Korte (MHAN Mom); (Front row) Patty Berger (MHAN Mom).
A statewide network grounded in lived experience and collaboration
The Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN) is a statewide network of mothers with lived experience, service providers, community organizations, healthcare professionals and strategic partners working together to strengthen systems of care across Missouri.
By elevating lived experience and fostering cross-system collaboration, MHAN works to address barriers to care, strengthen connections across services and supports, and improve maternal and behavioral health outcomes for families across the state.
Missouri Appleseed has been honored to work closely with MHAN’s staff, including Bryce Starr, MS, ASN, CWP, and Danielle Chiang, Ph.D., recognizing their leadership in advancing coordinated, community-driven approaches to maternal health.
Centering lived experience to drive systems change
A core principle of MHAN’s work is the belief that meaningful systems change must be informed by those most directly impacted. Mothers and individuals with lived experience of substance use, recovery and behavioral health challenges play an essential role in shaping the network’s priorities, strategies and solutions.
At the award reception, Bryce and the moms had a chance to speak about the network and the impact it has had.
As someone with lived experience, I stand here today as proof that people can overcome, people can heal and people can turn pain into purpose. There was a time in my life when I felt my voice didn’t matter — When shame, stigma and my past made me believe I would always be defined by my struggles. Recovery changed that. The very things I once thought would disqualify me from making a difference became the exact things that qualified me to help others heal.
The Maternal Health Action Network has given me something priceless — It has given me back my voice. It reminded me that my story matters.
– Christina Haddock, MHAN Mom Advocacy Representative
Their voices help ensure that programs and policies are responsive, trauma-informed and grounded in real-world experience. This approach strengthens both the relevance and effectiveness of maternal health systems across Missouri.
MHAN mom Patty Berger.
MHAN Project Manager Bryce Starr with moms of the network Kri Korte and Christina Haddock.
Advancing a more coordinated system of care
Through ongoing collaboration, MHAN partners are working to build a more coordinated, person-centered and family-focused system of care. This includes:
Strengthening partnerships across health, behavioral health, and community systems
Improving access to timely and appropriate supports for families
Together, these efforts support a more integrated approach to maternal and behavioral health — one that recognizes the interconnected needs of mothers, children, and families.
A shared commitment to Missouri families
MHAN’s recognition through the Good Apple Award highlights the power of partnership and shared commitment across Missouri’s maternal health community.
“We are proud to honor the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network as a 2026 Good Apple Award recipient,” Missouri Appleseed shared. “By elevating lived experience, fostering cross-system collaboration, and advancing community-driven solutions, MHAN is helping build a more coordinated, person-centered system that supports the health and well-being of Missouri families.”
This award follows another milestone for the MHAN in being nationally recognized as an Emerging Practice from the Association of Maternal Child Health Programs (AMCHP). As an Emerging Practice, MHAN is recognized for demonstrating early signs of success, being rooted in a solid theoretical framework, maintaining a clear evaluation plan, and actively building evidence of meaningful impact on maternal and child health outcomes.
Looking ahead
MHAN continues to focus on strengthening collaboration, expanding the role of lived experience, and supporting practical, community-informed solutions that improve maternal and family health outcomes across Missouri.
This recognition reflects not only past and ongoing work, but also the continued commitment of partners across the state to build a stronger, more connected system of care for all Missouri families.
For more information or to get connected to the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network, visit the website or follow them on social media.
This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Multisector Action Network Contract #DH250057001, and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC52935, Maternal and Child Health Services for $12,742,189, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
