Arizona Perinatal Trust

05/08/2026

The Arizona Perinatal Trust could not fulfill its mission without the dedication and countless hours of our volunteer nurses. We express gratitude to all nurses, frequently described as the "heart of healthcare!"

To our nurses: We honor you.

Dr. Rhonda Anderson
Andrea Hassler
Georgina Barreras
Dr. Michael Mackinnon
Deb Ledington
Dr. Beth McManus
Dr. Kim Couch
Mary Luster
Sara Dent
Shelly Lanagan
Lori Satran
Teresa Anzar
Lori Throne
Kim Couch
Kathy Walker

03/30/2026

Happy Doctors' Day to all physicians!

March 30, 2026, is the day our country celebrates doctors.

At the Arizona Perinatal Trust, our doctors DONATE hundreds of hours each year.

Our wonderful physicians travel throughout the state at their own cost, contribute to state policy, develop programs, provide consultation to hospitals and much more.

Our doctors share their time and personal resources for the single purpose of improving the health outcomes of Arizona’s women and infants.

Special thanks to:
Dr. Alan Bedrick, MD
Dr. Robert “BJ” Johnson, MD
Dr. Hugh Miller, MD
Dr. Kathryn Reed, MD
Dr. Mark Shwer, MD
Dr. Grayson Guzman, MD
Dr. Cathleen Harris, MD
Dr. Dean Coonrod, MD
Dr. Curtis Cook, MD

03/23/2026

03/23/2026

HB 2051 passes the Senate RAGE Committee 7- 0!

We are one step closer to ensuring all mothers in Arizona receive the breastfeeding support they need.

Watch Natalie Olsen of the Chamber of Mothers and our CEO, Dr. Laurie Wood, testify in support.

https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?eventID=2026031089

Fast forward to 11:56 for the bill's introduction. Natalie starts at 14:20, and Dr. Wood at 19:31.

02/17/2026

Together, we can help improve the health outcomes of mothers and infants. Let’s advocate for all mothers and infants.

What can you do?
- Understand that 20% of women report mistreatment during maternity and postpartum care
- Encourage pregnant women and mothers with babies to speak up to their healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right
- Know that the complications of pregnancy, such as postpartum depression, can occur for a year after birth.

Learn the maternal warning signs:
- Ask her how you can help her feel heard
- Learn more about what to do at https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/

01/28/2026

A big step forward for Arizona families!

The Arizona Perinatal Trust joins the Maternal Health Coalition in supporting HB2051 and HB 2072 to improve access to lactation support and strengthen Arizona's perinatal workforce. Both bills passed by the Health and Human Services Committee with unanimous support!

Together, we can impact the health outcomes of Arizona's mothers and infants.

Watch the expert testimony of Arizona's mother, Michelle Bohne, a lactation consultant, Kimberly Moore-Salas, IBCLC, and our CEO, Dr. Laurie Wood.

https://www.azleg.gov/archivedmeetings/ (1/22/2026 at 1:58 minutes)

01/09/2026

The CDC Foundation spotlights the work of the Arizona Perinatal Trust on its website.

"At APT, creating space for this dialogue is rooted in establishing and strengthening respectful maternity care that promotes dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of pregnant women and mothers and provides continuous support during labor and birth. This type of care gives women a space to voice their concerns and understand their options."

Review the article and join our effort to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Arizona.

https://www.cdcfoundation.org/blog/voices-maternal-care-arizona

12/08/2025

Feeling Heard at Your OB Visit

Sometimes it’s hard to know when or how to ask questions at your healthcare provider’s office. You deserve to feel heard and supported during every step of your care. Speak up and get the answers you need.

Find out more at azperinatal.org/DoYouFeelHeard

12/01/2025

Respectful Maternity Care Saves Lives

Drawing from her experience as doula caring for pregnant women, Jillian encourages healthcare professionals to provide respectful care to all patients to help ensure the best health outcomes.

Find out more at
https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/

11/20/2025

NOVEMBER IS PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH!

Across the United States, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year. In 2024, nearly 380,000 babies were born before 37 weeks gestation.

Preterm labor is one of the leading causes of infant mortality.

Arizona's preterm birth rate shows slight improvement at 9.7 when compared to 9.9 in 2023; however, there is more we can do.

Please look at the newly released March of Dimes Report Card 2025 to see how Arizona compares to other states and what it means for our communities.

Click the link to view the full report:
https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/united-states/report-card

11/17/2025

Support People Can Help Women Receive the Best Healthcare

Luis understood the importance of supporting and advocating for his wife during a difficult pregnancy. Husbands, partners and family, hear her and help her get the care she needs.

Learn more at
https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/