About

Healthy babies start with healthy women

Mayor Muriel Bowser wants every community in the district to understand the health risks women face so that we can improve the lives of our friends, family, neighbors, and fellow community members.

The Summit

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s National Maternal & Infant Health Summit is a keystone event, planned and executed by the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives. The Summit offers the opportunity to build on the growing public awareness and interest in perinatal health and wellness. With a focus on the District’s investments in the health of women, babies, and families, the Summit brings together DC residents, elected officials, health and education officials, and community-based partners to collaborate and explore strategies to improve perinatal health and address racial disparities in birth outcomes.

Our City’s Commitment to Maternal Health and Early Childhood Development

To demonstrate the District’s commitment, not only to maternal health, but also to early child development and education, Mayor Bowser launched Thrive by Five DC— DC’s first comprehensive childhood health and early learning initiative. Thrive by Five’s primary goals include collaboration and coordination on existing efforts to address perinatal health and wellness and early childhood development and education.

Check out our 2020 Annual Report

We are pleased to present Thrive By Five DC Annual Report 2020. This report is an overview of our programs and services that play a critical role in carrying out our mission of connecting families and caregivers with a community of resources, education, and support by promoting the health and well-being of all DC children, the most vulnerable population. To View the 2020 Annual Report, Click Here.

DC Health Strategy to Improve Perinatal Health Outcomes

Our approach aligns with nationally-recognized best practices, and reflects the core principles identified to decrease perinatal health disparities and improve maternal and child health.

District of Columbia’s Early Childhood System Approach to Child Health, Development, Education and Well-Being

Our aim is to improve outcomes for children beginning at birth and throughout their childhood by addressing racial and social inequities in the District of Columbia.