Charlotte Maternal and Child Health Workgroup

Mission and Vision

The Charlotte MCH Workgroup was created in 2022 as a result of student interest in learning more about MCH topics and the desire to connect with the local MCH community.

Our mission is to create pathways for intersectional collaboration, strengthening effective and comprehensive maternal and child health (MCH) efforts that directly benefit the community.

We envision a Charlotte where interdisciplinary partnerships drive meaningful change in the maternal and child health experience—empowering individuals, families, and communities to thrive.

Meet Our Team

Faculty Leaders

Our workgroup is proudly co-led by dedicated faculty members from the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, combining diverse expertise and collaborative leadership to advance our mission. Click to learn more about Drs. Hopper, Dahl, and Desloge.

Dr. Lorenzo Hopper

Dr. Alicia Dahl

Dr. Allissa Desolge

Student Leaders

The Charlotte MCH Workgroup was co-founded with the active involvement of student leaders and continues to thrive thanks to their ongoing contributions. We welcome students from all departments and degree programs to join us in advancing maternal and child health efforts across the Charlotte area.

By participating in the MCH Workgroup, you’ll gain valuable real-world public health experience, connect with community partners for research, internships, and volunteer opportunities, and contribute to meaningful initiatives that support families. Student leaders play an essential role in shaping the workgroup’s direction and impact, and we’re excited to continue growing our network of passionate, interdisciplinary changemakers.

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Shanika Jerger Butts! Dr. Butts successfully defended her dissertation “The More You Know: Using Preconception Care to Reduce Pregnancy-related Hypertensive Disorders among Black Women in the US.” This fall, she will be joining the faculty at Davidson College as an Assistant Professor of Public Health! Great work, Dr. Butts!!

Crucial Conversations Speaker Series

Crucial Conversations in Maternal and Child Health (MCH), our monthly speaker series tackling pressing issues and exploring innovative solutions in the field. Each month , we feature expert speakers and thought leaders who share diverse perspectives and insights. Be part of the conversation as we exchange ideas, deepen our understanding, and work toward meaningful change in MCH. If you are interested in leading a session please let us know!

May 2025 Crucial Conversation: Rural Maternal Health: Locally and Globally with Dr. Allissa Desloge and Liane Ventura

Check out past conversations on our Youtube Channel!

Activities and Events

The Charlotte MCH Workgroup has led and supported a range of impactful initiatives, including a student-led writing group to support academic productivity, a campus-wide film screening and panel discussion on Black maternal mortality, and community-engaged projects. These efforts reflect our commitment to advancing maternal and child health through education, research, and collaboration.

Stay connected with us to learn about upcoming events, research opportunities, and ways to get involved. Join us and be part of a growing network working to improve the health and well-being of families in our community.

Respectful Maternity Simulation

On April 11, 2025, the Workgroup along with UNC Charlotte’s School of Nursing hosted a third Respectful Maternity Simulation to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, especially in minority communities. This hands-on event, a collaboration with the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health and First Team America, LLC, emphasized equitable, patient-centered care through realistic, culturally relevant scenarios. Participants role-play different real-life scenarios to create awareness to improve the maternal patient experience. The simulation is open to anyone with general interests in maternal child health.

Facilitator engaging the audience at the Respectful Maternity Care Simulator Event

Preconception Peer Education

We are excited to serve as a program site for the NC Preconception Health Peer Educator Program in collaboration with Mecklenburg County’s ICO4MCH. Our trained SHAPE (Students Helping Advance Preconception Education) peer educators work to engage their peers in the Charlotte campus and surrounding community. Our educators are available for speaking engagements on a number of important topics, including: Preconception and reproductive health, Maternal and infant health disparities, Men’s preconception health, Preconception Health and Contraception, and more.

Whether you’re planning a campus event, community workshop, or panel discussion, SHAPE educators are ready to spark meaningful, peer-to-peer conversations that raise awareness and promote better health outcomes.

Want to Learn More?
Follow our students on Instagram @SHAPE_UNCC and get in touch to schedule a session or explore how SHAPE can support your event!

Internships & Field Placements

The Charlotte MCH Workgroup is committed to supporting the development of the future maternal and child health (MCH) workforce. We partner with community organizations to connect undergraduate and graduate students with meaningful internship and field placement opportunities.

If your organization has capacity to host a student intern and would like to collaborate with us, we invite you to reach out! Our students bring skills in: Community engagement, Health education & promotion, Research & data analysis, and more!

Interested in hosting a student?
Please contact a faculty leader to discuss internship opportunities and student placements.

Alumni Networking

Many of our alumni have transitioned into impactful roles in the field of MCH, making a difference in communities around the globe. Their journey from student to professional exemplifies the impact of our workgroup in shaping the next generation of MCH leaders.

2024-2025 Annual Report

Community Partners

The workgroup is proud to collaborate with a number of local organizations in the Charlotte area, click on the logo to visit their sites!

Contact Information

For more information about the Charlotte Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Workgroup, or to get involved, please reach out to us and join our email list:

Join our email list

Email: lhopper6@charlotte.edu or alicia.dahl@charlotte.edu
Phone: 704-565-9267