Who We Are
The Kansas Birth Equity Network (KBEN) is a community-centered initiative committed to transforming maternal, paternal, and child health in Kansas.
Led by Dr. Sharla Smith and supported by the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award, KBEN builds upon the strong foundation of Sisters and Brothers for Healthy Infants, an initiative co-founded by Drs. Sharla Smith and Michelle Redmond in collaboration with Wichita's local Divine Nine chapters to spotlight infant mortality disparities. KBEN convenes parents, community members, community organizations, doulas, midwives, physicians and more to increase awareness of the Black maternal health crisis, understand the impact and interaction of systemic factors on chronic stress and maternal, paternal, and infant outcomes, and develop solutions to improve the health of Kansas families, especially those communities experiencing poor health outcomes.
Since 2021, KBEN has grown to include stakeholders from across the state of Kansas and the Kansas City Metro. Our network members work together to create a safe space to have authentic conversations, elevate and celebrate the role of family in building and sustaining strong, healthy communities, and inform efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state and region.
Mission
The Kansas Birth Equity Network is a collaborative and community-rooted catalyst advancing equitable maternal, paternal, and infant health outcomes. We unite partners and advocates to build a care ecosystem grounded in justice, accessible support, and culturally centered solutions—ensuring every family thrives through informed, respectful, and integrated care.
Vision
Every mom, dad, and infant receive intentional and high-quality prenatal, neonatal, and postpartum care throughout the state of Kansas.
A few reasons to join KBEN according to our members!
