Children’s advocates from across the country rallied in the nation’s capital this week for the Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) Volunteer Leadership Summit, urging lawmakers to prioritize policies that support the health and well-being of mothers and babies in the U.S. and around the world.  

Advocates met with nearly 40 congressional offices, bringing the total number of meetings to more than 350 to date. They urged lawmakers to support the bipartisan Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Act and the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act, while also calling on Congress to appropriate $915 million for the Maternal and Child Health subaccount in FY27 and ensure those funds are spent as directed by Congress. 

The need for action is urgent. Since 2000, maternal and child deaths around the world have been cut in half; however, progress has stalled with maternal and child deaths increasing for the first time in decades. Half of all children who die before their fifth birthday die during their first month after birth, many from preventable causes. 

The bipartisan NEST Act would expand access to newborn supply kits for families across the United States, with priority given to communities facing the greatest need, including those living in maternity care deserts, rural areas, and regions with high maternal mortality rates. The kits include essential supplies, including diapers, ointments, baby wipes, and thermometers, that help parents care for themselves and their newborns during the critical newborn period.  

During their meetings on the Hill, advocates noted there is strong bipartisan support for maternal and infant health policies and shared their personal experiences and connection to issues to advance the health of every mom and child. SCAN volunteers and staff will continue working to support these policies through August recess, as lawmakers return to their home states, as well as through this upcoming election season.  

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Check out Virginia State Manager, Jacequeline Mott speaking with 13 News Now.

Read more about the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkits — or NEST — Initiative here.

And read how SCAN volunteer, Nanette Arnold is advocating on behalf of Tennessee families.