Webinar Wednesday: Strengthening Neonatal Outcomes in Maternity Care Deserts
Presentation Description
As maternity care deserts now affect over 35% of U.S. counties, birthing centers have become increasingly critical in delivering frontline care to underserved communities. These regions face elevated risks of preterm births, inadequate prenatal care, and neonatal complications, underscoring the urgent need for targeted clinical support. Addressing these disparities requires equipping providers with the tools to respond confidently to newborn emergencies, especially in settings with limited resources.
The Red Cross Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) program, developed in partnership with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), supports this need. With a focus on positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in the “Golden Minute” after birth, NALS empowers birthing center professionals to deliver evidence-based care from birth through post-resuscitation.
Presenters
Jonathan Epstein, MEMS, NRP,
Jonathan Epstein leads Healthcare Product Management at the American Red Cross, bringing decades of experience in EMS and healthcare education. He previously served as Head of Product and Customer Experience at Health Scholars and as Senior Director for Science, Industry and Government Relations at the Red Cross. A nationally registered paramedic for over 30 years, Jonathan has held leadership roles with ILCOR, ITLS, and Northeast EMS. He holds a master’s degree in Emergency Medical Services from Drexel University and is an emeritus member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Passionate about experiential learning, he continues to teach across EMS and healthcare settings.
Julie Bacon, MSN-HCSM, NE-BC, NPD-BC, CPN, CPEN, C-NPT,
Julie brings over 25 years of experience in pediatric and neonatal transport and critical care, both flight and ground. As program manager and chief flight nurse at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital LifeLine, she leads a high-acuity national/international transport team and dispatch center. She holds multiple clinical and leadership certifications and plays an active role in state disaster planning. Julie serves as clinical chair for Florida’s EMS for Children State Advisory Committee and vice chair of the State EMS Strategic Planning Committee. She lectures nationally and internationally on pediatric care, leadership and high-stress team dynamics.
For More Information:
3123 Gottschall RoadPerkiomenville, Pennsylvania 18074
United States 215.234.8068