Introducing the DC Perinatal Voices Podcast

The DC Perinatal Quality Collaborative is proud to launch DC Perinatal Voices, a podcast dedicated to advancing maternal health through storytelling, connection, and collaboration. Rooted in the work of the DC PQC and the AIM initiative, DC Perinatal Voices highlights not just outcomes, but relationships and bringing forward stories, insights, and best practices that strengthen our collective commitment to improving maternal health across the District. This series shines a light on people, programs, and partnerships. Each episode will feature clinicians, patient partners, and community organizations sharing lived experiences that foster understanding and inspire change.

Episode 2: Safe Babies, Safe Moms

For our second episode, Safe Babies, Safe Moms, host Yolette Gray (left) sits down with Physician Executive Director of Women’s Health Service Line at MedStar Health and Chair of Women’s and Infants’ Services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Dr. Tamika Auguste (right).

Dr. Auguste takes us inside Safe Babies, Safe Moms – Collaboration in Action, a groundbreaking, family-centered program tackling disparities in maternal and infant outcomes from pre-pregnancy through early childhood. She shares how MedStar Health and community partners are closing equity gaps, expanding behavioral health supports, and redefining what holistic prenatal care looks like. This episode is a reminder that teamwork is crucial and listening to patients changes everything.

Episode 1: Building a Culture of Safety

For our first episode, Building a Culture of Safety, host Yolette Gray (left) sits down with Dr. Melissa Fries (right), former executive clinical director of the DC PQC and the director of genetics and fetal medicine at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Dr. Fries takes us back to where it all began, the vision that sparked the PQC, the community that built it, and the mission that keeps it moving forward. From tackling hypertension to addressing systemic inequities, she reminds us that real change starts with collaboration, compassion, and boots on the ground. 

The District of Columbia Perinatal Quality Collaborative Grant is managed by the District of Columbia Hospital Association Program Services Company, Inc.

This DC Perinatal Quality Collaborative Grant Program is funded wholly or in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health.