The Iris Fund Event at Bellehaven Country Club
In recent years, the scientific and medical community has made enormous strides toward determining the triggers of preterm birth - so we can better understand and identify the risks that lead to early labor. At the same time, Congressional support for greater federal investment in reducing stillbirth has been building momentum thanks to determined outreach and advocacy.
Approximately 400,000 babies are born too soon in the United States every year - and interventions for women haven’t changed since the 1970s. But now we’re at a tipping point
This work is driven largely by women at the top of their fields in science, engineering, medicine, clinical care, advocacy, philanthropy and peer-to-peer support. Join us to hear from some of these women and learn about how we’re at a tipping point and ready to change the trajectory of preterm birth and stillbirth in this country.
Speakers
Brittney Crystal
Founder & Executive Director, The Iris Fund
Brittney leads The Iris Fund, the largest private funder of basic science research related to preterm birth. The Iris Fund sits at the center of breakthrough research, improvements to patient care and advocacy to drive change for the next family.
Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya
SHINE Act Lead
Debbie is the leading voice behind the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act (H.R. 5469/S. 2858). She is a powerful stillbirth advocate at both the state and national level.
Kristin Myers, PhD
Director, Myers Soft Tissue Lab & Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Columbia University
Kristin’s program studies the biomechanics of biological soft tissues with a specific focus on the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Her lab creates biomechanical models of pregnancy to uncover structural mechanisms of preterm birth.
Hosted By Torrey Taussig
Director & Senior Fellow
Transatlantic Security Initiative, Atlantic Council
Wednesday, May 13 from 5-6:30pm at the Bellehaven Country Club at 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria VA 22307.
This invitation is for you and a guest of your choice. Please reply with your availability using the form below or by emailing bcrystal@theirisfund.org by May 1.