Family Integration to Restore Trust

(FIRST)

FIRST ensures that Lived Experience Experts guide and help implement CPCQC’s programs

About Family Integration to Restore Trust (FIRST)

We believe the best care is built in partnership with patients and families. By working together, we can help turn patient feedback into better, safer care before, during, and after birth.

CPCQC’s FIRST program invites people with lived experience to partner with CPCQC to improve pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care across Colorado. As a FIRST participant, you volunteer alongside CPCQC, healthcare providers, and community partners to help improve infant and maternal outcomes.

How the FIRST Program Works

Interested in joining FIRST? Here’s what you can expect:

• One-Year Cohorts: Participants serve in a volunteer role for one year, with the option to renew.

• Training provided: You will have access to a MoMMAs Voices training to strengthen your advocacy skills.

• Storytelling: Learn how to tell your story in a way that helps change perinatal systems and honors your experience, perspective, and boundaries

• Annual Stipend: We respect your time and expertise; all participants receive a stipend for their work.

• Community: Join FIRST cohort meetings to connect with peers and share experiences.

Why

The FIRST program was created by CPCQC in 2021 to help make care more respectful, inclusive, and family-centered. FIRST believes families should be active partners in their care and have a real voice in shaping healthcare. The program supports community-led solutions to address inequities and works with providers to build strong, trusting relationships with families. By recognizing past barriers to trust and creating safe, supportive spaces, FIRST helps families and healthcare providers work together in meaningful and productive ways.

How You Can Help:

As a FIRST participant, you play a real role in making health care better for others:

• Design Tools: Help create practical resources for clinical and community partners.

• Guide Hospitals: Serve on CPCQC’s program steering committees to help hospitals and communities make meaningful changes.

• Expand Support: Inform how we grow mental health and behavioral health programs.

• Speak Up: Share your personal journey at events and training to educate others.

Results

2025 Cohort includes 11 Participants

Launched in March 2025
All participants completed MoMMA’s Voices training
All are actively engaged in CPCQC programs or perinatal health issues, such as participating in program steering committees, sharing their lived experience at forums and attending perinatal health workshops.
At least two people with lived experience are engaged in each major CPCQC initiative

“Families are not visitors to the NICU but are essential members of the care team. The ultimate health and well-being of our most vulnerable infants is rooted in the truth that families know what is best for their babies. We have to honor and respect the central role of families in our NICU.”

-Susan Hwang, MD, PhD, MPH/MSPH; FIRST Program Provider

“My voice is desperately needed for pregnant mothers struggling with addiction. The change I create by being in the helping profession will allow me to support women in recovery and watch them grow into their true selves. Their true, healthy selves will impact their circles of family, friends, and co-workers that they surround themselves with, creating waves of impact and waves of change into the world.”

-Ashley Miller, FIRST Program Patient Partner