Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We’ve been navigating a lot of changes to the 2025 ISPID Conference being hosted by First Candle October 7th – 10th but one thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on health equity as it relates to SIDS, SUID, Stillbirth and SUDC.

The stark disparities in infant and child mortality rates demand urgent attention. Now more than ever, we must come together to highlight, discuss, and dismantle the systemic inequities that contribute to these tragic losses. This conference provides a unique opportunity to collaborate, listen, and learn from experts and affected communities worldwide, working together to change the trajectory of infant and child survival.

Houston, Texas, is, arguably, the most diverse city in the United States. Several studies have found this using various socioeconomic, cultural, and economic diversity metrics. Below is a quote from a study completed by WalletHub that highlights the diversity they found in their study.

“The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many dimensions – not just race and gender but also everything from residents’ languages and birthplaces to their job types and household sizes. Their cities blend together a multitude of different perspectives, helping people to better understand the world around them and become more empathetic. This exchange of ideas also tends to increase the economic success of diverse cities.”

Houston’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity makes it an ideal and welcoming location for fostering the necessary conversations on health equity. The city is also home to the world’s largest medical center and one of the top children’s hospitals, further reinforcing its role as a hub for cutting-edge research, healthcare innovation, and global collaboration.

Rest assured that Houston does not represent Texas's more prominent political climate. Please know that the 2025 ISPID Conference will be a space of exclusivity, belonging, and safety for all attendees. Our priority is to foster an environment where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience—feels valued, heard, and respected.

Infant and child mortality is a bipartisan issue. Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and every family deserves answers. The loss of a child is a profound and universal tragedy that transcends politics, geography, and ideology. Our mission is to advance research, education, and advocacy to prevent these devastating losses—something that should unite us all.

We welcome scientists, educators, advocates and parents from around the world and remain committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and collaboration. ISPID has always been a space where knowledge is shared freely, research transcends borders, and we stand united in our pursuit of better child health outcomes.

We want to hear from you to share your expertise.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stacy Scott

Chair, ISPID 2025 Health Equity Committee