From the President
Leadership
By Nan Streeter, MS, RN
A leader is a person that leads, directs, commands or guides. When I think of a leader, I think of a person with a vision, a person with the ability to share that vision with others and guide them to making the vision a reality. A leader is someone who shares the “glory” for the outcome with those that helped.
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From the CEO
On Leadership
By Mike R. Fraser, PhD
With just a few weeks left before the presidential election, it is fitting that our October issue of Pulse focuses on the topic of leadership. This campaign season has brought the leadership issue to the forefront of many people’s minds. What makes a good leader? Who would be the best leader for our country? Why would this person be a better leader than the other person?
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Get Involved
AMCHP Women’s Health Information Series Call
The next Women’s Health Information Series call, “Women and IPV, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health: The Need for an Integrated Response,” will be held on Thursday, October 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (EST). Please register here to receive the call-in number and passcode. For additional information, please contact Brynn Rubinstein or call (202) 775-0436.
Sign the Petition for Preemies
AMCHP has joined families across America and the March of Dimes by signing on to the 2008 Petition for Preemies. As an alliance partner, we’re creating awareness of Prematurity Awareness Month this November and the growing problem of preterm birth.
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Help AMCHP Recognize Our Maternal and Child Health Leaders
AMCHP is currently soliciting nominations for the Vince Hutchins Leadership Award and the John C. MacQueen Lecture Award. Both awards will be presented at the 2009 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., February 22-25. Submissions are due by October 31, 2008.
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Submit Your Best Practice Today
AMCHP is seeking submissions of best practices in maternal and child health from around the country. Whether it’s an effective campaign to promote breastfeeding, an outstanding nurse-family partnership, or a proven early intervention program for young children, get the word out about your best practice.
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Member to Member
We asked three members the following question: What is the biggest leadership challenge you have faced in your work and how have you addressed it? [read more]
Features
Thoughts on Leadership
By Peter C. van Dyck, MD, MPH
As the nation moves forward into this millennium — carrying some of the unresolved problems of its maternal and child population — this population will face current as well as new challenges. The Maternal and Child Health/Title V program and its many partners need to review their past history and approaches, modify these approaches for the new period, reaffirm their purpose and provide the leadership required. [read more]
Mighty Seven Leadership
By Magda G. Peck, ScD
If you are within the ‘sound’ of my words, hear me clearly: your obligation to lead well is non-negotiable. “Leadership” may not be in your job title or you may not feel very potent in the course of your daily grind inside bureaucratic, hierarchical organizations, or in highly politicized times. But you don’t get to opt-out. Not never. Not now. [read more]
Building Leadership Capacity in MCH Programs
By Marjory Ruderman, MHS
The MCH community has shown great interest in and commitment to developing leadership capacity and “grooming” the next generation of public health leaders. The publication in 2007 of the MCH Leadership Competencies by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau provided a tool for understanding the competencies required of MCH leaders and integrating them into job descriptions and professional development plans. Many resources exist to help programs provide leadership training, but barriers to accessing these resources remain for many MCH professionals, most notably limited resources (in terms of both staff time and money).
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Some Things Never Change: The Persistent Need for Leadership Preparation in MCH
By Donna J. Petersen, ScD, MHS
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of being affiliated with the MCHB-sponsored Maternal and Child Health Leadership Skills Training Institute since 1990 and through this stellar program have had the honor of contributing to the leadership development of over 2,000 dedicated MCH professionals. I’ve also provided leadership training to graduate students in MCH programs and have participated in numerous conversations about leadership development for our field. [read more]
AMCHP Adolescent Health Leadership Development Initiative
By Sharron Corle and Dr. Steve Edwards
Guided by the belief that leadership is key to improving maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes, that leadership is needed throughout the organization, and that leadership can be improved and developed by learning and experience, in 2008 AMCHP, working in collaboration with Edwards Educational Services, launched a pilot leadership development initiative for State Adolescent Health Coordinators. [read more]