By Ki'Yonna Jones, MPH
Program Manager, Workforce & Leadership Development, AMCHP
The Emerging Issues Committee uses the eyes, ears and experience of Title V professionals throughout the country to assist AMCHP in responding to emerging maternal and child health issues that impact its members.
The Committee defines an Emerging Issue as: An issue, positive or negative, which is not yet generally recognized, but which may have significant impact on Title V programs and the populations we serve. An emerging issue is associated with one of the following:
- Policy, social, economic, financial, institutional or technological developments that may cause changes in trends, Title V programs, and/or the health of Title V populations;
- New evidence or theory that suggests potentially large change in Title V programs and populations, but which is currently either not widely accepted, or is considered unproven; and
- Lack of adequate policy, action or leadership on an existing issue, which may become more significant or more urgent in the future.
An emerging issue is not necessarily an issue no one has heard of, or that comes as a shocking surprise.
Annually, the Committee conducts an Environmental Scan consisting of primary and secondary data from content experts, MCH/Title V Directors, AMCHP Committee members, AMCHP's member assessment, AMCHP's conference evaluation, TVIS, Title V Block Grant Applications, etc.
The most mentioned emerging issues to surface during the 2015-2016 scan fell under the general categories of: Life-course/Cross-cutting, Access to Care, Family Engagement and Developmental Screening. The Committee focused its efforts on three specific topics that have been resonating with many states, families and MCH professionals: Trauma-informed care for children and families; the role of Title V funds in an era of healthcare financing transformation; and the use of innovative financing for developmental screenings.
The Committee will provide additional information and resources on these topics throughout the year. We are encouraging all thought leaders on these topics who would like to present or contribute on future webinars or publications to please contact Ki'Yonna Jones, Committee liaison at kjones@amchp.org.