Improving Access to Maternity Care Act Passes Senate
On Dec. 6 the Senate passed the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act, which had previously passed the House, sending the bill to the president to sign into law. AMCHP was proud to endorse this legislation, which requires the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to collect and analyze data to create a maternity health professional shortage area designation for use by National Health Service Corps and to target maternity care resources where they're most needed.

Start Connecting with New Members of Congress
The 116th Congress, which formally begins on Jan. 3, will include more than 80 new members. The time is now to begin familiarizing yourself with your new senators and representatives and prepare to let them know that you are a resource for all things maternal and child health!

While they won't have official websites until they are sworn in, most newly elected officials can be reached through their campaign emails and websites now. AMCHP has compiled this handy Excel document of both. Don't hesitate to contact AMCHP Government Affairs staff Amy Haddad (ahaddad@amchp.org) or Alyson Northrup (anorthrup@amchp.org) if you need further assistance.

Whether you reach out now or early in January, here is a sample message:

Dear Rep. or Rep.-elect/Sen. or Sen.-elect ______,

My name is _____, and I am writing to let you know that I can be a resource for you and your staff on maternal and child health issues. I work in [ex/our state's Title V maternal and child health agency] and am happy to provide you with information about maternal and child public health efforts in our state related to the health of women, children, and their families, including those with special health care needs. I can be reached at [email] or [phone number] and look forward to being in touch!

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Address]