AMCHP > About AMCHP > Newsletters > Member Briefs > Archive > 2014 > Apr. 21, 2014

Apr. 21, 2014

LEGISLATIVE & POLICY CORNER

Save the Date -- National MCH Policy Teleconference Set for May 5 from 2-3:30 p.m. EST
Please save the date and register now to participate in a national maternal and child health (MCH) policy teleconference on May 5 from 2-3:30 p.m. EST. The call will feature an announcement from Dr. Michael Lu, associate administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), and the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality regarding future plans for the Infant Mortality Collaborative Innovation & Improvement Network. [more]

AMCHP Continues Advocacy for Title V MCH Block Grant
Over the past few weeks, the AMCHP policy staff has continued to meet with key congressional offices to promote the Title V MCH Block Grant and share our request for a $639 million appropriation for FY 2015. In every meeting, we share this Title V appropriations fact sheet, a state-specific profile, and this overview of the cost-effectiveness of MCH services. [more]

House Committee Passes Newborn Screening Reauthorization
On Apr. 3, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 1281, The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA). This bill reauthorizes the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008 to continue federal activities that assist states in improving their newborn screening programs, supporting parent and provider newborn screening education, and ensuring laboratory quality and surveillance. [more]

GET INVOLVED

AMCHP 2014 Member Assessment -- Coming Soon!
As a member organization we exist to support you, our members. With this goal in mind, once again AMCHP will undertake a scan to learn more about our members and how well you feel we serve you by conducting an electronic survey of our membership to solicit member feedback about key organizational activities. [more]

Leading in Changing Times Part 3: Leaders with a Vision-- Coming Apr. 30
In working to improve the lives of women, children and families, leadership is an essential role for maternal and child health (MCH) programs. Leaders must have a vision, take initiative, influence people, solve problems, and take responsibility in order to make things happen. And, whether or not they have a formal title, everyone is engaged in the process of leadership. Likewise, everyone can develop their leadership effectiveness. [more]

Title V Five Year Needs Assessment Virtual Training -- Part 2: Nuts and Bolts on Using Data
Title V legislation requires each state and jurisdiction to conduct a statewide, comprehensive needs assessment every five years. Hard to believe that the time has come for Title V programs to prepare for the next comprehensive needs assessment! The needs assessment process can be a useful tool for strategic planning, strategic decision making and resource allocation. It also provides a way for Title V programs to benchmark where they are and assess progress over a five-year period. To assist states or jurisdictions in preparing their assessments AMCHP is hosting a series of virtual trainings to provide guidance on the needs assessment process. The second webinar, The Nuts and Bolts on Using Data, is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 from 3-4 p.m. EST. [more]

Building and Retaining a Resilient MCH Workforce for Tomorrow
Several forces, such as full implementation of the Affordable Care Act and enduring budget cuts, deficits and hiring freezes, are having a huge impact on the knowledge and skills needed for a competent public health workforce. To continue to effectively meet the needs of children, families and communities they serve, building and retaining a resilient MCH workforce has become especially critically important for state Title V programs. In order to support state efforts to maintain a talented workforce, AMCHP is hosting the Building and Retaining a Resilient MCH Workforce for Tomorrow webinar on May 15 at 2 p.m. EST. [more]

For more ways to Get Involved, click here.

AMCHP is For Babies
On Saturday, May 3, AMCHP staff will participate in the 2014 March for Babies in Washington, DC to support the March of Dimes in improving the health of babies. Click here to support our team, AMCHP Steps for Babies!

PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES

General Maternal & Child Health

AMCHP Conference Session Recordings Now Available
Didn't make it to all the sessions at AMCHP 2014 that you wanted to? Couldn't make it to the conference this year? Sessions recordings from this year's conference are now available. [more]

Child & Adolescent Health

Spanish Bright Futures Family Pocket Guide now available from Family Voices
A companion to the popular English version released in 2012, this small, fun, easy-to-use book can help families support health and wellness for their children at every age. The guide is full of the same variety of family resources found in the English guide, with Spanish equivalents where possible. [more]

CDC Vital Signs Report on Preventing Pregnancies in Younger Teens
CDC released a Vital Signs report highlighting progress in reducing the burden of births to young women, ages 15-17. The rates of births in this age group are falling, but these rates are still of great concern to public health professionals. [more]

New Obesity & Oral Health Interventions Article for Indian Country
A systematic literature review was conducted focusing on childhood obesity and oral health interventions which may have relevance to Native American children, their families, and their communities. Childhood obesity and oral health have become a significant problem across Indian Country. [more]

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AMCHP Opens Search for Senior Program Manager, Women's Health
The Senior Program Manager for Women’s Health is a member of the Program Team and contributes to the advancement of maternal and child health outcomes by performing a variety of planning and program implementation, research and evaluation projects related to women’s health generally, and specifically maternal and birth outcomes. [more]

AMCHP Accepting Applications for Program Manager, Workforce Development and Capacity Building
The Program Manager for Workforce Development and Capacity Building is a member of the Program Team and supports the advancement of MCH programs by contributing to major issues surrounding workforce and capacity building for AMCHP members. The work involves contributing to the development, implementation, support and evaluation of activities as part of the National MCH Workforce Development Center (the Center), collaboration with collaboration with staff and partners of the Center... [more]

AMCHP'S CAREER CENTER
The Career Center is the premiere online job board for individuals seeking employment in Maternal and Child Health programs. Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or are a more seasoned professional looking for new opportunities, the AMCHP Career Center has great openings for great people! Searching our database is free and open to all job-seekers. AMCHP members receive a discount on job postings -- so sign up today!

FUNDING

Funds for Teenage Pregnancy Prevention: Research and Demonstration Programs
Deadline: Apr. 24
The purpose of this announcement is to work with three to five communities with high teen pregnancy rates to develop innovative strategies for preventing teen pregnancy in populations/areas with demonstrated need. These could include high-risk, vulnerable, and culturally under-represented youth populations, and/or youth residing in areas with high birth or teen pregnancy rates. [more]

Safe Infant Sleep Systems Integration Program
Deadline: Apr. 30
This announcement solicits applications for the Safe Infant Sleep Systems Integration (SISSI) Program. SISSI aims to increase the adoption of safe infant sleep behavior among infant caregivers by activating champions of these protective behaviors within systems that intersect with families at risk. [more]

Newborn Screening Data Repository and Technical Assistance Center
Deadline: May 5
This announcement solicits applications for the Newborn Screening Data Repository and Technical Assistance Center. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enable the awardee to: enhance, improve, or expand the ability of State and local public health agencies to provide screening, counseling... [more]

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Practice and Implementation Centers
Deadline: May 13
The purpose of this program announcement is to expand previous efforts from FASD training programs and shift the perspective of this work from individual training for practicing health care professionals to one that capitalizes on prevention opportunities and the ability to impact health care practice at the systems level. Significant research in recent years has enabled the development of programs that are effective and targeted to specific populations for reducing the risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy, in turn preventing FASDs. [more]

Improving FASD Prevention and Practice through National Partnerships
Deadline: May 13
This is a new program with an overall goal of strengthening strategic partnerships with key national medical societies, professional organizations and constituent groups. It is designed to support two crucial components of a multifaceted approach to enhance FASD training, provider education and practice change and complements CDC-RFA-DD14-1402, which will fund FASD PICs. [more]

For more funding opportunities, click here.

CALENDAR

Click here to see the AMCHP MCH Events Calendar.