Advocate for Title V Maternal and Child Health Programs in 2010!

We need your help! Now more then ever it is vital for your elected officials to understand the needs of MCH populations in your state and how they are addressed by Title V programs.  It is also crucial that we begin a dialogue with policymakers now on the potential changing roles for state Title V MCH Programs in a post reform environment.

1. Title V Advocacy Training Calls 
2. Schedule Capitol Hill Visits During the AMCHP Annual Conference
3. Go on Record in Support of Title V
4. Download your Advocacy Materials

Advocacy Training Calls 

AMCHP will be conducting two training conference calls prior to the annual conference to help you prepare to make the most of your visit to Washington. 

Advocacy Call for Family Advocates
February 17th, 2010
Listen to the archived webcast from this training call here.

Advocacy Call for AMCHP Members
February 24th, 2010
Listen to the archived webcast from this training call here.

Call Materials

Powerpoint Slides

Video Link

John's Handout - How to Communicate with Politicians and Legislators

Additional Resources for Family Advocates:

Getting to Know Title V - Family Voices booklet describing the partnership between Title V and families.

MCH Timeline - Interactive timeline that traces the history of maternal and child health in US history.

Understanding Title V - HRSA report outlining Title V of the Social Security Act.

Go on Record In Support of Title V

Regardless of whether you can make Hill visits during the AMCHP Annual Conference, we are urging all members to make sure their agency is on record supporting the Title V MCH Block Grant.  Well-crafted and personalized letters to Members of Congress do make a difference, and consistent feedback from Hill staff indicates that Title V voices are not always heard at key points in the appropriations process.  It is most effective to reach policymakers early in the appropriations process, which begins soon after the President releases his budget proposal on February 1^st.  Feel free to use this letter template as you prepare your message. PLEASE share any correspondence you send so that we can follow up with key staff to make sure its been received and reinforce the message.   

Advocacy Materials

Here are a few of the materials that you should plan to bring with you during your Congressional visits. Please check back closer to the conference as we are updating these materials in the coming weeks. We will also have these materials available at the conference for you to pick up before you head to your visit!

AMCHP State Profiles - AMCHP state profiles provide a snapshot of how the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant works in specific states. The profiles detail the Federal funds appropriated to each state, state match, specific programs funded, numbers of people receiving services and state health needs

AMCHP 2011 Ask Sheet - A one pager describing the Title V MCH Block Grant and what funding level AMCHP is asking for.

Power of Prevention Report - Highlights several effective maternal and child health interventions with an emphasis on Title V's role key role in ensuring the health of women and children.

Title V Pyramid of Health Services - The conceptual framework for the services of the Title V Maternal & Child Health Block Grant is envisioned as a pyramid with four tiers of services and levels of funding.

Map of Capitol Hill - Find your Representative's office building location.