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January 21, 2022

COVID-19 Resources

CDC Recommends Moderna Booster at 5 Months

CDC has adjusted its recommendation for when people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months. On January 4, CDC made this recommendation for recipients of a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series and, after FDA action, CDC extended this recommendation to recipients of a Moderna primary series. This means that people who initially received an mRNA vaccine series – two doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech – can now receive an mRNA booster shot 5 months after completing their initial series.

CDC Expands Booster Shot Eligibility and Strengthens Recommendations for 12-17 Year Olds

On January 5, CDC endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation to expand eligibility of booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. CDC now recommends that adolescents age 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. ACIP reviewed the available safety data following the administration of over 25 million vaccine doses in adolescents; COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-17.

Link to read the full media statement: CDC Expands Booster Shot Eligibility and Strengthens Recommendations for 12-17 Year Olds | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC.

Link to read more about COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots | CDC.

Biden-Harris Administration Requires Insurance Companies and Group Health Plans to Cover the Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Tests, Increasing Access to Free Tests

As part of its ongoing efforts across many channels to expand Americans’ access to free testing, the Biden-Harris Administration is requiring insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests, so people with private health coverage can get them for free starting January 15th. The new coverage requirement means that most consumers with private health coverage can go online or to a pharmacy or store, buy a test, and either get it paid for up front by their health plan, or get reimbursed for the cost by submitting a claim to their plan. This requirement incentivizes insurers to cover these costs up front and ensures individuals do not need an order from their health care provider to access these tests for free.

Link to read the full press release: Biden-Harris Administration Requires Insurance Companies and Group Health Plans to Cover the Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Tests, Increasing Access to Free Tests | HHS.gov.

COVID Vaccine Education and Equity Project (CVEEP) Kids and COVID-19 Vaccines Fact Sheets

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that everyone aged 5 and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. While compared with adults, children are at lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19, children can:

  • Get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Get very sick from COVID-19.
  • Have both short and long-term health complications from COVID-19.
  • Spread the COVID-19 virus to others.

Many parents and caregivers have been eager to get their young children vaccinated, but there are some common questions asked about the vaccine. Check out the latest resource from COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project: “kids and COVID-19 vaccines” fact sheet in both English and Spanish.

COVID-19 CDC Web Resources:

COVID-19 CDC Clinical Care Guidance

COVID-19 CDC Reports and Articles:

AMCHP COVID-19 Resources and Vaccination Pages

AMCHP is committed to working alongside our federal agency and organizational partners to gather available information, resources, and guidance specific to our MCH population during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are on our website (https://amchp.org/covid-19/) for your convenience and are updated regularly as untapped resources become available. Find out more about vaccinating MCH populations to stay up to date on well care during the pandemic here.

AMCHP Announcements

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New Issue Brief & Resources on MCH uses of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds

This brief, “American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Innovative MCH Fund Applications,” provides MCH agencies and professionals with examples of innovative ways that AMCHP and its partners have used the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to advance maternal and child health, including through cross-sectoral partnerships with entities outside of MCH departments. This brief also includes a compilation of tools, trackers, and fact sheets that offer guidance and information around service coordination, planning, and policy efforts. Our aim is that these examples will serve as inspiration for states and jurisdictions as they look to spend their own ARPA funds to enhance the lives of women, children, and families.

Now Accepting 2022 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program Host Site Applications!

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is currently accepting Summer 2022 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program (GSEP) host site applications. These will be accepted, vetted, and approved on a rolling basis through March 16, 2022, at 11:59pm EST.

This Maternal and Child Health (MCH) leadership program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and administered by AMCHP. Read more about GSEP, host site eligibility, expectations, benefits, and preview the application at: https://tinyurl.com/GSEP2022.

A few notable highlights:

  • Paid, 10-week, 100% remote graduate student summer internships to develop leaders in MCH epidemiology.
  • No associated costs for host sites; AMCHP covers all intern stipends and site visit expenses.
  • AMCHP handles intern recruitment and supports host sites throughout the summer.
  • Interns can focus their efforts on agency/organization priorities.
  • Staff can gain meaningful mentorship experience.

Interested host sites can view the recording from an informational webinar at: https://youtu.be/NSuW7eiQrtw. To apply, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/GSEPHostApply. For questions, please contact Maura Leahy (mleahy@amchp.org).

Check out AMCHP’s recent announcements!

Voices of AMCHP

From our Board of Director: Marilyn Johnson, Region IV Director (2021-2024)

Marilyn Johnson was appointed the MSDH Director of Women’s Health in July 2021, overseeing programs such as Family Planning, Breast and Cervical Cancer, Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies, and Maternal and Child/Infant Health. Since joining the agency in 2008, Marilyn has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Quality Improvement and State Title V/Maternal and Child Health Director. She has over 12 years of broad experience in public health with specific expertise in policy and evaluation, grant writing, management, professional development, quality improvement, and maternal/child health. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree, and is a board member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP). In 2021, she was recognized as 2021 Emerging MCH Professional (Region IV) at AMCHP Annual Awards.

    1. What is your role as AMCHP’s Region IV Director?
      As AMCHP’s Region IV Director, my role is to serve as the liaison to the board for states and territories in specific Public Health Service region, coordinate and conduct regular conference calls with states and territories in region, AMCHP and MCHB; conduct follow-up and write minutes, identify and share trends, issues and news with the board and AMCHP staff, including emerging “best practices,” government policies and opportunities to advance family health, participate in activities to share emerging MCH issues and trends impacting states and territories in region as requested by the Board and staff, and serve as Board Liaison to at least one AMCHP Committee. I see my role as bridging the gap.
    2. How has this role impacted your contributions to the field of Maternal and Child Health (MCH)?
      Although I’ve only been in this role for a brief period, it has given me the opportunity to have a different perspective of the field of Maternal and Child Health. I have a more hands-on experience in learning the programmatic efforts of the Region IV states and the great strides they are making in the Maternal and Child Health field.
    3. How has your experience influenced your work as AMCHP’s Region IV Director?
      My experience has influenced my work as AMCHP’S Region IV Director by helping me utilize my skills of developing and maintaining meaningful working relationships, program management and strategic planning for program impact. With these skills and over ten years of experience in public health, I can significantly contribute to the Maternal and Child Health field.
    4. What motivates you to do your work in the MCH field?
      What motivates me most to do my work in the Maternal and Child Health field is the opportunity to be a change agent. I am passionate about public health and the Maternal and Child Health field. The field provides endless opportunities to gain new skills, make a difference in the world, and develop meaningful, working relationships are rewarding.
    5. What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
      The accomplishment I am most proud of is spearheading the 2020 State Title V Needs Assessment. My team and I took a strategic approach in facilitating the needs assessment process, an approach that hasn’t been done before in our state. This allowed for a more in-depth analysis of the priority needs of our state and emphasized the programmatic efforts needed to initiate change.

AMCHP Annual Conference

The Latest on the AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference

The AMCHP Annual Conference is one of the country’s largest gatherings of MCH professionals. In 2021, more than 1,300 people attended the conference virtually from nearly every state/territory/jurisdiction in the United States, including directors of states programs, federal officials, advocates, family leaders, researchers, and health care providers.

Considering the 2022 conference theme, “Reflecting on our Past, Shaping our Future,” AMCHP looks forward to identifying practices and policies designed to address the key challenges that MCH programs and families face and strengthening the partnership between local and state MCH programs and families. At the end of the conference, it’s AMCHP’s goal that you: acquire new skills to enhance MCH’s workforce, can implement strategies to improve health equity and inclusion, know the latest research on MCH, and have more awareness about the importance of interpersonal collaboration in the MCH field.

AMCHP Extended Early Bird Registration Deadline for the 2022 Annual Conference

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) extended the deadline for early-bird registration for its 2022 Annual Conference, held March 5-8, 2022, in Washington, DC, and through its virtual conference platform. The new deadline is Friday, January 28, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Given the current situation with COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, travel approvals are taking longer than expected. This extension gives you an additional two weeks to secure your approval and still take advantage of the early bird pricing.

The AMCHP Annual Conference is one of the country’s largest gatherings of MCH professionals. In 2021, more than 1,300 people attended the conference virtually from nearly every state/territory/jurisdiction in the United States, including directors of states programs, federal officials, advocates, family leaders, researchers, and health care providers.

Considering the 2022 conference theme, “Reflecting on our Past, Shaping our Future,” AMCHP looks forward to identifying practices and policies designed to address the key challenges that MCH programs and families face and strengthening the partnership between local and state MCH programs and families. At the end of the conference, it’s AMCHP’s goal that you: acquire new skills to enhance MCH’s workforce, can implement strategies to improve health equity and inclusion, know the latest research on MCH, and have more awareness about the importance of interpersonal collaboration in the MCH field.

Not sure if you are going to participate in person? You can register for the Virtual Conference and upgrade to in-person before January 28, 2022 – the last day to change your registration type without penalty. For more information, visit the AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference website.

Support CBOs, Tribal Government Representatives, and Youth at Our Upcoming Annual Conference!

As you all know our annual conference is fast approaching. While we can’t wait to see you at AMCHP 2022, whether in-person or virtually, we also recognize the deep value of having youth and young adult leaders, community-based organizations (CBOs), and those representing tribal governments attend as well.

Here is a letter from our President and CEO providing further details about ways to support these individuals to attend. We shared a similar letter last year, and based on our conference evaluation, it inspired jurisdictions to financially support over 50 youth and young adult leaders (including students), CBOs, and tribal government representatives to participate.

We are hopeful that this letter will have the same, or an even larger, impact this year. We also hope that it inspires you and your colleagues to have conversations about ways that you can further partner with and support these individuals and groups in your own work. Check out our conference registration page for further information.

New From AMCHP

Interactive Map of State Harm Reduction Strategies: Improving Outcomes for Women Who Use Substances

Harm reduction is a critical strategy for overdose prevention, and more necessary than ever as overdose deaths continue to rise – over 100,000 people died of overdoses between April 2020 and April 2021 and nearly 23,000 women died of an overdose in 2019. This AMCHP-National Association of State and Alcohol Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) project features an interactive collection of 10 state case studies that highlights successful collaborations between state MCH programs and alcohol and drug abuse agencies and identifies best practices for evidence-based harm reduction at the state and local level. By advocating for women-centered harm reduction practices, state MCH programs can provide leadership in improving outcomes for women who use substances and their families. Learn about what other states are doing to support women who use substances using the following link: https://bit.ly/MCHharmreduction.

AMCHP Events & Webinars

Webinar – Incorporating Equity into Peer Recovery Services: Examples and Considerations

Please join AMCHP & ASTHO for this virtual learning session as part of the PRISM learning community! This national webinar held January 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. EST, will feature subject matter experts on peer recovery to explore best practices and considerations for developing and operating equitable peer recovery services and share innovative models for supporting pregnant and parenting people who use substances through peer services. Speakers include:

  • Laurie Johnson-Wade, Advanced Implementation Specialist, Opioid Response Network and Co-Founding Director of Lost Dreams Awakening (LDA) Recovery Community Organization
  • Kasey Edwards Snider, Specialized Doula and Peer Support Specialist, Project Nurture Providence

Register using the following link: Webinar Registration.

Graduate Student Epidemiology Program Informational Webinar for Graduate Students

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is hosting an informational webinar on Wednesday, February 2 from 3:00-3:45 p.m. EST for graduate students interested in applying to the 2022 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program.

The webinar will:

  • Introduce GSEP and program components
  • Describe the intern experience and expectations
  • Walk through the application process and timeline
  • Discuss intern benefits
  • Feature a live Q&A session with several 2021 GSEP alumni

Register for the webinar at: https://bit.ly/GSEPStudentWebinar. The webinar will be recorded with live closed captioning. For questions, please contact Maura Leahy (mleahy@amchp.org).

Recording: The Intersection of Climate Change and Maternal and Child Health: Centering Global Issues and Climate Justice

In November 2021, AMCHP’s Global Health Initiative held a webinar, titled The Intersection of Climate Change and Maternal and Child Health (MCH): Centering Global Issues and Climate Justice, which featured presentations from Jack Dimatteo, Legislative Assistant for U.S. Congresswoman, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL), Black Maternal Health Caucus; Camille Delgado -López, Epidemiologist for the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies (SETMB) at the Children with Special Medical Needs Division of the Puerto Rico Health Department; and Dr. Jyotsna Krishnakumar, PhD, Director of the Community Well Being Programme: WASH at Keystone Foundation in Kotagiri, India.

This webinar highlighted the greatest challenges facing the MCH population due to climate change and the innovation of people and groups around the world working to solve the biggest issue of our lifetime. Check out a recording of the webinar here and explore the following resources to stay connected on climate change in MCH populations:

AMCHP Information & Resources

Check out AMCHP’s recent resources!

Go-To AMCHP Webpages!

AMCHP Innovation Hub

AMCHP’s Innovation Hub is excited to announce that we will be accepting submissions to the Evidence-Informed Policy Track of the MCH Innovations Database on a rolling basis! The goal of the Policy Track is to identify and promote model examples of evidence-informed MCH “Big P” and “little p” policies that policymakers and MCH professionals can use as blueprints to inform future policies that benefit MCH populations. The Policy Track considers MCH policies for three policy designations: evidence-informed policy development, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. Visit our Evidence-Informed Policy Initiative page to learn more.

AMCHP Mental Health Corner

Mental health is an important component of well-being for birthing people, youth, children with special healthcare needs, and families. To recognize its importance, we will use this space to highlight resources for MCAH professionals to support their own mental health, as well as the mental health of those they serve. Read more about AMCHP’s organizational work on mental health and substance use here.

January is Mental Wellness Month and No Name-Calling Week (January 17-21)! We are using social media to acknowledge the centrality of mental health in advancing priorities within and across MCAH domains. Be sure to follow AMCHP on Twitter (@dc_amchp) for original and valuable partner content that demonstrate mental and emotional health and well-being as integral to overall health.

Interested in receiving more information on what’s happening related to mental health/substance use and MCH? Sign-up for the PRISM Digest, our monthly mental health/substance use newsletter, by sending an e-mail to jcohen@amchp.org and check out the #AMCHPMentalHealth hashtag on Twitter. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact the mental health team at mentalhealth@amchp.org.

AMCHP National Policy Calls

AMCHP National MCH COVID-19 Townhall Series

Thanks to those of you who joined us on the January 6th webinar. The link to the recording is available here. The next call in this series is February 10th, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m., ET. Please use this link to register. For follow-up materials and resources from previous calls, please be sure to check out AMCHP’s COVID-19 page.

Legislation & Policy

HRSA Releases Updated Affordable Care Act Preventive Health Care Guidelines for Women and Children

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced updated preventive care and screening guidelines for women and for infants, children, and adolescents. The updated guidelines expand the insurance coverage with no out-of-pocket costs that certain group health plans and insurance issuers must provide under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Updated guidelines for Women’s Preventive Care and Screenings can be found here, and for Infants, Children and Adolescents here. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) has also released a report in conjunction with the new guidance: Access to Preventive Services without Cost-Sharing: Evidence from the Affordable Care Act.

Opportunities & Funding

Posted Funding Opportunities

Posted Opportunities
Title Summary Number & Link Close Date
988 State and Territory Cooperative Agreements “The purpose of these cooperative agreements is to improve state and territory response to 988 contacts (including calls, chats, and texts).” SM-22-015 01/31/2022
Family Planning Telehealth Infrastructure Enhancement and Expansion Grants Open to agencies applying for regular Title X funds. “Grants funded under this NOFO will enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure of Title X grantee networks, increasing access to Title X family planning services nationwide.” PA-FPH-22-002 02/03/2022
Enhancing Systems of Care for Children with Medical Complexity “Program will support five demonstration projects that will implement and evaluate evidence-informed interventions to advance care for CMC consistent with a patient/family-centered medical home.” HRSA-22-098 03/7/2022
Tracking the burden, distribution, and impact of Post COVID-19 conditions in diverse populations for children, adolescents, and adults (Track PCC) “Track and investigate the burden and impact of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) in diverse populations within the United States through surveillance and long-term follow-up of cohorts.” CDC-RFA-IP22-2203 03/7/2022
Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program “The purpose of this program is to expand public health capacity by supporting health care job development, training and placement in rural and tribal communities.” HRSA-22-117 03/18/2022
Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program “The purpose of the RMOMS program is to improve access to and continuity of maternal and obstetrics care in rural communities.” HRSA-22-115 04/5/2022
American Rescue Plan Act – Pediatric Mental Health Care Access New Area Expansion “The purpose of this program is to promote behavioral health integration into pediatric primary care by supporting pediatric mental health care telehealth access programs.” HRSA-22-121 04/5/2022

Forecasted Funding Opportunities

Forecasted Opportunities
Title Summary Number & Link Expected Post Date
Connecting Kids to Coverage HEALTHY KIDS 2022 Outreach and Enrollment Cooperative Agreements “Funding opportunities to reduce the number of children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and to improve retention of eligible children who are enrolled in the programs.” CMS-1Y1-22-001 01/19/2022

HRSA Funding Opportunity: MCH Adolescent and Young Adult Health Research Network (AYAH-RN)

HRSA has announced the release of a new Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The new NOFO, HRSA-22-077 solicits applications for the MCH Adolescent and Young Adult Health Research Network (AYAH-RN).

The purpose of this program is to grow and extend a national, multi-site, collaborative Research Network that will accelerate the translation of research into Maternal and Child Health (MCH) AYA practice; promote scientific collaboration; and develop additional research capacity in the AYA health field (serving adolescents and young adults ages 10–25). The Research Network will provide support for the establishment and maintenance of critical infrastructure necessary for efficient leadership, coordination, and translation of research on emergent and persistent public health challenges, including poorer outcomes among underserved and disadvantaged AYA populations.

Learn more about this opportunity using the following link: View Opportunity (HRSA-22-077) | GRANTS.GOV.

Career Opportunity: Director for MCHB’s Division of Services for Children with Special Healthcare Needs (DSCSHN)

The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA is recruiting for the Director for Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)’s Division of Services for Children with Special Healthcare Needs. As a senior leader within MCHB, the incumbent will provide overall direction for the Division, which provides national leadership in planning, directing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating national programs that focus on programs serving children, youth, and adults with special health needs and their families. Based on your eligibility, please apply to the appropriate link below. Please note that this position will be remote with travel to Rockville 2 days a month. The deadline for applications is 1/31/2022.

If you are a physician, click here to apply.
If you are internal to the federal government, click here to apply.
If you are outside of the federal government, click here to apply.

AMCHP Career Center: Connecting Talent with Opportunity

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) offers the top jobs available in your industry. Search and apply to open positions or post jobs on AMCHP Career Center! Search for Jobs | Post a Job.

Recent Job Posts:

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Publications and Resources

CDC Study Shows Flu Vaccination Prevents Severe Flu Illness in U.S. Children

A new CDC study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID) shows that flu vaccination protected children against serious flu illness even when they were infected with a flu virus that was antigenically different from the vaccine virus. This reinforces the benefit of flu vaccination, even when circulating flu viruses have drifted and are different from the virus used in vaccine production.

Link to read the full press release: CDC Study Shows Flu Vaccination Prevents Severe Flu Illness in U.S. Children | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC.

ASTHO Brief – Period Poverty: A Growing Public Health Concern

Period poverty is defined as the lack of access to sanitary products, appropriate facilities, and medically-sound information about menstruation. It is a growing public health concern with wide-ranging implications for women’s health. This ASTHO brief highlights legislative actions that states are taking to remove financial burdens for women who struggle to afford period products and mitigate existing stigma. Link to access the ASTHO Brief: Period Poverty: A Growing Public Health Concern (astho.org).

New study finds that more than 1 in 4 households delayed or missed children’s preventive checkups due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Public Health Reports published a new study by Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) researchers, Missed and Delayed Preventive Health Care Visits Among US Children Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Using data from the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey (collected in April/May 2021), the researchers estimated the prevalence of missed, skipped, or delayed preventive checkups among households with children in the previous 12 months. They found that about 26% of these households had at least one or more children (< 18 years old) who had missed or delayed their preventive visit because of the pandemic.  Learn more about the most common reasons for missed/delayed preventive health care visits, variations between states, socioeconomic differences, and more.

New 2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Data Available for Request

The CDC is pleased to announce 2020 site-level data from PRAMS is now available through the proposal submission process. PRAMS provides data on maternal attitudes, experiences, and behaviors around the time of pregnancy. The 2020 data also includes indicators on COVID-19 experiences and maternal disabilities for selected sites that added supplemental questions on these topics.  For more information on how to request data for analysis can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/prams-data/researchers.htm.

Commemorations

January 2022

Thyroid Awareness Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
National Birth Defects Prevention Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Stalking Awareness Month
Radon Awareness Month
National Blood Donor Month

Days to Note:

World Leprosy Day; January 30