March 24, 2022

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March 24, 2022

COVID-19 Resources

CDC: COVID-19 Vaccines Continue to Protect Against Hospitalization and Death Among Adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed that, according to two recent MMWR reports, COVID-19 vaccination continues to help protect adults against severe illness with COVID-19, including hospitalizations and death.

During Omicron, COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates increased for all adults, regardless of vaccination status, but rates were 12 times higher among adults who were unvaccinated compared to adults who received a booster or additional doses. Hospitalization rates were also highest among non-Hispanic Black adults and nearly 4 times as high among Black adults than White adults during the peak of Omicron.

Additionally, mRNA vaccines continued to be highly effective at protecting against COVID-19-associated ventilation or death, including during the Omicron period. Protection was highest in adults who received a third vaccine dose, reducing the risk for COVID-19-associated ventilation or death during the Omicron period by 94%.

CDC continues to recommend that everyone 5 years and older stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses for those who are eligible. We also must work to ensure everyone has equitable access to vaccines and treatments by focusing efforts on reaching people who have been disproportionately affected, so that they can be protected from the effects of the virus, including severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

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 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

Never miss our updates! Sign up for our newsletters here, and follow us on Twitter (@DC_AMCHP), LinkedIn (Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs), Facebook (AMCHP), and Instagram (@DC_AMCHP).

AMCHP Announced the Launch of the Latest Edition of its Pulse Newsletter

The March edition of our Pulse newsletter is out! This edition, titled “The Intersection of Reproductive Health and Disability Justice,” focuses on health equity and disability justice. Check out our articles:

A Message from our CEO

Disability and Reproductive Health: It’s Time to Talk About It!

The Forced Sterilization of Disabled People in the United States: An Interview with Ma’ayan Anafi, Senior Counsel for Health Equity and Justice at the National Women’s Law Center

Building Health Equity and Health Care Systems: The Importance of Doulas and Midwives as Community Birth Workers in Maternal and Child Health

Interested in joining our Pulse mailing list? Subscribe using this link!

New Dates Available! AMCHP Invites our Members to a Virtual Coffee with Our CEO, Terrance E. Moore

Members of AMCHP, please join our CEO, Terrance E. Moore, for a casual and virtual conversation over coffee. Learn more about him and his vision, and be part of a discussion about the challenges you have been experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic and how AMCHP can continue supporting you.

We would love for you to join one of the four open sessions below! All sessions will be held at 2:30 PM EDT on Zoom and 45 minutes long.

April 13 (Register)
April 27 (Register)
May 18 (Register)
June 1 (Register)

Session registration is capped at thirty, so register today!

Follow AMCHP’s CEO on Twitter at @AMCHP_CEO. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@amchp.org.

AMCHP Shared New MCH Bridges Podcast Episode: Redesigning Birth Work for the Future with the InTune Mother Society

AMCHP and the InTune Mother Society (TIMS) shared a two-part podcast episode with guest speakers RaShaunda Lugrand, Founder/Director of TIMS, and Joelisha Fairbanks, a former TIMS client currently pursuing her certification as a Perinatal Wellness Coach.

This episode discusses birth justice, Black entrepreneurship, and how the maternal and child health (MCH) field and workplace can help break down barriers to perinatal wellness work and ideas on equitable partnerships between governmental public health and community-rooted efforts.

Click here to listen to the episode: Redesigning Birth Work for the Future with the InTune Mother Society (TIMS). Share with your peers and listen to this and other episodes on www.mchbridges.org, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Overcast.

AMCHP Launches Essential Reading for Black History Month and Beyond: The 2022 Edition

February was Black History Month, and to honor this observance, AMCHP launched a yearlong compilation of books and articles that have inspired our team to reflect on Black history, racial justice, and health equity. Check out our updated list here!

AMCHP Annual Conference

The Latest on the AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference

The AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference Early Bird Deadline is Approaching!

We are less than two weeks away from the Early Bird deadline! Register for the AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference by Friday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to get the best rates.

Our 2022 Annual Conference, held May 24-26, will be fully virtual. Join us from just about anywhere for an incredible opportunity to explore our conference theme, “Reflecting on our Past, Shaping our Future,” across three plenary sessions, more than 70 workshops, over 85 posters, and networking opportunities with peers across the country.

The AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference is one of the country’s largest gatherings of maternal and child health professionals. In 2021, more than 1,300 people attended the conference virtually from nearly every state, territory, and jurisdiction in the United States, including directors of states programs, federal officials, advocates, family leaders, researchers, and health care providers.

AMCHP Encourages You to Support CBOs, Tribal Government Representatives, and Youth for Our Upcoming Annual Conference

The AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference is fast approaching. While we can’t wait to see you at AMCHP 2022, 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.

Quick Links

AMCHP Events & Webinars

Virtual Roundtable – Working with Families Virtually

Please join us on Tuesday, March 29, from 4 – 5:30 PM ET, for a virtual conversation with families and an opportunity to connect with colleagues nationwide on strategies to engage and support telehealth efforts. Register here.

Webinar – Implementing the “Care for Pregnant and Postpartum People with Substance Use Disorder” Patient Safety Bundle: Opportunities for State Public Health

Please join AMCHP & ASTHO on April 21, 2022, for a virtual learning session from 1 – 2 PM ET! This national webinar is part of the PRISM learning community. It will explore the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health’s (AIM) patient safety bundle for perinatal people with substance use disorders and the role of public health agencies, perinatal quality collaboratives, and community organizations in supporting the implementation of the AIM bundle in their state.

Speakers include:
• Amy Ushry, RN, MPH, Senior Nurse Program Manager, Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
• Amy Ladley, PhD, State Perinatal Quality Program Manager, Louisiana Department of Health.
• Lori Reeves, MPH, Maternal and Infant Opioid Prevention Coordinator, Florida Department of Health.

Webinar – Family Delegate Guide by AMCHP’s Family LEAD Committee

AMCHP’s Family LEAD Committee will be hosting a webinar for Family Delegates, family leaders, and Title V programs working with Family Delegates & family leaders. The webinar will discuss AMCHP’s Family Delegate Guide and partnerships between Title V programs and Family Delegates/family leaders.

Join us on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, from 2 – 3 PM ET by completing this brief registration no later than EOD Friday, April 8. The agenda and log-in information will be sent to your registered email prior to the webinar.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michelle Crawford at mcrawford@amchp.org.

Recording: Live Town Hall on AYA Vaccinations

Have you wondered why adolescents and young adults have some of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to other age groups? Are you interested in learning more about why youth are (or aren’t) vaccinated? Hear from AMCHP’s Youth Voice Amplified committee panelists as they discuss what influences youth’s ability to get vaccinated, unique challenges faced by this age group, and some misconceptions heard among their peers.

This virtual Town Hall was recorded and is now available on our YouTube channel – for young people and presented by young people! Use this link to watch it.

AMCHP Innovation Hub

Join AMCHP’s MCH Innovations Committee

Are you interested in building evidence and innovation? Do you want to serve as a catalyst for developing and implementing equitable practices and policies? Join AMCHP’s MCH Innovations Committee!

AMCHP is accepting applications for interested individuals to join the committee as part of the 2021-2022 committee year. As a committee member, you will be part of the team working to advance the field of maternal and child health (MCH) through evidence and innovation. Specifically, committee members guide AMCHP’s efforts to identify, review, amplify, and support the replication of innovative and effective MCH approaches. These approaches center on health equity and improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities across the nation by providing evidence- and implementation-centered technical assistance, resources, and support.

Click here for more information, and fill out this form to join AMCHP’s MCH Innovations Committee.

Be a Part of AMCHP’s Replication Projects!

Do you have a priority or strategy in your State Action Plan that you aren’t sure how to operationalize? Are you interested in building partnerships with MCH organizations while enhancing your organizational capacity? Consider participating in AMCHP’s Replication Projects for the 2022-2023 project year!

Every year, AMCHP offers awards for organizations and agencies to replicate evidence-based/-informed practices from the MCH Innovations Database. AMCHP’s Replication Projects are also an excellent opportunity to:

Receive tailored technical assistance and support to build your state’s or organization’s capacity to implement an Innovation Hub practice;
Start adapting a practice to your local context; and
Strengthen and develop partnerships with relevant organizations to address priority needs.

Format and structure

This project provides two technical assistance tracks depending on your organization’s level of readiness to replicate a practice. The Capacity Building Track focuses on capacity building and developing the infrastructure necessary to implement a chosen practice. The Implementation Track provides support to begin the actual implementation of a practice. Both tracks operate as cohorts, with participants receiving TA in the form of quarterly webinars which focus on specific tools and pieces of training aligned with the Implementation Stages Framework.

Want to learn more about this opportunity?

Visit our Innovation Hub page and watch an overview of the Replication Projects. Next, review the Replication Project Readiness Statements to apply.

Ready to apply? Click to sign up for an initial conversation with AMCHP. Please email us at evidence@amchp.org for any questions.

AMCHP’s Innovation Hub is Accepting Submissions to the MCH Innovation Database: Spring 2022 Review

Is your work effectively improving the health and well-being of MCH populations? Submit it to the MCH Innovations Database: Spring 2022 Review!

AMCHP’s Innovation Hub is accepting submissions to the MCH Innovations Database (formerly Innovation Station). The MCH Innovations Database is a searchable repository of “what’s working” in the field, including effective practices, programs, and strategies that positively impact MCH populations. Submissions to the database are assessed along a practice continuum and, if accepted, receive a designation of Cutting-Edge, Emerging, Promising, or Best Practice depending on the level of evidence demonstrating the practice’s impact, among other criteria.

How to Submit a Practice?

Access our submission forms here and learn more about how you can submit your practice for the Spring! All submissions must be sent to evidence@amchp.org by EOD Friday, April 8.

Not sure which designation to use for your submission? Check out our Minimum Criteria Checklist to identify the best designation for your practice, or email us at evidence@amchp.org – we are happy to assist!

Interested in Referring a Practice?

If you don’t have a practice to submit for the Spring 2022 Review but know of one that would be an excellent fit for the MCH Innovations Database, refer it to the database on our website, and we’ll reach out to them. All referrals can be submitted on our site using the “How do I Refer a Practice?” tab here.

Check out this short overview video of the submissions process to learn more:

For questions, please contact us at evidence@amchp.org.

AMCHP Mental Health Corner

Mental health is an important component of well-being for women and children. 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.

This month, AMCHP will be sharing resources to support children with disabilities and highlight the importance of inclusion and belonging in wellbeing and mental health. March includes National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, World Down Syndrome Day, and World Autism Acceptance Week. Be sure to follow AMCHP on Twitter (@dc_amchp) for original and valuable partner content that demonstrates 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.

New Post Alert! #ScreenToInterveneForAYAs Blog Spotlights the Arizona MCH Approach to Supporting AYA Mental Health

This latest blog post highlights the Arizona MCH program’s approach to enhancing equitable and optimal initiatives that positively impact the emotional, physical, and social well-being of adolescents. Arizona is one of five state teams participating in the Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Behavioral Health CoIIN project, which seeks to increase the rate of depression screenings among AYAs with an appropriate follow-up care plan, if necessary. Read about the Arizona MCH approach here.

AMCHP National Policy Calls

AMCHP National MCH COVID-19 Townhall Series

Thanks to those of you who joined us on the February 10 webinar. Watch the recording:

The next call in this series is April 14, 2022, 2:00-3:00 PM EST. Please use this link to register. For follow-up materials and resources from the previous call, please be sure to check out AMCHP’s COVID-19 page.

Legislation & Policy

Explore our Maternal Health Bill Tracker for More Information About Pending Federal Legislation to Improve Maternal Health

President Signs Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Bill, Funding Government Through September

President Biden has signed into law a Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) omnibus appropriations bill that sets discretionary funding levels through the rest of the current fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2022. The FY22 omnibus appropriations legislation includes funding for the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant at $747.7 million, an increase of $35 million above the FY21 funding level. The omnibus appropriations also signs into law the authorizing language from two bills focused on improving maternal health outcomes: 1. the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act (H.R.4387/S.1675); and 2. the Rural MOMS Act (H.R.769/S.1491). For further details about these two bills and the full FY22 omnibus appropriations legislation, see this AMCHP legislative alert.

Looking forward, AMCHP’s advocacy efforts for the next fiscal year are well underway as we ask Congress to provide $1 billion for the MCH Block Grant in FY23 and for greater investments in maternal and child health and public health programs overall.

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Include Stillbirth Prevention Activities in Title V Statute

Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-1) in the House, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in the Senate, have introduced bipartisan legislation to bring awareness to stillbirth in a new entitled the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R.7011/S.3797). The legislation would amend the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant to make clear that evidence-based stillbirth programs and activities to prevent stillbirths are an allowable use of Title V funds. You can learn more about the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2022 in the press release from Rep. Adams and on AMCHP’s Maternal Health Bill Tracker. AMCHP has endorsed this legislation.

Legislation Introduced to Support Maternal Mental Health and Address Substance Use Disorders

Last week, bipartisan legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate to reauthorize and expand maternal mental health screening and treatment grants. The Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act of 2021 (H.R.7073/S.3824) expands funding for maternal mental health screening and treatment grants administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to reach more states and to include more culturally and linguistically-diverse trainings and services. The Act will also authorize $10 million in yearly appropriations for the 24/7 Maternal Mental Health Hotline. To learn more about the Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act of 2021, see the press release from Representative Clark (D-MA-5) or see AMCHP’s Maternal Health Bill Tracker. AMCHP has endorsed this legislation.

Over 600 Organizations, including AMCHP, Send MIECHV Letter of Support to Congress

On March 9, over 600 national, state, and local organizations signed a letter to Congress urging the timely reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV)program ahead of the program’s current expiration at the end of the fiscal year. The letter calls on Congress to increase overall funding for the program, as well as doubling the Tribal set-aside, as part of the reauthorization. Coinciding with the letter, the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee hosted a hearing on ‘Improving Family Outcomes Through Home Visiting’ on March 16. To learn more, visit the National Home Visiting Coalition website.

Opportunities & Funding

AMCHP Career Center: Connecting Talent with Opportunity

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

Job Opportunity: State of Washington Seeks New MCH Block Grant Coordinator/Writer

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is seeking a Grant Coordinator/Writer. This Health Services Consultant 3 position supports the DOH mission of protecting and improving the health of all people in Washington State by working to promote and strengthen healthy families and communities.

This position functions as the project coordinator for the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (MCHBG) funded through the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the Operations Section. The Grant Coordinator/Writer is responsible for the implementation of the project including co-authoring grant application and report, oversight, and coordination of all tasks and activities. The position is a part of the Operations section within the Office of Family and Community Health Improvement (OFCHI) and provides cross-office coordination and support and enhances the effectiveness of OFCHI programs to improve maternal and child health. This position also researches additional funding opportunities and assists in preparing applications for those funding opportunities.

This is a full-time, permanent Health Services Consultant 3 position located within the Division of Prevention and Community Health, in the Office of Family and Community Health Improvement.

Apply by EOD on March 28, 2022, using this link.

Publication and Resources

Video – Creating the Space for Authentic LGBTQ+ Engagement

A diverse group of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults across Region 8 share how adults can incorporate respectful and inclusive practices into their work with young public health and healthcare settings. Watch this video below!

National Research Agenda Highlights Priority Research Topics for Children with Special Health Care Needs

On March 2, the Research Network on Health Systems for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCNet) released a supplement to Academic Pediatrics titled “National Research Agenda on Health Systems for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs.” This supplement provides a blueprint of research priorities to improve the health outcomes and the wellbeing of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families and caregivers.

The supplement encompasses seven papers that explain each agenda’s priority topics, plus an executive summary paper. The topics include:

Child health and social determinants of health, to examine how the places people live, learn, work, and play impacts health
Family health and how to support the adaptability of families with CYSHCN
Caregiving and at-home support
Telemedicine and supporting families living in rural areas
Principles of care, to better understand the keys to successful care management
Health care financing, including payment models and value outcomes
Youth-to-adult transitions and how gaps in support impact outcomes

Access the supplement using this link.

Commemorations