April 7, 2022

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April 7, 2022

COVID-19 Resources

New CDC Data Illuminate Youth Mental Health Threats during the COVID-19 Pandemic

New CDC analyses, published on March 31, shine additional light on the mental health of U.S. high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a disproportionate level of threats that some students experienced.

According to the new data, in 2021, more than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year. The new analyses also describe some of the severe challenges youth encountered during the pandemic:

More than half (55%) reported they experienced emotional abuse by a parent or other adult in the home, including swearing at, insulting, or putting down the student.
11% experienced physical abuse by a parent or other adult in the home, including hitting, beating, kicking, or physically hurting the student.
More than a quarter (29%) reported a parent or other adult in their home lost a job.

“These data echo a cry for help,” said CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created traumatic stressors that have the potential to further erode students’ mental wellbeing. Our research shows that surrounding youth with the proper support can reverse these trends and help our youth now and in the future.”

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and female youth reported greater levels of poor mental health; emotional abuse by a parent or caregiver; and having attempted suicide than their counterparts.

In addition, over a third (36%) of students said they experienced racism before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest levels were reported among Asian students (64%) and Black students and students of multiple races (both 55%). The survey cannot determine the extent to which events during the pandemic contributed to reported racism. However, experiences of racism among youth have been linked to poor mental health, academic performance, and lifelong health risk behaviors.

Continue reading the full press release here.

CDC Recommends Additional Boosters for Certain Individuals

Data continues to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect individuals both from infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. For adults and adolescents eligible for a first booster dose, these shots are safe and provide substantial benefits. During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized. CDC continues to recommend that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children 5 and older be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting an initial booster when eligible.

Following FDA’s regulatory action on March 29, CDC is updating its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Separately and in addition, based on newly published data, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Continue reading the full media statement here.

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 (AMCHPofficial), and Instagram (@DC_AMCHP).

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 Annual Conference

The Latest on the AMCHP 2022 Annual Conference

AMCHP 2022 Conference: Community-Based Organization (CBO) and Tribal Government Conference Scholarships

Do you work at a community-based organization or one representing a tribal government? Interested in attending AMCHPs 2022 Conference?

AMCHP invites you to apply for our Community-Based Organization (CBO) and Tribal Government Conference Scholarships! AMCHP recognizes the value in having community members, those working at community-based organizations, and those representing tribal governments participate in the annual conference as a way to share their expertise and insights while learning from and networking with others. At the same time, AMCHP acknowledges that attending the conference can be cost-prohibitive. To help reduce this barrier, AMCHP will be offering approximately 10 need-based scholarships. These scholarships can be used for conference registration or to support participation in the conference (i.e., childcare).

Complete this brief survey to submit a request for a scholarship by April 29. Have questions? Please contact evidence@amchp.org

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

Webinar – A Journey to Birth Justice: A Panel Discussion with the Filmmakers of Aftershock

AMCHP invites you to a panel discussion about Birth Justice during Black Maternal Health Week, on April 14, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, featuring Aftershock filmmakers Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis and maternal health advocate Shawnee Benton-Gibson.

The United States has one of the highest levels of maternal mortality among developed nations. Black birthing people and families are disproportionately impacted, with Black women being 3 to 5 times more likely to experience a maternal death than white women. As we deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in our country, we encourage you to join this discussion on Birth Justice to learn from the lived experiences of Black communities in memory of those who have passed from maternal mortality.

Objectives:

Witness the strength and collective power of Black activists on birth justice.
Understand the movement of birth justice through the lens of families with lived experiences in the Black community.
Inspire maternal and child health leaders to further community-driven policies, programming, and actions.

About Aftershock | Meet the Panelists | About Black Maternal Health Week

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.

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 National Public Health Week and World Health Day, both of which have a strong mental health component this year, as well as National Stress Awareness Month.

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 emailing jsimon@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 Policy and Partnership Town Halls

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

The April webinar has been canceled. In May, we will resume the Town Hall on the second Thursday of each month at 2 PM EDT with a new name to reflect a focus on MCH topics beyond COVID-19: AMCHP Policy and Partnership Town Halls!

Prior registrations for the COVID-19 Town Halls will carry over, and you can register for future Town Halls using the same link. For follow-up materials and resources from previous calls, please 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.

AMCHP Joins Over 100 National and Academic Organizations to Support Title V

On April 6, AMCHP joined over 100 national organizations and academic institutions in sending a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittees in support of funding the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant at $1 billion in fiscal year 2023 (FY23). This level of funding is higher than both the President’s requested budget of $953.7 million for FY23 and the current fiscal year 2022 funding level of $747.7 million. You can read the full letter on AMCHP’s website.

President’s Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2023 Released

The Biden Administration has released its fiscal year 2023 (FY23) budget proposal including $953.7 million for the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant. This proposal would mark a $206 million increase over the current Fiscal Year 2022 funding level of $747.7 million. The $206 million would be divided as a $24 million increase to the state formula fund and a $182 million increase to the Special Projects of Regional and National Significance (SPRANS).

While the President’s Budget is the first step in the federal appropriations process, Congress will ultimately decide what funding levels are enacted. AMCHP continues to encourage our partners on Capitol Hill to fund the MCH Block Grant at $1 billion in FY23, including a more robust increase to the state formula fund. To learn more about the President’s Budget for FY23, see the most recent AMCHP legislative alert.

Bipartisan Stillbirth Legislation ‘SHINE for Autumn Act’ Introduced in the Senate

On March 31, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act (H.R.5487) to the Senate. The legislation, which passed the House with wide bipartisan support last year, would provide funding to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve data collection and increase education and awareness of stillbirth. While the bill does not yet have a number in the Senate, you can read the full text of the legislation and learn more in this press announcement from Senator Booker’s office.

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.

New Notice of Funding Opportunity: Transforming Pediatrics for Early Childhood (TPEC)

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) shared a new Notice of Funding Opportunity for Transforming Pediatrics for Early Childhood (TPEC) for FY22.

The purpose of the program is to establish resource hubs that support the placement of early childhood development (ECD) experts into pediatrics practices, with a focus on patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and similar settings. The priority service population is young children (prenatal through five years old) and their families, who are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program or are uninsured. Through this program, HRSA aims to:

Improve equitable access to a continuum of ECD services for the priority population, and
Improve the capacity of pediatric practices and workforce to deliver high-quality ECD services that address the holistic needs of children and families, to achieve long-term improvements in early developmental health, school readiness, family well-being, and health equity.

HRSA is accepting applications through May 23, 2022, for up to 4 cooperative agreements and at up to $1,000,000 each per year. Eligible entities include any domestic public or private entity, including Indian tribes or tribal, faith-based, or community-based organizations.

You can find a complete program description and instructions, together with the full application package here.

Publication and Resources

Updated: Guidance from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative

When women are healthy, communities thrive. Yet too many women in the U.S. are not receiving the life-saving preventive care they need. To address this gap, we’re supporting the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI), a federally funded program led by ACOG and HRSA that creates comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for women’s preventive health. WPSI’s recommendations address pressing and often overlooked issues facing women’s care.

WPSI recently updated five of its preventive services recommendations on contraceptive care, breastfeeding, well-woman visits, STI counseling, and HIV screening. With WPSI’s recommendations adopted by HRSA, the updates allow more essential services to be covered without cost-sharing. Help patients stay healthier throughout their lives by using WPSI’s complete set of recommendations and Well-Woman Chart to address your patients’ preventive health needs at every age.

PH Wins National Survey: Public Health Professionals Pushed to Limit

Facing PTSD Symptoms, Stress, and Burnout, Many Consider Calling It Quits

More than half of America’s public health workers report at least one symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey of nearly 45,000 employees in state and local government public health departments. The study reveals high levels of stress, burnout, and intent to leave among public health employees, many of whom have faced threats and harassment from officials and community members who have opposed their guidance on pandemic mitigation efforts, including masking, social distancing, and vaccination. Read the research brief.

The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) was conducted by the de Beaumont Foundation and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) between September 2021 and January 2022. Previously conducted in 2014 and 2017, PH WINS is the only nationally representative survey of state and local government public health employees.

Commemorations