COVID-19 Resources
Spring into Action
As we mark three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases, deaths, and hospitalizations have all been decreasing steadily. Much of the U.S. population has some form of immunity, either through vaccination or previous infection. In addition, CDC’s 2023 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule now includes COVID-19 primary vaccine series and links to the latest guidance on booster dose vaccination in all populations.
Recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for kids can be confusing. The pediatric vaccines and boosters were introduced by age group, and there are slightly different recommendations by manufacturer and for children who are immunocompromised. Children of different ages in the same family might not have the same COVID-19 vaccine schedules. The new guidance will make it easier to figure out if your kids are up to date or when they should get their next shot. [read more]
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 maternal and child health (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 Pulse Newsletter Issue: Things to Watch Out For in 2023
The latest issue of our Pulse newsletter is live on our website! This Pulse issue, “Things to Watch Out For in 2023,” covers maternal and child health (MCH) legislative successes and opportunities, the behavioral health policy landscape, COVID-19 Medicaid coverage redetermination, stillbirth prevention, and support for moms through the pandemic. It also features stories from those with lived experiences and insight as to how MCH leaders can impact the community they serve.
Read the articles:
- Celebrating Legislative Accomplishments and Looking Ahead
- The 2023 Perinatal Behavioral Health Policy Landscape
- Looking Ahead: The End of the COVID-19 Medicaid Continuous Coverage Requirement
- Save 7,500 Babies: Elevating the Conversation on Stillbirth Prevention in 2023 Through Prevention Initiatives, Legislation, and Education
- Motherhood Village: Connecting & Supporting Moms Virtually Through the Pandemic
Do you want to receive our Pulse newsletter directly in your inbox? Subscribe to our email list at this link!
Registration for NBDPN 2023 is Open
Registration for the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) Conference, held August 14-16 in Atlanta, GA, is now open! Please visit this link to register. Visit the website to learn about the conference and information regarding registration, hotel, and much more. For questions about this event, please contact NBDPNmeetings@conferencemanagers.com. We hope to see you there!
Recent AMCHP Announcements
- Accepting Submissions to MCH Innovations Database
- Submit Resources Year-Long for AMCHP’s Black History Month & Beyond
- New State Public Health Autism Resource Center (SPHARC) Website
AMCHP Annual Conference
Mark your calendars for May 6-9 to attend in New Orleans, Louisiana! Our 2023 edition of the AMCHP Annual Conference will offer content in-person and through our virtual conference platform with the theme Cultivating Diverse Leaders in Maternal and Child Health. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to receive updates and information about the conference!
Register for AMCHP 2023
There is still time to register to attend in person or virtually for the 2023 AMCHP Annual Conference. Are you not sure whether you will attend in person or virtually? You can change your attendance status without penalties until Wednesday, April 5 at 11:59 PM PT. [learn more]
View registration rates here.
Health & Safety at AMCHP 2023
The health and safety of the AMCHP members, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, venue staff, and the surrounding community are of the utmost importance to AMCHP. We are committed to reducing risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of attending an in-person event. In keeping with the culture of public health meetings, we ask that all participants adopt the following best practices as part of our shared responsibility during the pandemic:
- Hybrid Format: AMCHP welcomes attendees to participate virtually or in person and will make every effort to ensure that both experiences are enriching and rewarding. Although virtual-only options will exist for presenters and participants, there is no virtual-only option for exhibitors.
- Vaccination: AMCHP conference participants are encouraged to be up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations, including a bivalent booster.
- Masks: Masks are welcome and optional.
- If participants are not feeling well or exhibit signs of infectious illness, including Covid-19, we expect that participants will not travel or participate in in-person activities.
We will continue to monitor conditions and follow guidance from federal, state, and local public health authorities, as well as the conference venue. Updates will be posted to the 2023 AMCHP Annual Conference page.
View the Conference Schedule
AMCHP released the schedule of 57 workshops, nine skill-building sessions, and two round tables at AMCHP 2023. Visit our conference website to browse sessions by date, track, speaker, or by doing a keyword search. All sessions are displayed in Central Time (CT). Start creating your list of must-see sessions today!
Visit the Conference Platform
Visit our conference platform to view the updated full schedule (which includes opportunities for networking and skill-building sessions as well as plenty of impactful workshops and inspiring plenary sessions.), hotel and travel information, exhibits and sponsor information, and much more!
Make Your Hotel Reservations
You can still make your hotel reservation to attend the 2023 AMCHP Annual Conference in person. Book your stay at the New Orleans Marriot in New Orleans, LA, by EOD April 13 or until the block sells out. We look forward to seeing you!
New Orleans & Co Welcomes AMCHP to the City of New Orleans
AMCHP is thankful to New Orleans & Company, the former New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOCVB), for welcoming us and our annual conference to the beautiful and charming city of New Orleans.
Are you attending AMCHP 2023 in person? Make sure to check out these excellent resources available at New Orleans and Company’s website:
- Things to do in New Orleans
- New Orleans Cuisine
- What’s Going on in New Orleans
- Trip Planning Tools
- New Orleans Insider’s Blog
Snapshot of the Virtual Conference Experience
Registered to attend AMCHP 2023 virtually? We strive to provide virtual participants with a meaningful experience that is flexible for any schedule. Here are a few of the items to look forward to:
- Watch ALL three live-streamed plenaries and participate in the discussion chat with other participants on the live-stream platform.
- Enjoy live-streamed workshop sessions – one broadcast session during each of the concurrent workshop sessions.
- Participate in two rounds of live virtual workshop sessions hosted on Zoom.
- Access more than 100 posters on the conference platform, including both those being presented in person and those presented virtually.
- Take advantage of virtual networking opportunities.
- Dedicated AMCHP staff who will support virtual engagement opportunities.
For more information, view the full schedule on our conference platform.
Support CBOs, Tribal Government Representatives, and Youth at Our Upcoming Annual Conference!
Our annual conference is fast approaching. While we can’t wait to see you at AMCHP 2023, we also recognize the deep value of having youth and young adult leaders, community-based organizations (CBOs), and those representing tribal entities 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 10 youth and young adult leaders (including students), CBOs, and tribal government representatives to participate. Nearly a quarter of those who received the letter indicated that it helped them build or strengthen relationships with the individuals that they sponsored to attend the conference.
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.
Continuing Education
Continuing education for this activity is pending. Please see final announcement for details.
AMCHP Events & Webinars
AMCHP: Blueprint for Change Webinar Series
The Blueprint for Change is a national framework for a system of services for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) where they enjoy a full life and thrive in their community from childhood through adulthood. Families of CYSHCN reported that the current system of services is not working for their children. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, 85% of CYSHCN still do not receive services via a well-functioning system.
In partnership with families, healthcare professionals, and other experts in the field, MCHB developed a framework to advance the vision that CYSHCN:
- Enjoy a full life, from childhood through adulthood
- Thrive in systems that
- Support their families and their social, health, and emotional needs
- Ensure dignity, autonomy, independence, and active participation in their communities
During this two-part webinar series, open to anyone interested and sponsored by the AMCHP Family LEAD Committee, participants will receive an overview of the Blueprint for Change, hear from the family perspective who participated in the development of this framework and brainstorm how stakeholders can support and implement this work in their work. It is not required to have attended Session #1 before attending Session #2.
- Session #2 on March 29, 3-4 PM ET
If you would like to participate, you may register here.
Perinatal Substance Use: National and State Public Health Strategies Webinar
Join AMCHP & ASTHO for this webinar featuring The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) on March 27 from 1-2 PM ET! ONDCP will share its priorities for improving maternal health outcomes and expanding access to evidence-based treatment for perinatal populations, as outlined in the agency’s recent report: Substance Use Disorder in Pregnancy: Improving Outcomes for Families. The presentation will include recommendations and opportunities for state MCH programs to partner with ONDCP and strengthen local MCH behavioral health systems. The webinar will also feature one state’s approach to advancing perinatal substance use prevention and treatment. Register here.
Workshop Invitation: Systems Mapping to Advance Birth Equity
AMCHP with funding from the Pritzker Children’s Initiative, is developing a collaborative systems map to advise on how maternal and child health funders at the private, community, state, and federal level can better leverage their resources to promote birth equity. Systems mapping supports the creation of a visual depiction of a system, its relationships, actors, and trends, and can serve as a framework for collective understanding and action. In pursuit of this goal, we are hosting a two-part virtual workshop with multi-sector partners representing public health and community services at the local, state, and federal level. The workshop will bring partners together to:
- Participate in activities and discussions to identify factors that facilitate and advance birth equity
- Develop specific action ideas for local, state, and federal funders
- Create a collaborative systems map highlighting where funders can have the most impact with their dollars
AMCHP hopes to include a breadth of perspectives from individuals and organizations engaged in maternal health and social determinants of health, including those of our members. The expected commitment to participate in this project includes a pre-workshop online survey (approximately 30 minutes) and participation in the two-part workshop (both from 12:30-4:30 PM ET):
- May 3 – Virtual Workshop Day 1
- June 29 – Virtual Workshop Day 2
If you or someone from your organization is interested and willing to participate, please fill out this brief Interest Form by March 31st to help us gauge availability. In an effort to ensure diverse attendance from across life course stages, geographic regions, and organization types, we will make participation selections and reach out with invitations in the first week of April. All participants selected to attend the workshop will receive a small gift for their participation and be cited as contributors to the published systems map and other project deliverables. Additionally, participants from community-based organizations and family/youth leaders will be offered a $250 stipend for participating in both workshops. We welcome you to forward this invitation/interest form to your partners and other organizations you think should be part of this conversation.
Innovation Hub Learning Community: Join Our Webinar Series
AMCHP is excited to announce the launch of the Innovation Hub Learning Community (IHLC). The IHLC is the latest evolution of the programmatic support and learning opportunities offered through Innovation Hub and is an expansion of the previous Cutting-Edge Learning Community (CELC).
Throughout the year, AMCHP will be hosting four webinars on topics related to programmatic best practices that all MCH professionals and advocates are welcome to attend. Additional peer-sharing and coaching opportunities are available for existing practices in the MCH Innovations Database.
The IHLC Webinar Series: The webinar series will focus on skills and strategies that you can apply to your work to improve your organizational processes, expand the scope and impact of your practice, and plan for program sustainability.
Click below to register for the IHLC’s upcoming webinars (all at 3 PM ET):
- May 23: Starting from Your Strengths: Planning for Sustainability
- August 24: Expanding Your Impact: Preparing to Scale Up Your Practice
- November 28: Who’s Guiding Your Choices: Centering Community in Evidence-Based Decision Making
Looking for more information on the IHLC? Check out our website under the technical assistance tab or email us at evidence@amchp.org with any questions!
AMCHP Mental Health Corner
March is National Nutrition Month hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics! This month and beyond, consider how nutrition, food security, and food justice connect to mental health and wellness. Learn more from Feeding America and Mental Health America here. This National Nutrition Month, we want to highlight an insightful MCH Bridges podcast episode, “Centering the Soul Ties to the Food We Eat: A Strategy for Equity in Nutrition Services.”
Mental health is an important component of well-being for maternal, child, and adolescent health (MCAH) populations. Read more about AMCHP’s organizational work on mental health and substance use here.
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! Discover Evidence-Based Strategies for Promoting Young Adult Mental Health in the latest #ScreenToInterveneForAYAs Blog Post
This latest blog post features an important issue brief on the mental health status and needs of young adults. Developed by a team from the Adolescent and Young Adult Health National Resource Center, this brief provides the most recent national findings on young adult mental health, summarizes evidence-based resources for mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment, and suggests activities that can be done at both the personal and community levels to improve mental health and access to services for young adults. With mental health conditions rising among young adults both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue brief is a must-read for anyone working to elevate and champion the mental health needs of this important population. Read the post here.
AMCHP National Policy Calls
AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Halls
Thank you to those of you who joined us for AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Halls. You can find the full recordings of past Town Halls here. Town Halls occur on the second Thursday of every month from 2-3 PM ET. We invite you to register for all future Town Halls at this link.
Legislation & Policy
Explore our Maternal Health Bill Tracker for more information about pending federal legislation to improve maternal health.
Legislation Addressing Pregnancy-Related Needs of Incarcerated People Introduced in House
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) and Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-8) have introduced bipartisan legislation to address the pregnancy-related needs of incarcerated people entitled the Pregnant Women in Custody Act (H.R.982). The Act would establish minimum standards of health care related to pregnancy and childbirth in the federal prison system, and specifically prohibits the use of restraints and restrictive housing on federal prisoners who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. The legislation would also require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide training and technical assistance to state and local corrections and law enforcement agencies to meet and exceed the established standards for healthcare; collect data on women’s mental and physical health in corrections facilities during the pregnancy and post-partum period; and establish grant funding to states for implementation. AMCHP has endorsed this legislation.
To learn more about what is included in The Pregnant Women in Custody Act, you can read the full text of the Pregnant Women in Custody Act, check out the press release from Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s office, and follow its movement in Congress on AMCHP’s Maternal Health Bill Tracker.
Opportunities & Funding
AMCHP Career Center: Connecting Talent with Opportunity
AMCHP lists the top jobs available in our industry. Access the AMCHP Career Center to search and apply for open positions or post your jobs and opportunities! Search for Jobs | Post a Job.
AMCHP Career Opportunities
Be part of our team! AMCHP is seeking individuals for the role listed below. AMCHP offers a 100% virtual work/telework environment for all positions.
- Communications Intern: This is a paid part-time position that requires a minimum of 15 hours per week. AMCHP’s internship program is open to currently enrolled students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Individuals who have already graduated are also eligible. We are looking for an individual interested in communications and marketing to assist with promoting the 2023 AMCHP Annual Conference. The Communications Intern will report to the Communications Manager and will be an integral part of the Communications team, working on marketing campaigns and implementing communications strategies for a reputable non-profit organization in the MCH field. [learn more and apply]
- Senior Program Manager, Reproductive and Maternal Health: The Senior Program Manager develops, implements, and evaluates program activities that impact health outcomes across the life course and disrupt sources of historical, structural, and institutional racism and oppression in governmental public health agencies and health systems that drive inequities in sexual and reproductive wellbeing and maternal health. This position will partner and coordinate with private funders and federal agencies as well as national, state, and community organizational leaders to support collaborative efforts and maximize impact for justice. [learn more and apply]
To learn more about AMCHP’s career opportunities, please visit this link.
Newly Available HRSA Funding Opportunities
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) recently released three funding opportunities focused on improving maternal health outcomes. Any domestic public or private entity is eligible to apply to these opportunities, as well as domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations. Find summary details for these and other open HRSA MCHB funding opportunities here.
The recently released opportunities are:
- Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Capacity
- Number of Awards: 29
- Up to $200K per award per year
- Closing Date: May 9
- Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Technical Assistance (TA) Center
- Number of Awards: 1
- Up to $3 million per year
- Closing Date: May 9
- Integrated Maternal Health Services (IMHS)
- Number of Awards: 5
- Up to $1.8 million per award per year
- Closing Date: May 24
Interested in understanding more about applying for these and other upcoming HRSA funding? Watch the March 16 recorded webinar, Upcoming Funding Opportunities.
AMCHP is Seeking a Fundraising/Development Consultant
AMCHP is seeking a fundraising/development consultant to support the Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative Community of Practice sustainability work. The expected contract duration is approximately April 15, 2023 – June 15, 2024. Learn more about the position and how to submit a bid here. Please share with your networks!
Funding Opportunity: 2023 RWJF Culture of Health Prize
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is launching its Culture of Health Prize award process that recognizes communities “who are collaborating to build positive solutions to structural barriers that have created unequal opportunity.” The awarded communities will receive $250,000, receive national recognition and opportunities to connect with other award winners along with “access to technical assistance, coaching, and workshops to enable Prize winners to accelerate their progress.” For more information to share with your local communities, see the 2023 Culture of Health Prize webpage. Applications are due March 29.
CDC Notice of Funding Opportunity: Pregnant People–Infant Linked Longitudinal Surveillance
The Pregnant People–Infant Linked Longitudinal Surveillance (CDC-RFA-DD-23-0003) importantly assesses the impact of key exposures and outcomes that may negatively affect these populations. To build a comprehensive approach for pregnant people–infant linked longitudinal surveillance, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders is announcing an opportunity to fund multiple surveillance programs under a single mechanism. To learn more about the funding opportunity, including an overview, how to access the NOFO in Grants.gov, key dates, and Q&As, please visit the NOFO informational web page. Applications are due April 10.
Nominations Open for de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2023
The de Beaumont Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2023, a program that aims to recognize and support 40 individuals under the age of 40 who are working on public health challenges of today and tomorrow to progress towards healthier communities. Through this recognition and a two-year professional development program, honorees receive exclusive opportunities for personal enrichment and career advancement. Consider nominating yourself or someone else for this opportunity. Applications will be accepted through May 17, and the Class of 2023 will be announced in September. Learn more at debeaumont.org/nominations.
Publications & Resources
Essential Elements for Developmental and Behavioral/Social/Emotional Screening Using Bright Futures in Title V Programs
An important part of health supervision for children and families is universal screening – an opportunity to identify potential developmental and behavioral/social/emotional concerns and intervene early. Using Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition and the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care (Periodicity Schedule), Title V agencies can promote appropriate and timely screening for infants, children, adolescents, and families by their programs and partners. In a new tip sheet, AMCHP recommends five elements Title V agencies should have in place as part of any program that supports health supervision visits, whether the agency provides direct care itself or funds local health agencies or other community organizations. View and download now.
New Child Trends Research Blog Posts on Black Children and Neighborhood Amenities
Child Trends has released two new research blogs focusing on Black children and neighborhood amenities:
Most Black Children Live in Neighborhoods That Lack Amenities Associated with Child Well-being
By Mavis Sanders, Jennifer Winston, and Shana E. Rochester
This research data show that most Black children in the U.S. live in neighborhoods that lack amenities associated with children’s healthy development and well-being, especially Black children in the South. Child Trends’ new datapoint explains the benefits of these amenities for Black children’s social, emotional, and physical well-being and academic achievement. Authors suggest that additional research is necessary to fully understand how the presence and quality of neighborhood amenities affect Black children across gender, age, location, and family income.
Black Adolescents Are More Likely to Flourish in Neighborhoods Featuring Four Key Amenities
By Mavis Sanders, Jennifer Winston, and Shana E. Rochester
This new Child Trends datapoint finds a correlation between neighborhood amenities (e.g., libraries and outdoor spaces) and Black adolescents’ flourishing (i.e., mental health and well-being) using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. The analysis finds that Black adolescents are more likely to flourish—a condition of mental well-being associated with positive personal and social functioning—when they have access to sidewalks/walking paths, recreational centers, parks/playgrounds, and libraries/bookmobiles in their neighborhoods.
Commemorations
March 2023
Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month
Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Endometriosis Awareness Month
National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month
Weeks to Note:
National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, March 12-18
Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 12-18
National Sleep Awareness Week, March 12-18
Brain Awareness Week, March 13-19
International Adolescent Health Week, March 19-25
National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, March 20-26
Days to Note:
World Birth Defects Day, March 3
International Women’s Day, March 8
World Kidney Day, March 9
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, March 10
World Sleep Day, March 17
National Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, March 20
World Oral Health Day, March 20
World Down Syndrome Day, March 21
World Tuberculosis Day, March 24
Epilepsy Awareness – Purple Day, March 26
American Diabetes Alert Day, March 28
National Doctors’ Day, March 30
