January 29, 2026

Back to Member Briefs

January 29, 2026

AMCHP Member Briefs Banner, a bi-weekly newsletter

AMCHP Announcements

Never miss our updates! Sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Threads.

Call for Nominations for the AMCHP Board of Directors is Open Through February 13

Graphic depicting four images of families with the AMCHP logo. Overlaying text reads, “Your leadership can make a difference.”

AMCHP is pleased to announce that the call for nominations for the AMCHP Board of Directors is open from January 27 through February 13. Nominations to fill the following upcoming vacancies are open for elections to be held in late February.

Seeking Regional Directors for:

Region II [NY, NJ, PR, VI]; Full-term, from March 2026 to the close of the 2029 AMCHP Annual Conference.
Interim Region IV [AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN]; Interim position, from March 2026 to the close of the 2028 AMCHP Annual Conference.
Region V [IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI]; Full-term, from March 2026 to the close of the 2029 AMCHP Annual Conference.
Interim Region VI [AR, LA, NM, OK, TX]; Full-term, from March 2026 to the close of the 2029 AMCHP Annual Conference.
Region VII [IA, KS, MO, NE]; Interim Position, from March 2026 to the close of the 2028 AMCHP Annual Conference.

These full-term and interim regional director positions are only open to current delegates from each region.

Your Impact as a Board Director:

As a board director, you will:

Help shape AMCHP’s policies and position
Ensure the organization’s future viability and financial stability
Directly work with federal and community partners
Represent your peers from across the country
Gain leadership experience in a national association

About the Nomination Process:

The nomination process will remain open until February 13, unless further notice is provided. Once candidates are identified, the AMCHP Governance Committee will subsequently conduct telephone interviews with candidates, and the AMCHP full voting membership will vote through a virtual election process.

Step 1: Download and fill out the Blank Candidate Questionnaire.

Step 2: Send nomination questionnaires via e-mail to Nikeisha Ogletree, Chief Operating Officer, at nogletree@amchp.org. Please include the nominee’s name, title, agency or affiliation, address, phone, fax, and e-mail. Nominees must be AMCHP Delegates (as designated by their Title V MCH program member and CYSHCN program member) whose membership is in good standing. Please obtain permission from nominees before submitting their names. 

To verify membership status, please consult your state, territory, or jurisdictional delegation office or contact Nikeisha Ogletree at the email address provided above. You may also reach out to Nikeisha Ogletree for more information about our nomination process.

2026 GSEP Student and Host Site Applications Open Through February 20

AMCHP is now accepting applications for both students and host sites for the 2026 Graduate Student Epidemiology Program (GSEP)!

The application period runs through February 20 at 11:59 PM ET.

GSEP is a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Epidemiology leadership program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and administered by AMCHP. Learn more about eligibility, expectations, and benefits for both students and host sites on our webpage.

Highlights for students:

Paid, 12-week, 100% remote summer internship designed to develop future leaders in MCH Epidemiology.
Opportunities to explore applied epidemiology projects and career pathways.
Remote placements with state and local public health agencies, supported by dedicated mentorship.
Hands-on skill building and professional networking that strengthen readiness for the MCH Epidemiology workforce.

Highlights for host sites:

Support a 12-week remote internship focused on your agency’s high-priority needs.
No associated costs — AMCHP covers intern stipends.
Gain staff development opportunities through meaningful mentorship.
Engage motivated graduate students prepared to contribute to applied MCH epidemiology work.

To learn more and apply as a student or host site, please visit our website. For questions, contact the GSEP team (gsep@amchp.org).

AMCHP Annual Conference

The AMCHP Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of maternal and child health (MCH) professionals in the United States. Every year, our conference aims to highlight MCH programs’ impact at all levels on women, children, and families and to provide participants with tools and resources to develop, enhance, and sustain vital MCH programs and services.

Subscribe to our Annual Conference Newsletter to be among the first to receive updates and information about our 2026 conference in Washington, DC.

Register to Join Us at AMCHP 2026

The 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference will be an in-person-only event. AMCHP is delighted to have offered a hybrid experience in recent years, and while we will miss connecting virtually, we look forward to seeing you in person from March 7 – 10, in Washington, DC.

Secure your spot to join us at AMCHP 2026! You can complete your payment at the time of registration or at a later date before the conference.

Don’t miss out! Register now to be among the over 1,000 leaders and thinkers attending each year, making our conference one of the largest gatherings of maternal and child health leaders and thinkers in the U.S.

Next Step: Book Your Stay

Make your hotel reservation to attend AMCHP 2026 in person in Washington, DC!

Book your stay at The Westin Washington DC, Downtown by February 12, or until the block sells out.

We look forward to seeing you!

New This Year: Resume-Review Sessions in Partnership with Randstad

AMCHP is delighted to share that we have partnered with Randstad to offer resume-review sessions for our AMCHP 2026 conference attendees!

Career specialists from Randstad will be on-site at the conference on Saturday (drop-in and appointment sessions) and Monday (appointment sessions) to review your resume and provide advice for advancing your job search. This service is available to all attendees free of charge.

Schedule your appointment today before spots fill up!

Deadline Approaching! Invest in Tomorrow’s Leaders: Support Youth Attendance at the AMCHP Conference

Every year, and as part of AMCHP’s commitment to embodying the Jemez principles of democratic organizing, emphasizing “nothing about us without us,” our conference provides an opportunity for organizations and leaders like you to support youth and young adults to attend the conference through the AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship – a sponsorship opportunity designed to help alleviate the financial burden of their conference registration, travel, lodging, meals, childcare, and time away from work. In return, your support will help enhance your program’s capacity for youth and young adults’ engagement and leadership development, as well as being a meaningful step towards building and sustaining trusting relationships with this group in your state.

AMCHP would be honored if you could join us this year as one of the sponsors for the AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship and be part of a group of individuals and organizations seeking to make a lasting difference in MCH. View and download our AMCHP Voice for Impact Scholarship Flyer for details about this opportunity, including the financial investment required to send youth and young adults from your state or jurisdiction to the conference. We kindly ask that all financial support through this scholarship be completed by Friday, January 30.

For any questions, please contact us via email at conference@amchp.org.

Calling All Youth & Young Adults! Join Us for Youth Day at AMCHP 2026

Back again this year! AMCHP is kicking off our conference with a Youth Day full of learning, connection, and collaboration created by youth, for youth.

Join us on Saturday, March 7, from 1:00 – 6:00 PM ET, for an empowering space where we will center authentic youth engagement, uplift youth-adult partnerships, and discuss topics that impact youth, family, and community health.

Youth and young adults are invited to join us for FREE on this first day, with trusted adults and chaperones also welcome to attend! AMCHP staff and leadership are encouraged to join us from 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET for the Youth Town Hall portion of the event.

Our AMCHP 2026 Youth Day will include workshops, skills-building sessions, networking opportunities, interactive and fun activities, youth performances, and a youth-led town hall where young people can lead meaningful discussions and uplift their perspectives. Lunch and goodie bags will be provided!

To register for free, please visit our conference registration platform and choose the “Youth Day Only Ticket” option. Attendees for Youth Day are encouraged to arrive by 12:30 PM ET for a prompt check-in before the event starts!

Help us spread the word! Download the promotional flyer.

AMCHP Information & Resources

New AMCHP Resource! What’s My Place in This Work? Reflection Tool

AMCHP is excited to share a new resource designed to help individuals and organizations understand the role they are best suited to play in community-centered initiatives.

This tool offers a starting point for anyone wanting to engage in collaborative, community-led work. It supports reflection, sparks conversation, and builds shared understanding among partners.

Use this tool to:

Reflect on your current practices and readiness for community-centered work.
Score your responses and identify the role you or your organization is best positioned to play.
Facilitate meaningful discussions within teams, coalitions, or new partnerships.

Developed in partnership with Elephant Circle and the MI SBJ, this resource strengthens alignment and supports authentic collaboration.

Visit the resource to explore and begin using the tool.

Legislation & Policy

Explore our Maternal & Child Health Bill Tracker for more information about pending federal legislation to improve maternal health. Additionally, download AMCHP’s Federal Policy Agenda, which outlines our current advocacy focus.

Subscribe to AMCHP’s Policy Alerts and Digest to stay up to date with the latest policy information.

Policy Alert: Progress Towards FY26 Funding for MCH Programs

On January 20, the U.S. House of Representatives released H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 – a bipartisan, bicameral “minibus” package that includes the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill. While we are pleased with the bill’s overarching commitment to maternal and child health (MCH) and rejection of the Administration’s proposal to restructure public health agencies, some programs critical to MCH face flat funding or reductions, which could have harmful effects on MCH populations. We are encouraged, however, by the bill’s rejection of broad cuts, its targeted investments, and its recognition of the essential work of public health agencies in supporting healthy pregnancies, improving child health outcomes, expanding access to vital services, and strengthening frontline programs in communities nationwide. Read our full Policy Alert.

ICYMI: AMCHP Submits Comments in Support of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)

Despite the current uncertainty around the finalization of Fiscal Year 2026 funding, AMCHP continues to provide leadership in strengthening and safeguarding the core systems that support maternal and child health (MCH) nationwide.

On January 7, AMCHP submitted formal comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly supporting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to extend data collection for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). In its letter, AMCHP emphasized PRAMS’ essential role in meeting statutory Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant requirements, informing statewide needs assessments and five-year planning cycles, and supporting coordination across federal agencies, including CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). AMCHP also highlighted PRAMS’ more than 35-year track record; broad participation across 46 states, two cities, and two territories; and its evolution to improve efficiency while maintaining a reasonable respondent burden. Read our full Policy Alert.

AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Halls

Thank you to those of you who joined us for our previous AMCHP Policy and Partnerships Town Hall! You can find the full recordings of past Town Halls on our Government Affairs webpage.

Please register to join us for our next edition, February 12, from 2-3 PM ET at this registration link.

Opportunities & Funding

Deadline Approaching! Join the CMMP State Technical Assistance Cohort to Improve MCH Outcomes in Your State or Territory

The Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships (CMMP) project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is now accepting applications from states and territories for the next State Technical Assistance Cohort (STAC). This cohort will kick off on April 1.

Project Overview: The purpose of this project is to bring state and territory Medicaid, Title V, and CHIP programs together to accelerate improvements in outcomes for maternal and child health populations. The CMMP STAC, comprised of up to seven states and territories, will provide extensive individualized TA and peer learning opportunities between members of each cohort to advance maternal and child health programs and pursue individual state and territory-level goals for a full year. Each STAC will focus on three key areas for state and territory Medicaid/CHIP and Title V coordination: identifying innovative financing and funding strategies; strengthening inter-agency agreements; and enhancing collaboration and partnerships with individuals impacted by maternal and child health initiatives. Participating states and territories will have opportunities to stay engaged with each other and future cohorts to continue to advance their goals.

How to Apply: To apply, please complete the 2026 CMMP State Technical Assistance Cohort Application. Please note that only one application per state or territory will be reviewed.

Application Deadline: January 30

Notice of Decision by: March 18

Funding Opportunity: Food is Medicine State Officer Program

The Food is Medicine State Officer Program will help states strengthen their FIM capacity and advance policies that improve access to healthy food for people with diet-related health conditions. This three-year project is made possible by the Food is Medicine Impact Fund, a joint philanthropic initiative to integrate proven food and nutrition interventions into the U.S. health care system as covered, reimbursable medical benefits. Hosted by RF Catalytic Capital, the fund addresses the root causes of diet-related health conditions.

The Food is Medicine State Officer Program, facilitated by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), aims to help states advance FIM programming and improve access to healthy food for people with diet-related conditions by strengthening staffing and leadership capacity within state agencies. This will position states to successfully integrate FIM services into health care delivery to: (1) improve health outcomes for people diagnosed with or at risk of diet-related conditions; and (2) expand access to and use of effective FIM solutions.

States participating in the Food is Medicine State Officer Program will have access to:

Funding: States will receive funding to hire and support a FIM state officer for three years.
Training and technical assistance: FIM state officers will receive virtual and in-person onboarding, individualized one-on-one technical assistance, support with stakeholder engagement and communication, and leadership coaching.
FIM State Officer Hub: Through this national learning network, FIM state officers will gain access to expert presentations, facilitated discussions with subject matter experts, shared problem-solving, and peer collaboration across participating states.

How to Apply

States interested in building or expanding capacity to implement FIM solutions are invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Complete program details and submission instructions are outlined in the funding announcement.

LOIs are due February 27, at 5:00 PM ET. Download the Funding Announcement.

NBDPN Career Opportunity: Seeking Part-Time Project Director

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is looking to hire a part-time Project Director (PD). The PD position will work specifically on the NBDPN Surveillance Guidelines Revision Project. The Project Director will provide clear communication of proper rules and regulations as outlined in the NBDPN cooperative agreement, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and ensure that all objectives and deliverables related to the Surveillance Guidelines Revision Project are met as designated by the approved cooperative agreement timeline, in coordination with the NBDPN Executive Director (ED).

This is a fully grant-funded exempt position, 20 hours per week, with a one-year term set to end on September 29. This position allows for a flexible work schedule coordinated around weekly and monthly meetings with Subject Matter Experts, NBDPN Board of Directors (BOD), NBDPN Board Officers, and the CDC, as appropriate.

Access more information and the application.

Please contact NBDPN Executive Director Ashley Mallett (amallett@nbdpn.org) with any questions or inquiries.

Free Resource for Job Seekers – The AMCHP Career Center: Connecting Talent with Opportunity

AMCHP offers access to top job opportunities in our industry. Job seekers can access the AMCHP Career Center to search and apply for open positions at no cost, while employers can post their jobs for a fee! Search for Jobs | Post a Job.

Do you know someone who is looking for a new job or opportunity? Share the AMCHP Career Center with them!

Partner Events & Webinars

Register for the 2026 NWA Annual Education & Training Conference

The National WIC Association (NWA) invites you to join its Annual Education & Training Conference, taking place from May 27 to 30, in Dallas, Texas. This conference brings together the WIC community for an opportunity to connect, reflect, and advance the work that supports families through WIC. The theme of the conference is Engage, Inspire, Energize! Learn more and register.

Publications & Resources

New Report: The Role of the Title V MCH Services Block Grant in Improving Maternal and Infant Health

The University of Illinois School of Public Health just released a report, The Role of the Title V MCH Services Block Grant in Improving Maternal and Infant Health, which explores its unique role in improving maternal and infant health by examining the fiscal investments for pregnant women and infants made by Title V in the 59 states and territories.

Through careful analysis of each state’s Title V budget (based on states’ FY 2023 applications /FY 2021 annual reports), the report found that the federal Title V Block Grant dollars budgeted by states for the population of pregnant women and infants is disproportionately lower than the federal Title V Block Grant dollars budgeted for the other two focal populations, that is: 1) preventive and primary care for children 1-21 years, and 2) children with special health care needs (CSHCN). It concludes that state Title V agencies should increase investment of both federal and state dollars for pregnant women and infants. Read the full report.