Message from the Executive Director
Tracy Russell Executive Director Mother and Child Health Coalition
Tracy Russell
Executive Director
Mother & Child Health Coalition

And That’s a Wrap! The Kansas and Missouri legislatures adjourned in May, and both could be characterized by a lack of progress in adopting measures to improve the health of families. Most notable was the failure, by only one vote, of the Kansas Senate to approve Medicaid expansion for more than 130,000 Kansans. While a substantial majority of Kansas legislators and residents support expansion, it has been stymied by a few wielding control over the legislative process. As two of only a dozen remaining holdouts on Medicaid expansion, Kansas and Missouri are foregoing one of the most fundamental solutions to improving maternal and infant health and closing the disparity gap between races. Check out this analysis for a stark comparison between expansion and non-expansion states and the impact on maternal and infant mortality HERE .  On a more optimistic note, HB 447 was modified to collect data on maternal mortality in Missouri and requires an annual report to the legislature. While a Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Panel (PAMR) currently exists in Missouri, having this codified in statute gives institutional heft to this issue and signals that this is a health crisis worthy of study. To read the full text of the legislation, click here:  https://legiscan.com/MO/text/HB447/2019

While inaction can stall measures we support, there are also times when we appreciate the deliberate nature of the legislative process that puts the brakes on policies that are harmful to those we serve. A prime example was the attempt to weaken immunization measures in Missouri that failed to garner enough support for passage. These proposals are not unique to Missouri as we have experienced a national trend of a vocal, passionate constituency seeking to undo vaccination requirements. As an organization that relies on data to formulate our positions, we will continue to support protecting the herd, particularly those most vulnerable among us.

Believe it or not, we are looking toward the federal government for a policy proposal that truly prioritizes mothers and children. Congress has introduced the MOMMA (Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Act), a bill that provides funding for state maternal mortality review panels, extends Medicaid coverage for pregnant women to one year post-partum, and funds the initiative with a tobacco tax increase. While nothing moves quickly at the federal level, introduction of this legislation highlights the growing attention to the need for health care access, a necessary first step in moving from conversation to action.

Finally, Mother & Child Health Coalition recognizes the importance of participation in the political arena where so many key policy decisions are made, impacting the families we serve. This is our opportunity to be a part of the discussion that drives broad change. We will continue to make our voice heard on the unique consequences of policy decisions impacting our families.
CELEBRATING ALL DADS!
Fathers are critical to every family's success. MCHC and the KC Healthy Start Initiative work with the dads in our program to make sure they get the information, resources and support they need to be the nurturers and providers for their families that they want to be.
YOU CAN HELP! In honor of Father's Day , make a special donation to help support our work with families in our community.

PRINTED MCHC RESOURCE GUIDE
TO BE DISCONTINUED

After more than 20 years of publication, the MCHC Community Resource Guide will no longer be published. This will be disappointing to our many loyal users but the fact is that most people access their information electronically now.

The United Way has a comprehensive online data base and it is the best source of resource information for the greater Kansas City community. You can access it here: United Way 211
Coming Events - Mark Your Calendar Now
Mid America Immunization Coalition Quarterly Meeting
"Immunization Update"
Wednesday, June 5, 2019 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Kansas City Health Department
2400 Troost Ave.
Kansas City MO 64108

FILM SCREENING: CHOCOLATE MILK,
A DOCUMENTARY

Wednesday, August 14, 2019
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Told through the narratives of three African American women: a new mother, a midwife and a WIC lactation educator, the film seeks to answer the longstanding question of why more African American women are not breastfeeding.

By creating an engaging narrative centered around the challenges of breastfeeding, Chocolate Milk will spark public discussion on how communities can better support black mothers.

Join us for a free screening and panel discussion with breastfeeding experts from Women, Infants & Children (WIC) and breastfeeding moms.

Co-hosted by Mother & Child Health Coalition and Samuel U. Rodgers WIC.

Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center
825 Euclid Ave KCMO 64124
Lower Level Community Rooms A & B
Light refreshments will be served
Please use the link below to register.
Mid America Immunization Coalition's
Annual Symposium
Friday, October 25, 2019
Children's Mercy Park
1 Sporting Way, Kansas City KS
Watch for more details coming soon!
NOTE: There will be NO MCHC Quarterly meeting in July. The next full Mother & Child Health Coalition Quarterly meeting will be held in November.
Watch this space for more information!

...to our members, volunteers and partners, for all your support! We appreciate you.
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Mother & Child Health Coalition
(816) 283-6242 | (816) 283-0307 Fax
info@mchc.net
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