Message from the Executive Director

Changes are Coming!

Mother & Child Health Coalition is a well-known organization when it comes to infant mortality in Kansas City. While MCHC continues to evolve in terms of the projects and collaborations that we engage in, our name has not reflected the breadth of our mission. The Board of Directors voted in September to change the name of Mother & Child Health Coalition to Nurture KC, effective November 2019. Our new name reflects the diverse composition of families we serve and is an action-oriented name that speaks to a broad mission that doesn’t end with birth. We know that our long-time members will continue to support the Coalition as a critical piece in the effort to reduce infant mortality and improve family health in Kansas City, under any name!

We will also be moving to new digs at the former Loretto Girls Academy, 1111 W. 39 ^th Street, Suite 101, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 in November. This beautifully renovated building has new office space and we are very fortunate to have a new home for the next several years. The new location places us right in the middle of the ZIP codes we serve via Healthy Start. As a nonprofit, we carefully consider the cost of office space in a city where rents continually climb, with the priority of using as much of our funds for mission as possible. We believe we have struck the right balance and found a space that will serve our employees, partners, and participants well while maintaining our commitment to a reasonable level of overhead expenses. 

While these are some of the most visible signs of change at MCHC, there are more to come. Be on the lookout for several announcements in October and November, including saying farewell to committed, long-time staff and hello to new team members. Our website will also get a fresh look with a format designed to reach participants and partners in a compelling way. While the external changes are many, the mission remains the same-improve infant and maternal health, recognizing that healthy families are the key to improved birth outcomes. 

Stay tuned as MCHC evolves to best serve our mission in the years to come!

Tracy Russell,

Executive Director, Mother & Child Health Coalition

Mother & Child Health Coalition is transitioning to a new name and a new image! After November 1, we will be known as Nurture KC.

Kansas City Healthy Start Initiative - Reducing Infant Mortality

In 2019, 63 Kansas City Healthy Start Initiative (KCHSI) child participants will reach 18 months of age and “graduate” from the program. Although the scheduled graduation event September 28 was cancelled due to bad weather, we still celebrate the developmental accomplishments they achieved while enrolled in the program.

At 18 months of age, children show affection towards familiar people, say several single words, follow 1-step commands, and can even help undress themselves.

In recognition of those and many other accomplishments, graduates will receive a graduation button, certificate, and a “Where Is Bear? A Terrific Tale for 2-Year-Olds” book. KCHSI graduates also receive educational information and community resources to ensure that they continue to be happy, healthy and well-developed. The families will receive the zoo tickets to explore the zoo at their own leisure.

A special thank-you to the Kansas City Zoo for donating zoo tickets to our families. Collaboration with our community partners allow us to offer educational and fun events for families to attend. It is through this work that we can help build healthy and happy children and families.

To learn more about KCHSI and how you can become involved with the program, please visit our website www.mchc.net . 

SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS: Black mothers tend to breastfeed their babies less and for a shorter period than their white counterparts. The "why" is complicated. In August, Healthy Start hosted an event designed to inform, support and encourage African American mothers to initiate and continue to breastfeed their infants, in order to improve the health of both mother and baby. "Chocolate Milk- A Documentary" Read More

HELP WANTED

MCHC is seeking a new project manager for the Kansas City Healthy Start Initiative. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. For details and to apply, VISIT INDEED.

Mid America Immunization Coalition's

ANNUAL IMMUNIZATION SYMPOSIUM

"Vaccines: Then and Now"

Friday, October 25, 2019

7:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Children's Mercy Park

1 Sporting Way

Kansas City KS 66111

This multi-state symposium is designed for professional health care workers and focuses on the continuing need for vaccines, as well as issues related to vaccine safety and misinformation. Historical review of vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccines across the lifespan, vaccine practice issues and the future of vaccines will all be explored at this all-day symposium. The event is being held again this year, by popular demand, at the beautiful Children's Mercy Park conference facility. The registration fee of $75 includes all conference materials, breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Don't miss it!

Registration is NOW OPEN - sign up today!

To Our Members, Volunteers and Partners: We couldn't do this without you.

T he following wonderful people recently joined or renewed their membership:

NEW MEMBERS : Danica Pelzel and Tayton Mullen: WELCOME!

RENEWING MEMBERS: Kay Connelly and Stephanie Jones .

RENEWING ORGANIZATIONS: Platte County Health Department, Saint Luke's Health System, Swope Health Services, and The University of Kansas Hospital.

Do you know someone else in your organization who would benefit from membership in MCHC? Invite them to join today at www.mchc.net.