“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, IMCHC strives to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to affordable health care and to ensure justice and equity in health care delivery. As an IMCHC member, you can help us achieve these goals. We are in the process of our 2008 Membership Drive and encourage current members to renew their commitment to our work. New members are also critical to building our network of active and engaged individuals and organizations that contribute to ensuring that Illinois is the healthiest state for women, children and families. Member benefits include invitations to member-only events and free admission to an annual advocacy training session. Please consider becoming a member or renewing your membership today.
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| IMCHC ANNOUNCEMENTS | ||
New Funding from the Otho S. A. Sprague Memorial Institute IMCHC is happy to announce that it is the recipient of two grants from the Otho S. A. Sprague Memorial Institute for its project, the Chicago Area Immunization Campaign (CAIC). The first grant provides funding for two years to enhance and expand CAIC’s network, as well as to ensure that providers are informed about and utilizing I-CARE, a statewide, web-based immunization registry that electronically tracks immunization records across the lifespan. The second grant will allow CAIC to purchase the HPV vaccine and work with local providers to administer the vaccine to 500 un- and underinsured women. CAIC will also coordinate community and provider education sessions around HPV and cervical cancer prevention. |
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After working with the Chicago-Area Immunization Campaign for 5+ years, Project Director Brian Bragg is moving onto a new position with HOPE Worldwide Illinois as their Executive Director. During this transition period, Brian will work limited hours with CAIC for the next few weeks and may be reached at his personal email. We will miss Brian and wish him luck with his new job! As a result, IMCHC will be hiring a new CAIC Project Director. A job description is posted on the IMCHC website. Resumes and cover letters should be emailed to Kathy Chan, mailed to the 1256 W. Chicago Avenue address or faxed to 312-491-8171 by January 31st.
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Check out IMCHC live on CAN TV 21 Hotline, every Tuesday until March 25th from 3:30 to 4pm. The January 22nd and 29th shows will be hosted by Joe Weimholt with Covering Kids and Families Illinois and will feature Melissa Cubria from the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law and Megan Meagher from the Campaign for Better Health Care to talk about the healthcare landscape in Illinois. CAN TV21 Hotline is a live, call-in show. Viewers can call in their questions at 312-738-1060.
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| Take Action! | ||
SCHIP Vote Expected This Week The House of Representatives will attempt to override the President’s second veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Contact your Congressman and tell him/her to stand up for children’s health! Click here to send an email or to find the phone number for your Congressman’s office. The School-Based Health Center Establishment Act (HR4230) was introduced in Congress in November 2007. Similar to S600, it would establish the first federal grant program for school health centers. Illinois Congressman Jan Schakowsky has signed on as an original co-sponsor of the bill, and Congressman Rahm Emanuel signed on in December, but additional House support is necessary. Contact your local Congressman and encourage them to sign on. For more information about HR4230 or to contact your Congressman, visit the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care’s website or contact Blair Harvey, ICSHC Project Director. |
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| News in Brief | ||
New Eligibility Restrictions for State Medicaid Expansions This controversial policy was pushed through by CMS without Congressional approval or an official comment period and prevents states from expanding their Medicaid programs to cover children in families above 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) without first proving that at least 95% of children under 200% FPL are already enrolled. Advocates find this new directive troubling, as the 95% enrollment requirement is nearly impossible to meet. Legal or legislative challenges are possible, but would likely be a slow process. Sources: The Commonwealth Fund New Autism Study Shows No Link to Vaccines A new study from California provides more evidence that there is no link between vaccines that contain thimerosal and autism. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has not been present in childhood vaccines since 2001, but can be found in some flu vaccines. California’s Department of Public Health reviewed data from 1995-2007 that showed that childhood autism did not decline, but rose in children ages 3 to 12 years. Researchers said that if there was a link between the two, autism rates should have decreased between 2004 and 2007 after thimerosal was eliminated from most vaccines. |
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| Upcoming Events | ||
ICSHC Northern Region Meeting IMCHC Southern Illinois Chapter Meeting ICSHC Chicago Area Meeting IMCHC Chicago Area General Membership Meeting IMCHC Springfield Chapter Meeting |
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| Save these Dates! | ||
“Collaboration, Community, Commitment” IMCHC Annual Meeting – 20th Anniversary Kickoff IMCHC 20th Anniversary Benefit |
Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition
1256 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
312-491-8161 (voice)
312-491-8171 (fax)