April 7, 2010
|
|
 |
With the passage of health care reform comes a flurry of work for us at IMCHC. We have already hosted a conference call for members to start the discussion about the maternal and child health provisions and have begun compiling our policy briefs. There is now a special area on our website designated specifically for health care reform data sharing and I encourage everyone to visit.
There were two specific provisions in national health care reform that affect the Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers (ICSHC), a project of IMCHC. These two provisions provide a federal authorization, which means that funds may now be appropriated to the school based health centers program through Congress, as well as $200 million over four years to be used for capital projects for school health centers. |
With April as STD Awareness and Education Month in America, I am excited to see federal funds allocated in health care reform for comprehensive sexual education, but disappointed by additional funds apportioned for abstinence only education as well. IMCHC will continue to fight for age appropriate comprehensive reproductive health education in the state of Illinois. I encourage you and your organizations to join us in this struggle and become a member of IMCHC.
Finally, I am happy to announce the publication of IMCHC’s 2008-2009 Annual Report: Setting the Stage which outlines our many accomplishments over the past year. With last year’s successes, I can only imagine what we will achieve together in this thrilling time of health care reform.
Best Wishes,
Executive Director
|
|
 |
|
 |
There is growing concern among advocates about many of the reproductive health provisions in national health care reform. Among the successes are the inclusion of maternity and newborn care in basic coverage plans and the funding of pediatric oral health initiatives, home visiting programs and teen pregnancy prevention programs.
|
However, the President’s Executive Order applying the Hyde Amendment to the health care reform package will severely limit a woman’s ability to acquire health insurance coverage that includes abortion care. For more information about reproductive health issues in health care reform please read IMCHC’s Policy Brief on Reproductive Health.
IMCHC is also planning a series of health care reform policy forums across the state for members. Please contact Sara Howard at 312-491-8161 x32 if you or your organization might be interested in hosting or sponsoring one of these events.
Back to the top
|
 |
 |
As state legislators get ready to head back to Springfield, IMCHC and other members of the Responsible Budget Coalition will be organizing members and other concerned stakeholders for the “SOS: Save Our State” rally taking place on April 21st at the state capitol.
|
Every Illinois resident is hurting from the state budget crisis. Schools, libraries, health care, police and transit slashed with services for children, the elderly, the disabled and the unemployed in jeopardy--just when they’re needed the most. All of this because the state is facing a $13 billion budget deficit.
We demand that legislators act now to Save Our State. But too many of them are still ducking and dodging a balanced solution--one with adequate revenue. That’s why thousands of us will be descending on the Capitol in the largest demonstration Springfield has ever seen.
Contact Kathy Chan to be connected with transportation or visit www.abetterillinois.com for more information.
Back to the top
|
|
|
|
Through a grant from the Chicago Department of Public Health, IMCHC’s Chicago Area Immunization Campaign will be providing the HPV vaccine free of cost to 800 uninsured and underinsured women between the ages of 19 – 26 years of age at eight Chicago clinics. Some of the participating clinics are Access Cabrini Family Health Center, Lawndale Christian Health Center, Erie Family Center and Shirley Wong, MD.
|
For additional information about the HPV Vaccination Project, contact Melissa Ponce at 312/491-8161.
Back to the top
|
 |
|
 |
Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in our Spelling Bee fundraiser last month. We raised enough money to continue holding the Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Advocacy Day, so we look forward to seeing you all in Springfield on April 21st. Congratulations to the Homonym Hustlahs for their first place finish in our Spelling Bee! |
There were many entries in the Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s 2010 Key to Success Essay and Art competition. Students are asked to create a piece of art in the shape of a key, or write an essay or poem, that expresses the importance of their school health center to them.
Key Competition:
1st place - Dunbar Vocational High School, Chicago 2nd place - Cahokia Senior High School, Cahokia 3rd place - Evanston Township High School, Evanston
Essay Contest - High School:
1st place - Dominique Roberts, Dunbar Vocational High School, Chicago 2nd place - Erica Hooker, Cahokia Senior High School, Cahokia 3rd place - Danielle Delmar, Orr Academy, Chicago
Essay Contest - Middle/Elementary School :
1st place - Alexander (6th grade), Ryerson Elementary School, Chicago 2nd place - Astarde Simms, Harrison Primary School, Peoria 3rd place - Makenna Rife, Gallatin County School, Junction
Back to the top
|
|
 |
STD Prevalence in Chicago
Facts about Adolescents and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Chicago in honor of April as STD Education and Awareness Month:
|
Statistics from a study in the summer of 2008 showed that while the adolescent population of Chicago comprised 16.3% of the general population, it accounts for more than 60% of new infections of gonorrhea and Chlamydia in the city. The study further stated that psychological factors such as the general sense of invulnerability, the desire to try new experiences, and the willingness to take risks…may place adolescents at increased risk for STDs. For more information about the study please visit here.
Back to the top
|
|
For more information about our upcoming events visit our calendar on our website.
APRIL
April 8 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Public Education and Advocacy Committee Meeting
April 9 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Registry Workgroup
April 13 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Public Awareness Committee Meeting
April 15 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Program Development and Evaluation Committee Meeting
April 15 –Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Spring General Meeting
April 21 – IMCHC Southern Illinois Chapter Meeting in Mt. Vernon
April 21 –Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers Advocacy Day in Springfield
April 26 – Committee Calls for the Illinois Premature Infant Health Network
MAY
May 6 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Public Education and Advocacy Committee Meeting
May 6 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Conference Planning Committee Meeting
May 7 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
May 10 – IMCHC’s Junior Board Meeting
May 12 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Steering Committee Retreat
May 13-14 – 2010 School Health Center Conference in Springfield
May 14 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
May 18 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Public Awareness Committee
May 20 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Program Development and Evaluation Committee Meeting
May 26 – IMCHC Chicago Area Chapter Meeting
May 26-28 – 9th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions in Chicago
JUNE
June 3 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Conference Planning Committee Meeting
June 10 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Public Education and Advocacy Committee Meeting
June 11 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
June 15 – IMCHC’s Annual Meeting at Maggiano’s in Chicago
June 17 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Program Development and Evaluation Committee Meeting
June 18 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Community Immunization Education Training SEssion
June 21 – Illinois Premature Infant Health Network Full Meeting at LaRabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago
June 22 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Public Awareness Committee Meeting
June 24 – IMCHC’s Junior Board June Fundraiser
June 25 – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Registry Workgroup Meeting
June 26 – IMCHC Lake County Chapter Meeting
Back to the top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| 
8th Annual School Health Center Conference
Building Bridges: Healthy Minds, Bodies, Communities
May 13 & 14, 2010
Springfield, Illinois
Registration Deadline: May 7, 2010
More information >> |
| |
 |
|
New Text Message Campaign Aims at Reducing Premature Births and Improving Maternal Health
Text4Baby is a new program sponsored by the federal government, the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, wireless companies and health providers that will text expectant mothers information during their pregnancy in order to encourage healthy behaviors.
IMCHC is serving as the statewide coordinator for this innovative outreach campaign. For more information on Text4Baby, or to register, visit the website.
|
 |
IMCHC recently hosted a group of high school students from across the nation visiting Chicago with the Civic Engagement Project. After learning about IMCHC’s projects and being briefed on some of the policies enacted with health care reform, the students were encouraged to write to their Congressperson and say thank you for voting for health care reform. A few also took the opportunity to write to their elected officials who chose not to vote for reform. Some excerpts from these notes include: |
Dear Senator Burris,
Thank you for supporting the new health care bill. I am especially grateful for the insurance [companies] not being allowed to turn someone away based on pre-existing conditions.
--Mariah, 9th Grade, Illinois
Dear Senator Durbin,
…I feel like my community, especially those who have been unable to afford health care, is relieved and is ready to take advantage of this new asset…This bill has been a long time coming and I respect and admire you for being one of the key players to push it through.
--Myles, 10th Grade, Illinois
Dear Representative Davis,
Thanks for voting in favor of health care reform! If only it came with [Cliff] Notes.
--Rahm, Illinois
Dear Congressman LaTourette,
…I respect your decision to not support the bill but I am disappointed and I hope that you will reconsider once you see the benefits it will bring.
--Peter, 11th Grade, Ohio
Dear Congressman Kirk,
My family and I have been long term constituents of yours. But because of your recent actions against the health care reform, I’m afraid I can no longer support you. Good luck running for Senator. I am turning 18 soon.
Xinyu, Illinois
|
If you are inspired by these young people and would like to thank your member of Congress, visit IMCHC’s Take Action page to find your elected official’s address and send them an email. |
|
Share
|
