May 6, 2010
|
|
 |
As we approach Mother’s Day this year it reminds me to be grateful for the work that Illinois Maternal has done for women, children and families in Illinois. We’ve improved birth outcomes, immunization rates, health in schools and access to health care for millions of children and parents in Illinois and we could not have done it without you.
Your financial support of IMCHC means that women and children in Illinois will continue to have a voice fighting for their health needs. Please consider joining IMCHC as a member, or donating to our general fund, because our most vulnerable populations need advocates they can count on.
|
Speaking of vulnerable populations, IMCHC’s newest project, the Illinois Premature Infant Health Network (IPIHN) focuses on the unique needs of premature infants in the state of Illinois. The group is currently developing best practice guidelines for follow up care in Level III NICUs and supporting a new state policy that will improve parent education upon discharge. If you are interested in IPIHN I encourage you to sign up online, or contact Sara Howard with questions.
Finally, there are a lot of IMCHC events coming up in May and June, including ICSHC’s 8th Annual School Health Centers Conference and CAIC’s 9th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions. In June IMCHC will have its Annual Meeting at Maggiano’s in Chicago and our Junior Board will host its 2nd Annual Summer Celebration fundraiser, so I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events!
Best Wishes,
Executive Director
|
|
 |
Health reform: What will it mean for me?
Networking Event and Panel Discussion
Wednesday, May 12
Jak's Tap, Chicago
Register Today! |
| |
|
 |
8th Annual School Health Center Conference
Building Bridges: Healthy Minds, Bodies, Communities
May 13 & 14, 2010 in Springfield, Illinois
Register Today! |
| |
 |
9th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions
May 26-28, 2010
Westin River North Hotel, Chicago
Register Today!
|
Back to the top
|
 |
|
 |
In May, IMCHC will be participating in and hosting a variety of events focused on getting the word out about how health care reform is going to affect the field of maternal and infant health. We will be updating our website regularly and producing more fact sheets and videos to make health care reform easier to understand for our members. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us, that’s what we’re here for!
|
Back to the top
|
 |
 |
Although this was a difficult session for advocates because of Illinois’ budget issues, there were some bright spots for maternal and infant health. A few of the bills that IMCHC advocated for and passed both chambers include:
- HB 5054 Requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish permanent medical cards passed both houses on April 27, 2010.
|
- HB 5927 Eliminating the three month waiting period for families who wish to re-enroll into the All Kids Program after they have paid any past due premiums passed both houses on April 29, 2010.
SB 3273 Requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer information to families with an infant of less than 37 weeks gestational age to help ensure proper care and support, passed both houses on April 22, 2010.
- HB 5930 Requiring hospitals to provide, free of charge, information and instructional materials regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) passed both houses on April 29, 2010.
For more information about these and other bills IMCHC was monitoring this session please contact Kathy Chan at 312-491-8161x24.
Back to the top
|
|
Responsible Budget Coalition Call-in Day
Take action this Friday, May 7th on behalf of all mothers in Illinois by making a phone call to your State Senator and Representative, urging them to support increased revenues in order to prevent devastating budget cuts.
Please call AARP's toll free number, 1-800-719-3020, to be connected with your state legislators. Tell them:
|
The state budget is slashing jobs, schools, and vital services in a terrible recession - just when our families need them the most. If you do nothing, mothers will not be able to take their children to the doctor, tens of thousands of teachers will be laid off, and hundreds of police will be taken off our streets.
Representative/Senator [BLANK] must act now to end this crisis. Pass a responsible budget based on revenue reform like House Bill 174. Thank you. |
To log your call visit IMCHC’s Action Page. Contact Kathy Chan with any responses.
Back to the top
|
|
|
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: New Insights is an article which highlights evidence that vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) is a reasonable and safe choice for mothers. With the rise in c-section rates in America, it is important for women to know about the emerging harm from multiple c-sections and the growing evidence that VBACs offer a safe alternative. For an abstract, with a link to download the full article please visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
|
Back to the top
|
|
 |
Name:
Mary and Heather Driscoll
Occupation:
Mary is the Division Chief, Patient Safety and Quality, Illinois Department of Public Health and Heather is Administrative Assistant to Chair, Board of Trustees Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
|
How did you first get involved with IMCHC?
(Mary) I am a founding member of IMCHC and was working at the Cook County Perinatal Center at the time. Currently I am on IMCHC’s Executive Board of Directors. (Heather) I am a founding member of IMCHC’s Junior Board, but had been involved with IMCHC by attending events and supporting health reform before that.
What is your favorite thing about IMCHC?
(Mary) I love IMCHC because of its real community roots and the energy that the staff and Board devote to keeping community ties. (Heather) I like that IMCHC keeps me connected to what is happening in women and children's health and really gives me a way to be involved in actively promoting public health.
Why do you feel maternal and infant health is so important?
(Mary) I think maternal and infant health is important in Illinois, and in the world, because that is how our societies are perpetuated. If societies pay attention to women and children and give them support for growth, in health, education, economics, etc. then societies, as well as the individual families, benefit. Our country is not giving the necessary supports for women and children, so organizations like IMCHC are completely necessary to advocate for providing them. Other, comparable countries do much better. (Heather) Maternal and infant health care is a basic human right and effects the long-term progress of our society.
Mary, how do you think you’ve influenced Heather?
I probably did influence Heather, but Heather also understands the importance of healthy families. I think Lilah Handler, Project Administrator at IMCHC and daughter of Executive Director Robyn Gabel, also influenced her - they have been friends since they were seven.
Heather, how did your mother influence you?
She has encouraged me to be an active agent of positive social change and to get involved in issues that matter to me and affect my community. She is an example of a successful, intelligent and dedicated hard-working woman who is passionate about public health and has always stuck to her values.
Mary, what is your favorite thing to do with Heather?
I love to travel with Heather, she is interested in everything, adventurous, and fun. I also like to walk our dogs together with her.
Heather, what is your favorite thing to do with your mom?
Walk our dogs together or discuss a good book we have both read.
Mary, what were your favorite Mother’s Day presents that you’ve received from your daughters?
Some of my favorite mothers day presents were the handmade clay pots, cards, jewelry, etc that mothers get - also I liked getting the card that Heather bought from the coalition because I knew then that my daughter was thinking on a more universal level about how to make the world better. And finally, I have to say I also love those massages and pedicures.
Heather, what are you getting your mom for Mother’s Day?
My sister, Leila, and I are taking her to dinner and in the morning we are all going on walk together to the farmers' market.
Back to the top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| Nominations are still being accepted for the IMCHC Junior Board Advocate of the Year Award for 2010. If you would like to help with the Junior Board’s 2nd Annual Summer Celebration by helping plan the event, donating refreshments or door prizes, please contact Lilah Handler at 312-491-8161x21.
|
 |
“What is your mother’s favorite present that you’ve given her, or, as a mom, what is your favorite present that your children have given you?”
My favorite gift from my children for Mother’s Day was a poem that they wrote for me. My favorite line was “Even when we’re mad, we love you a lot!”
Lisa Kritz, Director of the Chicago Area Immunization Campaign and mother to Joey and Izzy.
Andres doesn’t always find the words to express his love and appreciation for all that I do for him; as a friend, a role model and his mom. He often saves his money to buy me these little ceramic heart shaped jewelry holders. Every time I receive a distinguished style and I am reminded of how much he loves me. The feeling is PRICELESS! They sit on my little wall shelf in my bedroom and EVERY DAY I look at them and SMILE.
Blanca Leon, Director of Information Technology and mother to Andres.
This will be my first official Mother’s Day and I am excited to see what baby Nathan will come up with!
Melissa Ponce, Senior Project Associate for the Chicago Area Immunization Campaign and mother to Nathan.
I always ask my mom every year what she wants for Mother’s Day and she always says: your love is enough.
Divya Mohan Little, Project Director for the Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers.
I know my mom’s favorite Mother’s Day present was always when my sister and I would take her to dinner and a movie. She used to call it her date night with her girls.
Sara Howard, Staff Attorney.
Stumped as to what to get your mom for Mother’s Day? Send her an e-card for National Women’s Checkup Day on May 10th! The day is dedicated to encouraging women to visit health care professionals to receive or schedule a checkup – Your mom will appreciate your thoughtfulness!
|
 |
For more information about our upcoming events or to find out how to RSVP visit our calendar on our website.IPIHN – Illinois Premature Infant Health Network
ICSHC – Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers
CAIC – Chicago Area Immunization Campaign
CKF-IL – Covering Kids and Families Illinois
CSOB – The Campaign to Save Our Babies
MAY
May 7
Chicago Area Immunization Campaign’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
May 10
IMCHC’s Junior Board Meeting
May 12
ICSHC’s Steering Committee Retreat
May 12
Junior Board Networking Event “Health Reform: What’s in it for Me?”
May 13-14
2010 School Health Center Conference in Springfield
May 14
CAIC’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
May 17
IMCHC’s Chicago Area Chapter Meeting (note date and time change)
May 26-28
9th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions in Chicago
JUNE
June 11
CAIC’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
June 15
IMCHC’s Annual Meeting at Maggiano’s in Chicago
June 18
CAIC’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
June 21
IPIHN Full Meeting at LaRabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago
June 24
IMCHC’s Junior Board June Fundraiser
June 26
IMCHC Lake County Chapter Meeting
JULY
July 12
CAIC’s Community Immunization Education Training Session
July 28
IMCHC’s Annual Meeting at Maggiano’s in Chicago
|
Share
|
