May 20, 2010
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May is Women’s Health Month, and here at IMCHC we celebrate the passage of state legislation that will benefit women and children. Over the next few weeks our newsletter will highlight bills that passed in the General Assembly and mark significant improvements for maternal and infant health in the state.
On a broader note, we continue to celebrate national health care reform, alongside the 50 year birthday of the birth control pill in America. The latter revolutionized the range of reproductive choices for women and the first will change the health of a nation.
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As we plan our next steps to get the word out about health care reform, and this past session in Springfield, I hope you’ll join me at IMCHC’s Annual Meeting on June 15th from 11:30am to 2pm. We will be presenting our Loretta Lacey Maternal and Child Health Awards and hearing from Cristal Thomas, the Regional Director of Region V for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who will discuss the Affordable Care Act and opportunities for maternal and child health.
Looking forward to seeing you all,
Executive Director
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9th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions
May 26-28, 2010
Westin River North Hotel, Chicago
Register Today!
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IMCHC’s Annual Meeting
June 15, 2010
Maggiano’s Little Italy, Chicago
Register Today!
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Implementing National Health Care Reform in Illinois: SB 3047
Recently, the Illinois General Assembly made great strides for the implementation of health care reform in the state with the passage of the Health Care Justice Implementation Act, SB 3047. This Act establishes a bipartisan monitoring body for national health care reform as it is implemented in Illinois, and allows for public hearings, reports and research assessments to be made in regards to that implementation.
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For more information about the bill, and a fact sheet, visit the Campaign For Better Health
Care.
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Federal Health Care Reform: We Need Your Input!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released three sets of regulations for public comment. The three areas with new guidance are: |
- Extension of Dependent Coverage until Age 26
- The Web Portal Expected to Launch July 1
- Reinsurance for Early Retirees
Each set of regulations has its own instructions for public comment in the announcement. Email us and let us know what concerns you shared with the federal government!
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Take Action – funding for critical state services depends on it!
Responsible Budget Coalition call-in day info here:
The Illinois General Assembly is poised to return to Springfield next week. With only a few days left before legislators go back to work, the Responsible Budget Coalition needs you to deliver a message to lawmakers. Call your legislator at 1-800-719-3020 with the following message:
Oppose a budget plan based on gimmicks, massive borrowing and painful cuts to human services, schools and other vital services. Go back and do the job right - pass a responsible budget with adequate revenue. The alternative is unacceptable. |
Visit the Responsible Budget Coalition’s website for more information.
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Happy 50th Birthday to the Birth Control Pill
This month is the 50 year anniversary of the birth control pill. In May 1960 the FDA granted approval to a pharmaceutical company to market the first oral contraceptive. Fifty years later the birth control pill is still used widely by women for pregnancy prevention. But the pill can do even more than that, today it is used to regulate periods, clear up acne and has even been shown to prevent some types of cancer.
For more reasons on how the pill revolutionized women’s health, visit US News and World Report’s article, The Birth Control Pill Turns 50: 7 Ways it Changed Lives. |
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IMCHC Now Looking for a New Executive Director
As our current Executive Director, Robyn Gabel, transitions to her new position, IMCHC is beginning the search for a dynamic individual to fill her very big shoes. Applicants should have experience in Illinois policy work relating to maternal and infant health, fundraising, nonprofit management, community relations and board management.
For more information about this position, or to apply, please visit our website.
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And the Award Goes To…
Announcing our 2010 Loretta Lacey Maternal and Child Health Advocacy Award Recipients:
Researcher: This category is for an individual who conducts research and uses the findings to advocate for improvements in maternal and child health. This year’s recipient for researcher is Steven Whitman, PhD, Director of Sinai Urban Health Institute.
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Community Advocate: This category is for an individual who works at the community level to advocate for improvements in maternal and child health. This year’s recipient for community advocate is Terry Solomon, DR.P.H., Executive Director of the Illinois African-American Family Commission.
Health Care Provider: This category is for an individual who provides direct medical services and uses their knowledge/practice to advocate for improvements in maternal and child health. This year’s recipient for health care provider is Edward Pont, MD, Past President of the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.
For more information about the recipients of the Loretta Lacey Award, or to register for our Annual Meeting, please visit our website.
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