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This week Sen. Mark Steffen advocated for legislation prohibiting the state health secretary from requiring new immunizations for children to attend school or day care. Under current law, students are required to receive certain immunizations before they attend school. The secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) can amend the list should the need arise.

We’re sharing excerpts of an article by Noah Taborda that appeared in the Kansas Reflector on why Nurture KC opposes this legislation – Senate Bill 212.

“Pediatricians and school nurses defended the decision-making process for the required vaccination list. Like proponents, they worried about politicization of the issue but instead thought the bill would only further intensify the politicization.

Shelby Ostrom, program director for the Mid America Immunization Coalition, which provides advocacy on the benefits of vaccines, said continued oversight by KDHE separate from the legislative process was vital in maintaining and improving public health in Kansas.

‘There is a rigorous process already in place, grounded in science, which best serves Kansans,’ Ostrom said. ‘This is a process that has and should continue to be separate from the political arena.’”

Click “read more” to see this entire article.

Wow! Despite a pandemic, Nurture KC actually EXPANDED services this past year. Access our 2020 Annual Report – packed with images and stats – to see how we helped families. It also includes our: Public Policy Action, Program Overviews, Organizational Finances, Communications/Outreach, Partners and Board of Directors.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate all the moms in our Healthy Start Program (which served 346 families this past year). They are creating a brighter tomorrow for their children. We are proud of all their hard work!

See our latest news in this February Update. “At Nurture KC, we fight for what’s right. We lift up our young families as they learn and grow. Then, the true beauty is, we let our families go because they are equipped for success in life,” says Executive Director, Tracy Russell.

KC-resident Maggi Pivovar shares: “Why I got the COVID-19 vaccine.” Don’t miss her unique and inspirational story, and the message she has for others! Read her STORY.

In honor of its 10th Anniversary, Brown Button Estate Sales is hosting a “Treasure Trove” benefit sale with all proceeds directly benefiting Nurture KC.

“We are excited to support Nurture KC, and all the families they help, in honor of our 10th anniversary.” says Michael Fry, CEO of Brown Button. “We want to do something special to give back to Kansas City. This is a natural fit because Nurture KC makes a tangible difference for mothers and babies in our community.”

Key dates for the public:
• Donation drop-off – Saturday, Feb. 6
Anyone can donate fine furniture, art, jewelry, decor and fashion from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the event location: 7589 W. 119 Street (Southwest of Metcalf and 119th St.). Brown Button also can pick up large items, if needed, that meet its criteria. People can simply complete the Donation Evaluation Form to find out.
• Shopping – Feb. 16 to Feb. 20
— Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. ($10 entry donation)
— Wednesday, Feb. 17 to Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (free)

“This will truly be a unique shopping experience. Brown Button is synonymous with the highest quality merchandise and has a large following across the metro,” says Tracy Russell, Executive Director of Nurture KC. “We are thankful to Brown Button for selecting Nurture KC to give back to, and know it will greatly benefit the 237 families we serve through our Healthy Start program.”