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Infant mortality rates have declined, but racial disparities still exist. Tracy Russell, of Nurture KC, and Dr. Traci Johnson, of Truman Medical Centers, share how to bridge that gap in this in-depth story by KCTV-5. Data from the National Academy of Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show Black babies are 2 to 3 times more likely to survive when cared for by Black doctors. It’s not necessarily intentional racism at work; rather cultural and racial similarities can help doctors recognize subtle cues that can lead to lives saved.

Russell says expanding Medicaid in Missouri also will allow better access to healthcare. “States that have expanded Medicaid have a 50% greater reduction in infant mortality than in states that fail to act,” she said.

Good news to make immunizations more accessible, keep children on track and empower the public with options to protect their health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced state-licensed pharmacists can now order and administer FDA-approved vaccines to those ages 3 to 18 (subject to certain requirements) during the coronavirus pandemic.

This change was made possible through a third amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to: “increase access to lifesaving childhood vaccines and decrease the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks as children across the United States return to daycare, preschool and school,” according to HHS.

Alex Azar, HHS Secretary, said this action “means easier access to lifesaving vaccines for our children, as we seek to ensure immunization rates remain high during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information visit: https://bit.ly/2FULTuz

Exciting news: We’re pleased Medicaid Expansion has passed in Missouri! Now more families, such as the ones we serve, will have access to health care. The Kansas City Star reports: “The state’s urban areas voted overwhelmingly in favor of expanded Medicaid. The rural areas voted against it by wide margins. It was in the suburbs where the amendment ultimately prevailed.” Read the full article here .

A letter from Nurture KC’s Executive Director …

As I was listening to our annual meeting presenters make the case for the drivers of maternal mortality from personal experience to professional expertise, my emotions vacillated between appreciation for their insight and knowledge to frustration that maternal mortality is still such a problem nationally and locally.  Since our annual meeting, I would add another reaction to this list:  hope.

The reason for my optimism is the opportunity to bring real change to the health of both moms and babies through Medicaid Expansion.  Amendment 2 is on the ballot in Missouri on August 4.  If approved, 230,000 Missourians would gain access to health care, becoming the 37th state to do so.  Many of these are workers who do not have employer-sponsored coverage and lack the income to purchase health insurance.  Currently, Missouri ranks among the lowest of states when it comes to income eligibility for Medicaid at a limit of $373 per month for a family of three.  Under expansion, the income threshold would rise to $30,000 a year for a family of three, making coverage available for many working families. (Click below to read more.)

Kansas City, Mo., July 13, 2020 – Nurture KC helps moms and babies across the KC metro area get off to a Healthy Start (our flagship program) in life. Our annual meeting on “Addressing Maternal Mortality: Driving Data into Action” is on July 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon via Zoom. This event is free, open to the public and also will be attended by healthcare professionals.

Our headline presenter is Saleemah McNeil – Black maternal mortality advocate and national speaker. She helps families of color heal from traumatic birth experiences and transition into parenthood. Her work allows families to thrive, not just survive, using an anti-racism and trauma-sensitive framework. (Click below to read more.)

Connect with other families Nurture KC is partnering with KC Healthy Kids to host virtual Family Engagement Nights this summer, including Safe Sleep Practices on July 7, Summer Fun and Safety on July 15, Immunizations: Protecting Yourself & Others on August 11, and a Community Resource Fair on August 26. All of these events are […]

Maternal mortality continues to be a health crisis in the United States. Therefore, the topic of this year’s annual meeting is “Addressing Maternal Mortality: Driving Data into Action.” You don’t want to miss this motivating presentation from national speaker and black maternal mortality advocate, Saleemah McNeil! We’ll also look at local initiatives and strategies to […]

This is a difficult time in our country. Nurture KC is committed to serving and supporting the communities of Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS regardless of color, race or ethnicity. We condemn all forms of racist behavior and violence against the African American community. The disparate maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates […]