Nurture KC

Two of Nurture KC’s trusted partners – Children’s Mercy and Truman Medical Centers – are hosting a virtual conference on the emotional well-being of mothers during pregnancy and in the first years after childbirth. This event will take place Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is for pediatricians, social workers, psychologists, OB/Gyns, nurse practitioners, child-care providers and anyone working with parents and young children.

Registration is free and can be completed at: http://bit.ly/PerinatalConf2020.

Learn more about this event.

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.

See what we have been up to this month in our monthly newsletter, including:

• Discover how the 2020 census impacts Nurture KC
• Access KS and MO immunization requirements for back to school
• Share our new organizational flipbooks
• See Nurture KC in the news with Flatland
• Learn how pharmacists can now give vaccines during COVID-19

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

Nurture KC is hiring a Strategic Initiatives Director (click for full job description).

This position will direct the Mid-America Immunization Coalition (MAIC) and assist with public policy efforts. Applicants should send their resume and a letter of interest to info@nurturekc.org. 

Nurture KC’s June Update Our June Update is full of valuable information about our upcoming annual meeting on “Addressing Maternal Mortality: Driving Data into Action.” It takes place July 17 via Zoom. The update includes all six inspiring speakers and topics, the registration link and more details. Also check out the update as it unveils […]