Title: Message from the Chair
Author:
Section/SPIG: Maternal and Child Health
Issue Date:
This has been one of the most distressing times for all of us, particularly for those in the wake of hurricane Katrina or those with family and friends in the area. For those of us who can only watch and listen to the reports, it has been a frustrating effort to find ways to help that do not add to the problem in the area. APHA has developed several avenues for members to join in volunteering to assist survivors, and there have been other efforts from AAP, ACNM, and other organizations, many of which are listed in the article below. If there are any Section members who need help, please let me know.
APHA leadership and staff continue to solidify plans for the Annual Meeting, rescheduled for Dec. 10-14 in Philadelphia. Check the APHA Web site for details and for any new dates and times of Section meetings and sessions. I look forward to seeing you at the MCH Business/Advocacy Meeting, likely on Sunday, Dec. 11. Perhaps instead of our usual social dinner, we could just have drinks and ask people to contribute instead to a fund to support rebuilding efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi. If anyone is interested in organizing this, please let me know.
Our membership and leadership continue to have open communication on issues and to participate in state and local initiatives to improve health access and quality for women, children, and families. For example, I represent the Association and the Section on the United States Breastfeeding Committee. There is a national meeting of state breastfeeding coalitions being held in Washington, D.C. in January 2006. If you know of a coalition, grassroots, state or locally sponsored, let me know and we can add them to the list of potential participants. Other Section members serve as links to their professional groups and will present updates at the Annual Section meeting.
We will keep you updated on important issues through the MCH listserv or here on the Web site. I appreciate all the correspondence I have received from Section members. We will be having elections again soon, so think about getting involved in the Section Council, Governing Council, or any committee.
I look forward to seeing you and continuing to represent you.
Sincerely
Jan Weingrad Smith
Chair