Barack Obama has now been inaugurated as our 44th president, and while the country and the world celebrate this historic event, we also recognize it as a great opportunity to enhance the health of our nation.  As part of his inaugural activities, President-Elect Obama asked people to get involved. We need to celebrate by making our voices heard in support of health and welfare for women and children in the United States and around the world, especially since health care is a leading policy topic for this administration.

Submit comments on health care issues at http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/health_care/.  Tell your story, why health care is important to you, or what you'd like to see an Obama-Biden administration do and where you'd like the country to go.  Your personal stories are the most powerful, but you may find the following links useful if you if you need help with talking points regarding key policies related to women and children:

·         AMCHP Policy Steps the Next President and Congress Can Take to Improve the Health of Women, Children, and Families: A 100 Day Policy Agenda http://www.amchp.org/Advocacy/LegislationPolicy/Documents/AMCHP_100DayPolicyAgenda_11-10-08.pdf

·         AMCHP Principles for Health Reform http://www.amchp.org/Advocacy/LegislationPolicy/Documents/AMCHP%20Principles%20for%20Health%20Reform%2011-7-08.pdf

The MCH Section is currently drafting a policy statement on MCH policy which we hope to finalize at the mid-year Section meeting on Feb. 28 in Washington, D.C.  We will be circulating this document to the membership, so when you receive it, please take the time to send us your comments.  If you are available, plan to attend the mid-year MCH Section meeting where we will be discussing this document.

THIS IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ALL STAND FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN! MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!  GET INVOLVED!!  CELEBRATE!!