January 7, 2008

Happy 2008!

This year, the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition (IMCHC) celebrates its 20th anniversary of improving the health and well-being of Illinois women, children and families.  Throughout the year, we plan to host events that celebrate our successes, as well as build momentum and support to catapult us towards another two decades of championing maternal and child health issues. 

We are excited to kick off our new individual donor campaign where our goal is to raise $20,000 from 1,000 individual donations of $20. Will you give $20 towards this effort?
We hope you will join us in our 20th anniversary celebrations and our continued efforts to make Illinois a better state to live in for our most vulnerable populations.

New coverage initiative and job opportunity

IMCHC will be working with the Campaign for Better Health Care on the Consumer Voices for Coverage Project and will be hiring a Regional Organizer based in the Chicagoland area. A job description is posted on the IMCHC website.

Resumes and cover letters should be emailed to Kathy Chan or mailed to the 1256 W. Chicago Avenue address by January 18th.

Stories of the un- and underinsured

As part of IMCHC’s advocacy for coverage expansion, we are collecting stories of the un- and underinsured. Personal stories will be critical in our fight for health care for all – if you have clients, patients, friends or family who would like to share their experience with health care, or the lack thereof, please contact Laura Leon at 312-491-8161x23 or email her at lleon@ilmaternal.org. The organization that provides the most referrals may receive a prize.

For Chicago Cable Viewers

Check out IMCHC live on CAN TV 21 Hotline, every Tuesday until March 25th from 3:30 to 4pm. An IMCHC’s project will be highlighted each week. The topics will range from expanding access to health coverage, promoting effective healthcare delivery models, reducing service disparities and encouraging quality improvement in pivotal policy areas to improving the overall health and well-being of women, children and families.  CAN TV21 Hotline is a live, call-in show.  Viewers can call in their questions at 312-738-1060.

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The School-Based Health Center Establishment Act (HR4230) was introduced in Congress in November 2007. Similar to S600, it would establish the first federal grant program for school health centers. Illinois Congressman Jan Schakowsky has signed on as an original co-sponsor of the bill, and Congressman Rahm Emanuel signed on in December, but additional House support is necessary.

Contact your local Congressman and encourage them to sign on. For more information about HR4230 or to contact your Congressman, visit the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care’s website or contact Blair Harvey, ICSHC Project Director.

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After vetoing two bills that would have granted 10 million children access to affordable health care, President Bush signed a temporary extension in late December 2007 of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that funds the program through March 2009. This extension is expected to include enough money to cover children currently enrolled in SCHIP, but no additional funds to expand coverage to the millions of children who remain uninsured. For more details, visit http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=49607

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January 17th – Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Fundraiser @ J. Patrick’s Bar, 1365 W. Erie Street, $35 ticket include appetizers and drinks

January 20th – Screening of “The Business of Being Born” @ Wilmette Public Library Auditorium, 1242 Wilmette Avenue; Robyn Gabel, IMCHC Executive Director will be on a panel after the screening; tickets benefit The Coalition for Illinois Midwifery and CASA Chiapas Midwifery Program

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Illinois Coalition for School Health Center’s Advocacy Day
April 9th in Springfield
Contact: Megan Erskine, ICSHC Project Associate

“Collaboration, Community, Commitment”
Illinois School Health Center Statewide Conference
May 15th and 16th in Springfield
Contact: Blair Harvey, ICSHS Project Director

IMCHC Annual Meeting – 20th Anniversary Kickoff
June 10th at Maggiano’s Little Italy, Chicago
Contact: Lilah Handler, IMCHC Office Manager

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