March 10, 2010
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The first day of spring is almost here, and we at IMCHC see renewal and hope in many areas. As we continue to monitor federal health care reform to increase the numbers of women and families with insurance coverage in America, we’re glad to see that Congress plans to move on the issue very soon. We’re also excited that Illinois is looking to enact similar insurance market reforms, but there’s more on that in our state policy updates.
I also see renewal and hope in the work of our newest group, IMCHC’s Junior Executive Board. Made up of more than twenty young professionals, the Junior Board has already planned fundraisers, networking and educational events for members. Up next, the Board is planning a spelling bee for grown ups alongside the Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers, with the money benefiting ICSHC’s Youth Advisory Council. The event will be on March 25th at Mad River and I hope to see you there!
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Finally, let’s not forget the reason why we are all here. As the recession continues, public health experts fear women will be disproportionately affected due to cuts in public programs. We must continue to fight for these programs and for the health of all women, children and families in Illinois. Let’s work together to make sure the hopeful spirit of spring 2010 continues for the rest of the year.
Executive Director
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For more information about our upcoming events visit our calendar on our website.
MARCH
March 11 – Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers Regional Meeting in Peoria
March 11 – IMCHC Junior Executive Board Book Club Discussion
March 24 – Lake County Chapter Meeting in Grayslake
March 25 – S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G It Out for Student Health Grown Up Spelling Bee
APRIL
April 15 – The Chicago Immunization Campaign’s Spring General Meeting
April 21 – IMCHC Southern Illinois Chapter Meeting in Mt. Vernon
April 26 – Committee Calls for the Illinois Premature Infant Health Network
MAY
May 13-14 – 2010 School Health Center Conference in Springfield
May 26 – IMCHC Chicago Area Chapter Meeting
May 26-28 – 9th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions in Chicago
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Governor Quinn’s Budget Address
Governor Pat Quinn will give his budget address TODAY at noon, but millions of Illinoisians can’t wait any longer for a responsible budget. IMCHC will post information on our website about how Governor Quinn’s budget will affect maternal and infant health in Illinois, as well as send out an action alert to our members. If you would like to sign up for action alerts from IMCHC please contact Sara Howard.
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IMCHC and many other groups across the state have banded together to support a bill to solve some of our budgetary issues. HB 174 is comprehensive tax reform for the state of Illinois that would raise revenue and save our public programs from further cuts. The Responsible Budget Coalition continues its “We Can’t Wait” Campaign and asks citizens concerned about budget cuts to take a picture of themselves with the “We Can’t Wait” sign found here.
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Women in Illinois Are NOT Preexisting Conditions
Representative Sara Feigenholtz has introduced HB 6061, a bill to create fairness in the private health insurance market for women by:
- Requiring all health insurance policies to provide coverage for maternity care.
- Prohibiting insurance companies from considering pregnancy as a preexisting condition.
- Eliminating the practice of gender rating, which allows for women to be charged more than men for health insurance.
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Without the protections set forth in HB6061, more women are at risk of being uninsured and less likely to access preventative services such as prenatal care and annual screenings.
HB6061 passed out of committee last week and awaits action by the full House. Download a fact sheet on HB6061 and find out about IMCHC’s other policy priorities by visiting our website or by contacting Kathy Chan.
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Name:
Carrie Gilbert
Title/Organization:
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, Health Policy Advocate - VISTA |
Why do you think public health is such a pressing issue?
An individual's health affects every aspect of their life from their ability to care for their families to their ability to work effectively at their job. Health is a basic human right, without which we cannot effectively contribute to society. Each individual's health is integral to our health as a community, society and as a country.
Why did you decide to join the IMCHC Junior Board?
I had just moved back to Chicago and I was looking for opportunities to get involved in social justice work and meet new people. I came to a Junior Board social event and had a blast and really liked the people and the things the board was working on.
What is your favorite part about the IMCHC Junior Board?
The other members of the IMCHC junior board are thoughtful, committed advocates for maternal and child health. I feel privileged to be able to work with them and get to know them through the Junior Board.
What do you think public health will look like in Illinois in 5 years?
I hope that in five years Illinois residents are receiving comprehensive preventive care from birth throughout the rest of their lives. I also hope that we are implementing the final stages of health reform and millions of previously uninsured Illinoisans have access to health insurance, possibly for the first time in their lives.
What are your future plans?
I will attend law school in the fall and I hope to focus on health and advocacy law. |
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Women in Illinois Are NOT Preexisting Conditions
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Tickets now available!
March 25th
6 - 9 p.m.
More information >> |
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The Junior Board is still looking for help and donations to make their grown up spelling bee a success. Please consider participating in one or more of these ways:
- Sign up with a friend to be on a team together.
- Concerned about your spelling skills? Sign up to sponsor a team for only $250.
- Sponsor a letter for only $50 and have your agency’s logo or a brief message projected on a screen throughout the event.
- Donate a door prize for our lucky spellers such as jars of honey, dictionaries or games of scrabble.
- Offer us a raffle prize like restaurant gift cards, free nights at hotels or tickets to a sporting event.
- Attend! Come and support our spellers, the Youth Advisory Council, and IMCHC.
Contact Lilah Handler at
312-491-8161 or lhandler@ilmaternal.org to register, sponsor or donate prizes.
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When young people are engaged and participate in advocacy they build a sense of belonging and connection to their communities.
Source: Empowerment as Fostering Positive Youth Development and Citizenship, Journal of Health Behavior, 27, S66-S79, Cargo et al.
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