On April 3, 2018, Generate Health staff along with the Deaconess Foundation joined community members as they participated in Child Advocacy Day. Starting with an early bus ride to Jefferson City, 23 parents and children went to our state’s capitol to share their stories with legislative representatives. Partners such as Project LAUNCH, Parents as Teachers, Kids Win Missouri, Missouri Budget Project, Beyond Housing and others were in attendance.
Participants spoke with Senators to support a top priority – HB 2280. This House Bill extends MO HealthNET benefits to postpartum women that receive substance abuse treatment for one year after giving birth. Making Change Happen Leadership Academy members shared personal stories why expanding MO HealthNet benefits can be a life line for those in need. The bill passed the House by a large margin and currently is in a first read in the Senate. The House also placed money in the budget for this extension. When we met with Representatives, we thanked them for their support.
A true friend to Generate Health, Former Board Member Judy Dungan, received this year’s “In the Trenches” award at the Rally held during the afternoon.
Participants attended a Workshop that provided advocacy basics and tips for meeting with legislators. A review of legislative issues gaining momentum during the 2018 legislative session was shared to assist participants during legislative visits later in the day.
This event, held every April, is an opportunity for parents, child care professionals, health care providers, and community members to speak up and ask lawmakers to make the health, safety, and education of Missouri’s children a top priority for the state, according to the planners. The agenda for the day includes workshops, roundtables to discuss data and initiatives, a rally for Children held in the capital building and meeting with state legislators.
Generate Health is proud to be part of this special day to promote the well-being of children in our state. If we are to achieve racial equity in our region, we need to help those around us better understand and address the ways that our institutions, policies, and systems create, contribute to, and perpetuate inequity.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and traveled to Jefferson City with us. We will continue to carry the lessons learned and the relationships made forward as we work to eliminate racial disparities in infant mortality and maternal health.
