Oklahoma Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition

2007-01-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

New Publications Examine SCHIP Experience; Trends in Access to Medicaid and SCHIP Coverage

(Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured)
January 9, 2007

Maintaining and expanding health coverage for children and parents will likely be in the forefront of health care policy debates in Washington and state capitals in 2007. With states generally in better financial shape since the fiscal crisis earlier in the decade, many have expressed interest in improving access to their Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP). A new 50-state survey shows that one-third of states (17) increased access to health coverage in 2006, and no state cut income eligibility in Medicaid and SCHIP for the first time in four years.

Resuming the Path to Health Coverage for Children and Parents

Enrolling Uninsured Low-Income Children in Medicaid and SCHIP

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at a Glance

Health Coverage For Low-Income Children

A Decade of SCHIP: Experience and Issues for Reauthorization

2007-01-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Black Women More Likely Than White Women To Die From Childbirth, Study Finds
(Reuters Health)

While black women are no more likely that white women to develop complications during pregnancy, they are more likely than white women to die from such complications, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, Reuters Health reports. For the study, Myra Tucker, a physician at CDC, and colleagues based on their findings on federal hospital discharge records and other sources from between 1988 and 1999 (Reuters Health, 12/29/06). Researchers calculated prevalence and case-related fatality rates for preeclampsia, eclampsia, abruptio placentae, placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage--which together account for 26% of all pregnancy-related deaths. The fatality rates among black women with the conditions were two to three times higher than that of white women, the port find (United Press International, 12/29/06). For instance, for every 100,000 women who developed preeclampsia, about 27 white women died, compared with 73 black women. For every 200,000 women developing postpartum hemorrhage, 21 white women dies, compared with 68 black women. The study did not look at the women's health and background information, and reasons for the disparity remain unclear, Reuters Health reports. However, researchers noted that general health and access to quality health care is likely to be a contributor. In addition, black women are more likely to have certain health conditions--such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity--that increase health risks during pregnancy. A "complex interaction of biological and health services factors must be untangled" in order to determine reasons behind the disparity, researchers said (Reuters Health, 12/29/06).

2007-01-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

ACOG Releases New Guidelines Recommending That All Pregnant Women Be Offered Screening for Down Syndrome in First Trimester

(Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy)

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the January issue of the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology released guidelines recommending screening for Down syndrome to all pregnant women in their first trimester, the Los Angeles Times reports (Maugh, Los Angeles Times, 12/31/06). Down syndrome is the most common major chromosomal abnormality in the U.S., occurring in about 5,000 infants born annually. Physicians often administer a blood test to pregnant women--especially women who are older or who have a family history of genetic abnormalities--in the second trimester around 16 weeks' gestation. If the blood test, known as the quadruple screen, is positive, the woman then undergoes an invasive tests called amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis. A new method consists of performing an ultrasound test, called the nuchal translucency test, and a different blood test in the first trimester between 10 and 13 weeks' gestation. The nuchal translucency test measures the translucent space in the tissue in the back of a developing fetus' neck, which typically is larger in fetuses with Down syndrome because of excess fluid accumulation. The measurement then is put into a formula with the pregnant woman's age and the gestational age of the fetus to determine the likelihood that the fetus has Down syndrome (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 11/10/05).

2006-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Every Life Makes a Ripple No Matter How Small.

2nd Annual

Memory Walk

OU MEDICAL CENTER-Presbyterian Tower Pond

Saturday, October 14- 10 a.m.

NW 13th Street & Lincoln Blvd.

To honor October as National Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness month, OU MEDICAL CENTER will host its annual Memory Walk on Saturday, October 14 at 10 a.m. This walk will honor the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or infancy. Parents and families of all ages, and supporters of anyone who has lost a baby in pregnancy or infancy, are welcome. There will be a short program before the walk at the Presbyterian Tower pond (NW 13th St. and Lincoln Blvd.)

For more information, contact the OU MEDICAL CENTER Chaplain's office at (405) 271-5758

2006-10-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

October is SIDS Awareness Month

On September 5th, Governor Henry signed a proclamation naming October as SIDS awareness month.

For a copy of the proclamation click on the link :Oklahoma Proclamation

A resolution is also on it's way throught the U.S. Congress. The resolution "Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives and is now on it's way to the U.S. Senate.

For a copy of the resolution click on the link below:

Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

A Few Facts about SIDS

SIDS risk reduction efforts have resulted in a dramatic decrease in SIDS death by nearly 60% since the "Back to Sleep" campaign was first announced in 1992, the equivalent of sparing the lives of 3,500 babies a year.
SIDS is still the major cause of death in the United States for infants one week and older, still claiming the lives of approximately 2,100 babies every year, which is more than cancer, juvenile diabetes, pneumonia, child abuse, AIDS, cystic fobrosis and muscular dystrophy combined for children up to fourteen years of age.
African-American infants are at more then twice the risk of caucasian infants, Native-American infants are at two and one-half times the risk and one-fifth of all SIDS deaths are occuring in child care settings.

2006-09-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Needed: Statewide Project Coordinator for Early Childhood Program

Smart Start Oklahoma is very excited to be partnering with the Community Action Project of Tulsa County on implementing a grant to increase funding for high quality care for low-income children birth to three. They are seeking to hire a statewide project coordinator as quickly as possible to provide project management services and oversight to these programs across the state.

Job Summary:

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has funded a “Pilot Early Childhood Program” to improve and expand early childhood services to low income children ages birth through three. The grant has been awarded to a single grantee, Community Action Project of Tulsa County, which will work with partners throughout the state, including existing Early Head Start programs. These programs are located in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Sand Springs, Antlers, Hugo Idabel, Bristow, Sapulpa, and Stillwater. Additional service providers may qualify to participate during the grant period.

The Statewide Project Coordinator (SPC) position, reporting to the Executive Director of Smart Start Oklahoma, will provide project management services and oversight to these program partners to enable program partners to implement the pilot program and to meet program requirements. The SPC will coordinate financial operations, processes, and other activities between the program partners and the primary grantee, and provide technical assistance.

For a complete job description contact Nancy vonBargen, Smart Start Oklahoma, at nancy.vonbargen@smartstartok.org or 405-278-6978, ext. 23.

2006-09-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Key Resources on Health Coverage and the Uninsured
from The Kaiser Family Foundation

The U.S. Census Bureau released its annual update on health insurance coverage and the number of uninsured Americans this week. The survey showed that the number of uninsured Americans increased by 1.3 million to 46.6 million for 2005. The percentage of people with employer and non-group coverage fell, while the share of the population with public coverage held steady. The percentage of children who are uninsured increased for the first time in recent years . The Foundation collected some of its key recent resources on health insurance coverage and the uninsured, including a new issue brief, “Who are the Uninsured? A Consistent Profile Across National Surveys,” comparing the total number of uninsured from three major national surveys, demonstrating that these estimates are actually more consistent than what is often perceived.

For a complete list of resources visit: The Kaiser Family Foundation

2006-09-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Local Oklahoma Author Makes National Children's Bereavement List

Jewel Sample, a local Oklahoma author of a children's book entitled "Flying Hugs and Kisses" has been placed on the National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center list. The book was written after Jewel and her family experience the death of a grand child from SIDS.

Flying Hugs and Kisses is about five children who creatively take on roles of support toward each other while showing their individual feelings about the death of their baby brother. This sensitive story of grief recovery is a great resource for parents to use to help their children understand and affirm their experience of the loss of a brother or sister.

Jewel Sample has a Master of Science degree in Family Relations and Child Development from Oklahoma State University. She and her husband, Chuck are the parents of three sons and grandparents of thirteen children. One grandchild died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is her hope this story gives insight into a family’s creative support and courage to move forward in the midst of their grief.

"Flying Hugs and Kisses" is available for purchase on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com

Visit the National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center for more information and other resources.

October will be SIDS Awareness Month!

2006-09-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

Fall Forum Annual Conference

Celebrating the Past, Launching the Future

The Annual Fall Legislative Forum on Children's Issues is a two-day working conference where advocates across the state of Oklahoma gather to examine the current course of Oklahoma's young people, share ideas, and develop a legislative agenda to create positive change.

October 10-11, 2006

Nigh University Center

University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond

Featured Speakers include:

Dr. Harold Hodgkinson, demographer from the Institute for Education Leadership, will discuss how population trends will affect health care and education policies in Oklahoma's next hundred years.
Kathy Gebhardt, Director of Children's Voices in Colorado, will share her perspective on the TABOR experiment in Colorado.
Capt. John Herrington, (USN) is the first Native American to fly and walk in space and is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, Herrington has logged in 330 hours in space.

Hotel Information

Conference Agenda

UCO Campus Map

2006-08-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate Approves Bill Aimed at

Preventing Premature Births

(Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy)
Thursday, August 03,2006

The Senate on Tuesday approved by voice vote a bill (S 707) aimed at preventing premature births, CQ Today reports (CQ Today, 8/2). The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), would expand and coordinate research through NIH and CDC on preventing preterm births and caring for preterm infants; authorize grants for demonstration projects on treatments for prematurity; authorize the creation of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Prematurity and Low-Birthweight, which would require HHS representatives to report annually to Congress and the HHS secretary about their work on the issue; and authorize additional funding for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, according to Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), a co-sponsor of the bill. The bill also would provide funding for research on the needs of parents and families with infants in neonatal intensive care (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 6/29). Similar legislation (HR 2861), sponsored by Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and introduced in the House on June 9, 2005, is before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration, according to CQ Today (CQ Today, 8/2).

2006-08-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

2006 Fall Forum on Children's Issues

Tuesday and Wednesday,

October 10-11, 2006

University of Centeral Oklahoma

Edmond, Oklahoma

Mark your calendars and plan to attend The Annual Fall Forum on Children's Issues. The Fall Forum is a two-day working conference where advocates from throughout the state gather to view the current picture of Oklahoma's young people, share their ideas, and develop a legislative agenda to create positive change.

As Oklahoma prepares for our Centennial Celebration in 2007 we invite you to join us in mapping our children's future.

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Harold Hodgkinson, demographer from the Institute for Education Leadership, will discuss how population trends will affect heatlh care and education policies in Oklahoma's next hundred years.
Kathy Gephardt, Director of Children's Voices in Colorado, will share her perspective on the Colorado experience with TABOR (the so called Taxpayers, Bill of Rights). She will also conduct an in-depth workshop on the issue.
Kevin Johnson (invited), spokesperson for the Stand Up organization, will relay his journey from NBA stardom with the Phoenix Suns to founding the St. Hope Academy in Sacramento.

Work Groups:

Maternal and Child Health
Early Childhood Issues
School-Age Health and Safety
Out-of-School Time/Positive Youth Development
Children with Special Needs
Children's Behavioral Health
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Balanced and Restorative Juvenile Justice
Child Abuse: Prevention
Child Abuse: Intervention and Treatment

On-line registration begins

August 15, 2006 at www.oica.org

2006-08-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Choices in Recovery

An Informational Seminar with the Oklahoma City National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (OKNAMI)

Don’t miss this special educational seminar!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Crossings Community Church Pavilion
14600 N Portland
Oklahoma City, OK

Registration time: 6:00 p.m. (Pizza will be served.)

Program time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Choices in Recovery: What’s in it for you?

Today there are more treatment options – and more opportunities – available for individuals with schizophrenia than there ever have been before. But one thing hasn’t changed: It’s still true that the single most important thing that individuals with schizophrenia can do to stay well and live their lives to the fullest is to follow their treatment plan. When you focus your treatment plan on achieving treatment goals and recovery, you can successfully manage schizophrenia by making healthy lifestyle choices, working with a treatment team, reducing stress, using advocacy and support groups, and taking your medication. Join us for an informative and interactive discussion on these and other ways to achieve your treatment goals and reach recovery.

There is always hope for recovery!

The purpose of this educational program is to help you understand schizophrenia, its treatment, and how its treatment can lead to achieving therapeutic goals and recovery. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, the process of recovery is possible.

The program will also assist those with schizophrenia feel comfortable in sharing important information with their treatment team. So if you know anyone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia invite them to this meeting.

You’ll learn about….

How recovery is possible
How recovery can be achieved
How to set realistic treatment goals and recovery strategies
How to develop a treatment plan with a treatment team
How to work a treatment plan into daily life
How treatment forms the foundation for recovery

Speaker:

Thomas Gazda, MD

Banner Behavioral Health
Scottsdale, AZ

For free registration, call NAMI Oklahoma City Metro at 405-378-6195. Space is limited, so register today.

Sponsored by NAMI Oklahoma City Metro

Funding provided by Janssen, L.P.

2006-08-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy released its 2006 Legislative Report on Children and Youth. Below you will find the bills that were of particular importance to Maternal and Child Health Advocates. To view a full copy of the report click on the link below
The Child Advocate

Prenatal Care: "Assure access to quality health care for all pregnant women, which may include: increasing covered services, increasing the number of "safety-net" providers, providing coverage for more women through all insurance types, and providing incentives for predominatly Medicaid providers."

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority requested $630,000 for High-Risk OB. HB 1071 appropriated $622,806 for OB High-Risk Care.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health requested $1,200,000 for Safety Net Providers. SB 34 appropriated $700,000 for Safety Net Providers.

School/Community Health Projects: "Expand community-based abstinence programs and teen-pregnancy prevention programs, and support school health programs in urban and rural areas and tribal entities."

The Oklahoma State Department of Health requested $1,302,000 for School/Community Health, and $1,219,000 for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Projects. No new funds were appropriated for either program

Substance Abuse Services: "Increase funding for substance abuse servcies for adolescents and pregnant and parenting mothers, including residential and community based treatment."

The Department of Mental and Substance Abuse Services requested $2,500,000 for treatment for Pregnant/Parenting Moms and an unknown amount for Adolescent Treatment Services. SB 36 appropriated $1,500,000 for adolescent substance abuse treament, but nothing for the treatment of pregnant and parenting moms.

Parent Education: "Provide services to additional families by increasing funding for child abuse prevention programs, such as Children First, Office of Child Abuse Prevention, Child Guidance Services and Oklahoma Parents as Teachers Program.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health requested $1,200,000 for Children First, $650,000 for the Office of Child Abuse Prevention, and $1,268,000 for Child Guidance Services. The State Department of Education requested $3,074,936 for Parents as Teachers. SB 34 appropriated $650,000 for Children First, $650,000 for the Office of Child Abuse Prevention, $000 for Child Guidance. SB 3 appropriated no new funds for the Parents as Teachers program.

Other Bills of Interest:

Medicaid Reform- The costs of medical care and health insurance have skyrocketed in recent years, causing lawmakers around the country to seek ways to curb costs. HB 2842 is the Medicaid Reform bill that creates a pilot program that will touch all those involved in health delivery--consumers, physicians, nursing homes, pharmacists and hospitals. The plan will cost over $100 million to implement, and funding was provided during the Special Session.
Genetics- Advances in genetics are helping physicians identify and treat genetic disorders in newborns in order to ensure optimal healthy outcomes. Last year, almost 50,000 Oklahoma infants were screened for cyctic fibrosis (CF) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), providing an opportunity for early and comprehensive follow-up services. Because of the complexity of these issues, genetic counseling has emerged as a discipline to help educate patients, their families and physicians. SB 990 creates the Oklahoma Genetic Counseling Licensure Act to provide a means for the Board of Health to set standards and requirements for these professionals.
Breastfeeding Friendly Work Places- HB 2358 provides guidelines for employers to create a positive environment for new mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding their babies after returning to work. Research shows that breastfeeding benefits both the mother and infant by reducing the risk for obesity, diabetes, respiratory problems, stomach infections, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that about 25% of Oklahoma mothers choose breastfeeding over formula, leading the organization to issue a goal to double those numbers. This would mean an additional 12,500 breast fed infants, saving the state an estimated $24 million per year in profected healthcare costs!

2006-08-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

I recently recieved an email from a HMHB member in NE Oklahoma. The email contained a video clip of a news story about Inflamatory Breast Cancer, which is attached at the bottom. I had never heard of such a thing and wondered how many others where in the same boat as me, so I thought I'd share a little information about it.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer-A type of breast cancer in which the breast looks red and swollen and feels warm. The skin of the breast may also show the pitted appearance called peau d'orange (like the skin of an orange). The redness and warmth occur because the cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin.(National Cancer Institute)

According to the National Cancer Institute website, this is an uncommon type of breast cancer, but one that can spread very rapidly. MayoClinic.com reports changes that occur with Inflammatory Breast Ccancer can become apparent in a matter of days to weeks. Unlike other types of breast cancer, you probably won't develop a distinct lump. Instead, you might notice an area of thickness or a feeling of heaviness in one of your breasts. Inflammatory breast cancer tends to develop as a sheet rather than a lump or tumor. Which means it's not usually detected by monthly breast exams.

Diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer can prove difficult. Often no lump can be felt, and the area of concern may not show up on a mammogram. Additionally, the signs and symptoms can be easily mistaken for a breast infection (mastitis). In order to confirm that a woman has inflammatory breast cancer a biopsy will need to be taken.

Signs and Symptoms Include:

A breast that appears red, purple, pink or bruised
A tender, firm and enlarged breast
A warm feeling in the breast
Itching of the breast
Pain
Ridged or dimpled skin texture, similar to an orange peel
Thickened areas of skin
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm, above the collarbone or below the collarbone
Flattening or retraction of the nipple
Swollen or crusted skin on the nipple
Change in color of the skin around the nipple (areola)

(Source: The National Cancer Institute and Mayo Clinic)

For more information visit:

The National Cancer Institute

The Mayo Clinic

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Association

To view the News Story from KOMO News:

The Silent Killer:Inflammatory Breast Cancer

2006-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

TOTS Brief: The Oklahoma Toddler Survey

The Oklahoma Toddler Survey also known as TOTS is a two year follow-back survey to the Oklahoma PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitorying System) survey. TOTS was developed in 1994 to provide a glimpse into the health of Oklahoma's toddler population on key topics such as insurance, childcare, safety, illness and injury as well as family structure and demographics.

Mothers with live infants who respond to PRAMS surveys are sent a TOTS survey the month their child turns two years of age. Like PRAMS, TOTS is a mixed-mode surveillance system. Two mail surveys are sent in an effort to gain participation followed by telephone surveillance for non-respondents. The response rate for 2004-2005 data is 65.5%. Data are weighted to represent the two-year-old's birth cohort for a given year.

The topic for Volume 1, Issue 1 is Health Insurance Coverage. Click on the link below to view a PDF version of the survey. Hard copies are available from the Oklahoma Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition upon request. If you would like a copy please call 405-236-5437x108

TOTS Survey

2006-08-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Current Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Activities

July was a very busy month for The Oklahoma Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB). Below you will find a summary of activities we are currently engaged in. If you would like more information or what like to take part in any of the activities listed below please don't hesitate to give Bonnie Bellah a call.

In an effort to coordinate perinatal activities in central Oklahoma, several meetings took place in July between HMHB and the Leadership of the Central Oklahoma Perinatal Coalition (COPC). COPC, an integrated broad based community organization of consumers, provider groups, agencies and, organizations, committed to building systems of access and comprehensive quality care to serve the health and social needs of women, infants, children and families, especially those most vulnerable, under served and uninsured. The purpose of these meetings was to build a partnership between COPC and HMHB and offer support to COPC in its on-going efforts to improve the health and well being of women and their families. HMHB hopes to serve as a bridge between COPC and other Perinatal Coalitions and activities across the state.

If you live in central Oklahoma and would like to participate with HMHB and COPC, meetings are currently being held at the office of James Farris and Associates, 690 NW 63rd in Oklahoma City. Meetings are held on the third Friday of every month. There will be no meeting in August. The next meeting will be on September 15th from 10 am to Noon.
Legislation encouraging businesses to support mothers who use their work breaks and lunch time to pump breast milk passed during the most recent legislative session. HMHB is taking part in a workgroup that is developing a process for workplaces to be recognized as “breastfeeding friendly” and will encourage businesses and other public places to show their support for breastfeeding moms by displaying decals that indicate that breastfeeding mothers are welcome. HMHB along with the Coalition of Breastfeeding Advocates will take part in the "certification" process for becoming a breastfeeding friendly work place and the distribution of decals to breastfeeding friendly businesses and other public places.
HMHB met with several people in the Lawton area who are interested in participating in the development of a pregnancy/child birth education class for low income pregnant women. The lack of child birth classes in the area for those that can’t afford to pay was mentioned at a June meeting in Lawton. HMHB has made contact with a certified child birth educator in the area. She is participating in the development of the class and has agreed to do the classes for free. The Children First program is also participating. Classes would be offered for any pregnant woman no matter the gestational age. Participants would only attend one 3 hr class. The plan is for the classes to be offered once a month alternating between an evening and a Saturday Class, making them more available for working families. In addition to general topics such as anatomy and fetal development other topics would be incorporated such as the effects of drugs, alcohol and smoking during pregnancy, postpartum mood changes, and shaken baby. The group is currently looking into options for a place to hold the classes. HMHB will provide assistance in developing materials for the classes and will be looking for possible funding sources to help with the cost of other materials such as Child Birth Education posters, a doll, and “The Gift of Motherhood” book to given out to participants. HMHB would also like to be able to offer Wal-Mart Gift Certificates as an incentive for attending the class.
An Informational meeting on postpartum mood changes was held in collaboration with Postpartum Support Oklahoma on July 27th. A partnership has been created between Postpartum Support Oklahoma and HMHB. Participants received updates from the most recent Postpartum Support International Conference. Discussions also took place about the current state of postpartum support in Oklahoma and what efforts need to take place in order to improve postpartum support for Oklahoma mothers. The collaborative relationship that has been developed between Postpartum Support Oklahoma and HMHB will be an on-going process. The two groups are looking into ways of getting the word out to providers and Oklahoma mothers about the support available through Postpartum Support Oklahoma and ways of building a true statewide network of support for those who experience postpartum mood changes.

Again, if you are interested in participating in any of these activities please contact Bonnie Bellah at 405-236-5437x108

2006-07-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Preterm Births Cost U.S. $26 Billion a Year;

Multidisciplinary Research Effort Needed to Prevent Early Births

WASHINGTON -- The high rate of premature births in the United States constitutes a public health concern that costs society at least $26 billion a year, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. The report also notes troubling disparities in preterm birth rates among different racial and ethnic groups. It recommends a multidisciplinary research agenda aimed at improving the prediction and prevention of preterm labor and better understanding the health and developmental problems to which preterm infants are more vulnerable. In addition, the report recommends that guidelines be issued to further reduce the number of multiple births -- a significant risk factor for preterm birth -- resulting from infertility treatments.

Full Story...

2006-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

CMS Announces 8M Beneficiaries Will Be Exempt From New Medicaid Proof-of-Citizenship Rules, Proposes Alternatives for Documentation

(Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, Friday July 07, 2006)

CMS on Thursday July 6th, announced that it will exempt people enrolled in the Supplemental Security Income or Medicare programs and other groups from regulations that took effect July 1 requiring Medicaid beneficiaries and applicants to provide proof of citizenship in order to receive benefits.

Full Story....

2006-06-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

March of Dimes Announces: New Position Available for NICU Family Support Specialist

The Oklahoma Chapter of the March of Dimes announced June 27th, 2006 that they are seeking a NICU Family Support Specialist. The purpose of the position is to develop and implement informational, educational, emotionally supportive and inspirational March of Dimes (MOD) programs to families of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) babies and to NICU staff within the NICU setting. This is a part-time position (up to 30 hours); some evening or weekend work may be required. Position is primarily housed in the hospital near the NICU, but some time at the March of Dimes office will be required.

The position requires:

· A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Education, Public Health or related field; or License to practice as a registered neonatal nurse.

· 1-3 years of work experience delivering services to parents and families in a NICU or other inpatient pediatric settings or be a parent who has experienced having an infant in the NICU.

· Basic knowledge of the emotional and medical issues inherent in a NICU hospitalization.

· Demonstrated ability to easily and sensitively engage parents, families and staff in order to assist in the smooth welcoming of MOD programs, services and materials.

· A dynamic, energetic, empathic individual who enjoys working, providing support to and collaborating with many different types of individuals, families, disciplines, medical personnel and organizations in an intensive care setting.

· Must be willing to be flexible in work hours, as some evenings and weekends will be required.

For more information contact:

Belinda Rogers, DPS
Oklahoma State Chapter
5100 N. Brookline, Suite 270
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
(405) 943-1025 or
brogers@marchofdimes.com

2006-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calendars and Spread the Word:
Upcoming Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Event

Postpartum Depression:

A Discussion with Postpartum Support of Oklahoma

July 27th, 2006

1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m

United Methodist Ministry Center

Topics will include:

The Range of Postpartum Mood Reactions
Information on Free CEU's for MD's
Examples of Postpartum Depression Treatment Programs
Current Infanticide Law and the Status of the Andrea Pia Yates Retrial
Nutritional Approaches to Treating Postpartum Depression
New Jersey's Senate Bill 2908

For more information contact:

Bonnie Bellah

405-236-5437x108

bonnieb@oica.org

Registration forms will be available soon. If you are interested in receiving a registration form by email please contact Bonnie and let her know.

2006-06-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Presumptive Eligibility and the New Requirement for Verification of U.S. Citizenship

With the new requirements for verification of citizenship beginning July 1st, 2006, many perinatal stakeholders across Oklahoma have wondered- Does the new requirement include women who are applying for Presumptive eligibility (PE)? The answer coming out of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority is no. Women will not need to provide proof of citizenship when applying for PE benefits, but, PE benefits are temporary and the benefits it provides are limited.

The PE program is designed to allow pregnant women to apply for benefits and begin receiving prenatal care while her Traditional SoonerCare application is being reviewed. The time period for PE benefits can be up to 45 days, but may end sooner if the Department of Human Services determines the woman to be ineligible for benefits. If, after review of the application, receipt of any requested documentation by DHS and if they determine that the pregnant woman qualifies for the full scope of benefits, the woman would then transition into Traditional SoonerCare. As of now, proof of citizenship will need to take place during this time in order to transition into Traditional SoonerCare.

Details about how Oklahoma will institute the new citizenship requirement have not been released yet, but a joint statement issued June 23rd by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services states "Regarding proof of citizenship for Medicaid eligibility, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services are creating procedures to comply with federal law. Once a process is prepared, the agencies will inform current and potential SoonerCare (Medicaid) members regarding the new requirements for eligibility determination. We will not take any action that creates unnecessary delays or denials of access to care for U.S. citizens or other legal persons."

2006-06-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

PRAMSGRAM :
Unintended Pregnancy

Unintended pregnancy has typically been defined as pregnancy that is either mistimed or unwanted at conception. Mistimed is generaly defined as "a pregnancy that is desired later in life but not at conception" and unwanted is defined as "not wanted then or at any time in the future". The most recent national figures show that approximately 49% of pregnancies are unintended in the United States and about 31 % of pregnancies resulting in a live birth are unintended. The Healthy People 2010 goal is to increase the proportion of pregnancies that are intended to at least 70%

The most recent PRAMSGRAM from the Oklahoma State Department of Health describes the characteristics of women with live births in Oklahoma who reported unintended pregnancies between 2000 and 2003.

In Oklahoma:

Thirty-seven percent of women did not want to become pregnant at the time they became pregnant.
Approximately thirty percent of women did not mind becoming pregnant at the time of conception.
Only 35.1% of mothers indicated that their pregnancies were intended at conception.
Unintended pregnancies were most common among women who were less than 20 years of age, African American, unmarried, had less than a high school education, or were low income and received Medicaid funded services.
Almost two-thirds of all women reporting unintended pregnancies utilized Medicaid funds for pernatal and/or delivery care.

(Source: Oklahoma PRAMSGRAM- Spring2006)

For a full copy of the PRAMSGRAM on Unintended Pregnany contact the Oklahoma Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition at 405.236.5437 x108

For copies of archived PRAMSGRAMS visit http://www.health.state.ok.us/program/mchp&e/pramarch.html

2006-06-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

New Publications Examine Citizenship Documentation in Medicaid

(Kaiser Foundation)

Among the changes to Medicaid included in the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 is a new federal requirement, effective July 1, 2006, that all U.S. citizens and nationals applying for or renewing Medicaid coverage provide documentation of their citizenship status.

The Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured (KCMU) has released a fact sheet on the new citizenship documentation requirements and a report examining New York’s experience with requiring citizenship documentation from their Medicaid applicants.

The DRA directs states to require all citizens applying for or renewing Medicaid coverage to document their citizenship. Although Medicaid has long required states to establish that applicants are U.S. citizens, only 4 states today (Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire and New York) require more than self-declaration of citizenship under penalty of perjury. In New York, for example, a birth certificate, baptismal record recorded within three months of birth, a U.S. passport, and a naturalization certificate are common acceptable forms of citizenship. There is some concern that the new federal documentation requirements will be costly and burdensome to states and place eligible Medicaid applicants and current enrollees at risk of losing services.

New York has required citizenship documentation for Medicaid eligibility since the mid-1970s. The report, Citizenship Documentation Requirements in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005: Lessons from New York, provides valuable insights from New York’s thirty years of experience as many states begin documenting citizenship for the first time.

Specific lessons from New York’s experience include:

New York’s documentation requirements have evolved over time and experience;
The state has significant application assistance resources that may not exist in other states to help applicants meet their documentation requirements;
Citizenship documentation is more often a barrier for certain special populations including the elderly, institutionalized, homeless, mentally ill and foster children;
The state accepts copies of documents and utilizes electronic matching to promote efficiency;
The state automatically enrolls newborns; and
The state has linked the application, documentation, and eligibility determination rules and processes for several of its public benefit programs including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplementary Security Income (SSI).

New York and other states are racing to adjust to the new federal requirements which take effect July 1, 2006. KCMU will continue to monitor this issue and other provisions in the DRA related to Medicaid. For further information, contact us at kcmu@kff.org .

2006-06-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Families USA to Host Conference Call for DRA Citizen Verification Guidance

On Friday, June 9th, with just three weeks until the law goes into effect--and after most people had gone home for the weekend--the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to states on implementing the new citizenship documentation requirement for Medicaid. This new law requires that, starting on July 1st, the 50 million U.S. citizens currently enrolled in Medicaid provide documentation of their citizenship status and their identity. Furthermore, after July 1st, new applicants will no longer be able to enroll in Medicaid until they have successfully proven their citizenship status and identity.

To help inform state advocates about the new requirement and the CMS guidance, Families USA will host a conference call on Monday, June 19th, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

For more information or to register

2006-06-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

FDA and ISMP Launch Campaign to Reduce Medication Mistakes Caused by Unclear Medical Abbreviations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) today launched a nationwide health professional education campaign aimed at reducing the number of common but preventable sources of medication mix-ups and mistakes caused by the use of unclear medical abbreviations.

Full Story...

2006-06-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Governor Signed HB2842

Medicaid Reform Act of 2006

Visit Medicaid Reform Act of 2006 Post for more information

2006-06-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

MEDICAID FACT SHEET

Health and Human Services (HHS) Issues Citizenship Guidelines For Medicaid Eligibility

On Friday June 9th, 2006 HHS issued guidelines for states to implement a new requirement, effective July 1, that persons applying for Medicaid document their citizenship. The new documentation requirement is outlined in Section 6036 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) and is intended to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries are citizens without imposing undue burdens on them or the states.

Full Story...

2006-06-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Consumer Reports Magazine Recommends Pregnant Women Limit Tuna Consumption

(Kaiser Daily Healthy Policy June 7th, 2006)

The not-for-profit group Consumers Union in the July issue of Consumer Reports magazine recommends a tuna-free diet for pregnant women, the Chicago Tribune reports. The recommendations are based on data released by FDA and a Tribune investigative series published last year on the amount of mercury in fish (Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 6/5).

Full Story....

2006-06-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Experimental Vaginal Test Could Help Ob-Gyns Choose Best Induction Date
(Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, June 07, 2006)

The AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer on Monday examined a vaginal test under review by FDA that could help ob-gyns choose the best date at which to induce labor and reduce the health risks involved in performing the procedure too early.

Full Story....

2006-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

California To Delay Enforcement of Federal Rule Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid Eligibility-

(Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, Wednesday June 07, 2006)

California health officials on Tuesday said they are postponing the enforcement of a new federal law that will require Medicaid enrollees and applicants to show proof of U.S. citizenship, the Los Angeles Times reports (Lin, Los Angeles Times, 6/7). Under the measure, signed into law by President Bush in February, individuals seeking care through Medicaid as of July 1 will be required to show proof of U.S. citizenship--such as a birth certificate, passport or another form of identification.

Full Story....

2006-06-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Newspapers Examine New Proof of Citizenship Requirement for Medicaid Eligibility

(Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Tuesday, June 06, 2006)

Two newspapers recently examined the new Medicaid requirement that takes effect July 1 for enrollees and applicants to provide documents that prove U.S. citizenship.

Full Story...

2006-06-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

"InfantSEE™"-No Cost Vision Screening in the First Year of Life

InfantSEE™ is a public health program designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. Under this program, which became available in Summer 2005, member optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment within the first year of life as a no cost public health service.

This no cost public health program was launched in June of 2005 by the American Optometric Association (AOA), in partnership with The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Under this program, supported by former President Jimmy Carter, who serves as honorary national chair and spokesman, participating optometrists will provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection of potential eye and vision problems at no cost regardless of income.

Public Health experts agree that visual development is most dramatic between 6 and 12 months of age and that early detection can prevent and help reduce the threat of serious vision impairments. In fact, one in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems. However, a survey fielded by BabyCenter.com, on behalf of the AOA, reveals that nearly half of new and expectant mothers mistakenly believe that because a baby's eyes are changing and their vision is developing in their first year of life, it is best to wait until the child is older to get them screened by an eye care professional.

Optometrists, through their clinical education, training and experience, have the means to provide the most effective primary eye and vision services to children, as a compliment to routine well-care exams given by pediatricians, "said Scott Jens, O.D., F.A.A.O. and InfantSEE™ chairman. "The AOA and InfantSEE™ volunteer optometrist look forward to working with pediatricians to offer expanded eye care to infants nationwide." (InfantSEE Press Release June 2005)

To locate a provider near you visit...http://www.infantsee.org/

2006-06-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

'Centering' has Benefits for Women

(newsobserver.com)

Prenatal care visits often mean waiting an hour or more for 10 minutes with a health-care provider. Pregnant women are irritated by that. And many caregivers grow weary of going room to room answering the same questions again and again.

A national movement, which includes clinics in Durham and Chapel Hill N.C., is changing all that.

Instead of one-on-one medical visits, pregnant women who are due about the same time get care in groups. The participants share health-care providers but get the providers' undivided attention during sessions lasting up to two hours.

Full Story....

Group Prenatal Care:

Sharon Schindler Rising, a nurse midwife and former faculty member at Yale University's nursing school, pioneered the idea in 1993. The approach, known as Centering, has picked up steam. The first national conference on Centering was held in March in Chapel Hill.

How does centering work? Women due about the same time are pooled in groups. They meet every other week from 12 -16 weeks into their pregnancy until delivery. Women get short one-on-one checkups in a corner of the meeting room, then convene for a 90-minute discussion

Oklahoma is joining in on the Centering Pregnancy Model. There are several sites around the state providing services with this model. Birth-Wise of Enid is one such facility. Visit their website for information on their program. http://www.birthwiseok.com/education.htm

For complete information about the Center Pregnancy model visit....http://www.centeringpregnancy.com/

2006-06-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

State Officials, Advocates Request More Flexibility in Enforcing Federal Law That Requires Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid Eligibility

(Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Monday June 05,2006)

The federal government is receiving requests from state officials and patient advocates for greater flexibility in the enforcement of a new law that will require Medicaid enrollees and applicants to confirm their citizenship beginning July 1, Knight Ridder/Arizona Daily Star reports. (Pugh, Knigh Ridder/Arizona Daily star, 6/5). The measure was included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which was signed into law by President Bush in February. Under the law, individuals seeking care through Medicaid as of July 1 will be required to show proof of U.S. Citizenship--such as a birth certificate, passport or another form of identification. The law's intent is to prevent undocumented immigrants from claiming to be citizens in order to receive benefits only provided to legal residents (Kaiser Daily Health Policy report, 4/11). The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the law will save $220 million between 2006 and 2010 and remove 35,000 people from Medicaid by 2015. However, some experts worry that eligible Medicaid enrollees who cannot provide the necessary documentation also stand to lose their coverage. In addition, state officials fear the law will create a large administrative burden and confuse beneficiaries (Knight Ridder/Arizona Daily Star, 6/5). Critics say the new requirements could prove difficult "for children, older Americans and poor people born at home in rural areas who never received birth certificates," according the the New York Times. Jennifer Ng'andu, health policy expert at the Hispanic rights group National Council of La Raza, said, "The documentation requirements will cause confusion about eligibility and will put up barriers to enrollment" (Pear, New York Times, 6/5).

Full Story.....

2006-05-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Medicaid Reform Act of 2006

House Bill 2842 passed both the House and the Senate on Thursday (May 25) and now is waiting for the governor to make a final decision about signing it. (Update 6/13/2006 , the Governor has signed the bill) It's purpose is to provide Medicaid consumers younger than 65 and considered "insurable" more options in the selection of a health plan, and introduce competition as a factor to lower costs.

Pending the governor's signature, Phase One implementation is to begin July 1, 2008 within a contiguous area with rural and urban characteristics. If after evaluation it is found that this system provides improved access to health care, improved health care outcomes, and improved cost effectiveness, the components of the act shall be phased in statewide by 2013.

Some of the reforms include:

Development of a system by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to enable insurable Medicaid consumers to access commercial health insurance policies.

Development by OHCA of an employee choice option whereby consumers would be allowed to purchase coverage through an employer-sponsored plan rather then a qualified plan.
Development of a plan by OHCA to implement a personal health account system as an enhanced benefit. Monies deposited into said accounts shall only be used to defray costs including co-pays, non-coverage benefits and wellness benefits.
Development of Electronic Medical Records
Development of Electronic Prescribing capabilities
Disease Management
Incentive Reimbursement Plan for Nursing Facilities
Alternatives for long-term care
Appropriate Utilization of the Emergency Room
Reduction in billing, payment and eligibility errors to 5% by 2009

Extends benefits to full-time college students through age 23

Directs OHCA to expand the Premium Assistance Program to cover parents of children eligible for Medicaid, and to employers with up to 50 employees.

Appropriates $93 million for hospital and physician reimbursement rates.

Directs hospitals to establish discount programs for self-pay patients with household incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

2006-05-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Legislative Update:

Gov. Henry calls special session to finish budget.

On Thursday May 25th, 2006 Gov. Henry called a special session of the Oklahoma Legislature to ensure that lawmakers complete state appropriations work before the new fiscal year begins in July.

The governor's special session call limits lawmakers' agenda to unsettled budget issues, including tax relief, agency appropriations and investment initiatives.

In an effort to reduce the cost of an emergency meeting, Gov. Henry asked that the special session run concurrently with the final two days of session. The session officially ended Friday May 26th at 5 p.m. This set the stage for a very brief meeting in June to pass remaining budget bills. Under Oklahoma Constitution, it takes five days to pass a bill into law.

Lawmakers have been locked in a budget stalemate since April. Agency budgets must be renewed before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

Next Steps:

All bills containing budget requests for state agencies are now dead. That includes the budget request contained in HB2232 from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority for "OB High Risk Care." A whole new set of appropriations bills will be introduced in the special session. We will keep you posted on the new numbers and any actions that need to take place from advocates. It is important that child advocates stay active and work very hard during this special session to ensure the populations they care about are not lost in the shuffle.

2006-05-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Who We Are:
The Oklahoma Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition is an informal association of local and state professional organizations as well as voluntary and government entitites who share a common interest in maternal and child health.

Our Mission:
To improve the health and safety of mothers, babies and their families through public education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Fast Facts:

In Oklahoma-

8% of babies are born low birth weight
15% of babies are born to teens
35% of women deliverying babies are not married
23% of women delivering babies have less then a 12th grade education
8% Infant Mortality Rate in Oklahoma
7% Infant Mortality Rate in U.S.

Source: 2003 Vital Record Statistics Oklahoma State Department of Health