MO Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

Take A Minute For Missouri’s Kids - July/2010
Immunizations, Immunizations
It is that time of the year again, lots of kids coming in for their school physicals and their immunizations. Several changes go into effect for the 2010 - 2011 school year both for school and for daycare attendance. The immunization schedule has gotten much more complex especially given the many combination vaccines available and the recent shortages of several vaccines. 
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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is promoting use of the text4baby free mobile phone service by pregnant women and new moms to encourage optimal outcomes for Missouri’s mothers and babies.

Download Text 4 Baby - Pregnancy Messages  86kb Excel file (.xls)

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is promoting use of the text4baby free mobile phone service by pregnant women and new moms to encourage optimal outcomes for Missouri’s mothers and babies.

Download Text 4 Baby - First Year Messages  75kb Excel file (.xls)

The AAP Parenting Corner is now part of our new website for parents in Missouri as well: www.healthychildren.org

HealthyChildren.org is the only parenting Web site backed by 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Whether you’re looking for general information related to child health or for more specific guidance on parenting issues, HealthyChildren.org is the right place. You’ll find information regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ many programs and activities, our policies and guidelines, our publications and other child health resources, as well as much, much more. Best of all, you can rest assured that the information comes from the nation’s leading child health experts and that we have scientific research supporting our recommendations.

Click here to visit HealthyChildren.org

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood is pleased to announce the posting of its new Perinatal Depression web page.  The page provides information on this disorder for pregnant women, new moms, family and friends, and healthcare providers.  The page also provides information on available resources.

To promote the website, the Department has developed 5 x 8 inch cards with information on the website.  These cards are not for individual distribution, but are to be placed in waiting rooms in healthcare provider offices and local public health agencies for visitors to review and take if they have an interest.

To obtain an initial supply of 25 of these cards for use in your waiting room, complete the order form and fax to Karen Schenk or Leslie Seifert at 573-751-6185

Click here to review the card  (PDF)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food packages are undergoing monumental changes as of October 1, 2009.  Currently, over 50% of the women, infants and children in the United States are eligible for WIC, and the numbers are no different for the state of Missouri.  To learn more about the key points related to the food package changes, please follow this link.

In 2009, President Obama signed into law the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  This legislation was critical for helping to ensure continued healthcare eligibility for millions of children.  At a state level, Governor Jay Nixon outlined his optimistic agenda for healthcare for children and adults to include the following:

• To expand eligibility thresholds to cover an additional 34,000 working parents.

• To eliminate premiums for children living between 150% and 225% of the federal poverty level so more children will enroll in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

• To provide children with continuous eligibility so parents do not have to fear loss of coverage if their family or job situation changes.

• To streamline the premiums for children between 225% and 300% of the federal poverty level so their coverage costs a standard $50 a month.

• To enhance outreach efforts to make sure those eligible for coverage throughout the state are enrolled.

To learn more, please follow this link

On the legislative front, we need your help.  Dr. Katie Plax, the Chair of our Legislative Committee has penned the following legislative action request.  Though I know your life and schedule is busy, please consider taking the time to participate in this legislative process.  Truly, the chance for thousands of Missouri children to have access to health insurance and to healthcare may depend on our actions.
To learn how you can help, please follow this link

Over the next few months we will hear more from well-funded lobbyists, special interest groups and opponents to reform who are spending large sums of money to block health care reform in our country.  A primary concern about health care reform is the $1 trillion dollar cost over the next decade, which is frightening.  Without reform, however, we will spend $40 trillion on health care in the US over the next 10 years.To learn more, please follow this link

Not a member of the MO AAP Chapter yet? Now, more than ever, your patients and their parents/caregivers need your help to advocate for their well-being. Dues are affordable; benefits are numerous!
Join today!