Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of Haemophilus Influenza Type b (Hib) Vaccine Produced by Merck & Co., Inc.

Merck & Co. announced that it has initiated a voluntary recall in the United States for certain lots of PedvaxHIB® [Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate)] and COMVAX® [Haemophilus b Conjugate (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) and Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine]. CDC understands that this recall will present several challenges to public health and provider partners. They are working rapidly to gather and assess information which will allow them to develop guidance for immunization providers and their patients.
For additional information please click on http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/recalls/hib-recall-faqs-12-12-07.htm

More Frequent Checkups Recommended for Urban Children with Asthma

Current asthma guidelines calling for checkups every six months after diagnosis may be too infrequent for inner-city children diagnosed with the condition. That's the finding of a study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center, published in the November issue of Pediatrics. Given the unpredictable nature of asthma in inner-city children, researchers are recommending four or more checkups per year to prevent dangerous flare-ups of wheezing and trips to the emergency department. The study also reports that asthma control, not the severity of the disease at diagnosis, is a more accurate predictor of a child's risk for flare-ups. Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic illness, affecting 6.2 million children in the United States.

Read the full article at:
http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/pages/news/
pressdetails.cfm?newsid=397

Health Disparities Webcast

Today's Topics In Health Disparities Federal Legislative Efforts to Address Health Disparities between Racial and Ethnic Groups
Dec. 14, 2007 at 9 a.m. ET
(http://www.kaisernetwork.org/todaystopics/14dec07)


Nearly a dozen bills have been introduced in the 110th Congress that
focus on addressing health disparities or minority health, and other
legislative initiatives have included provisions to address disparities. On Friday,Dec. 14, 2007, at 9 a.m. ET, the Kaiser Family Foundation will host a live, interactive webcast discussing current federal legislative efforts to address health disparities between racial and ethnic groups, and the factors that may influence the outcome of these efforts.

Save-the-Date! Grace & Gratitude: A Health Ministry Journey

Please save the date to attend the 12th Annual Virginia Faith Community Health Ministry Retreat from April 27-29, 2008 at the Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, 9275 Barnes Road, Toano, Virginia 23168. Hosted by Bon Secours Richmond and Bon Secours Hampton Roads Faith Community Health Ministries.

GoingSmokeFree.org: A Toolkit for Implementing Smoke-Free Laws

The Site is a Clearinghouse of Activities, Events, and Tools for States and Communities in Planning, Implementing and Supporting Smoke-Free Laws
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, has created GoingSmokeFree.org, a free online resource to help states and communities implement smoke-free laws.

- Go to the toolkit.
- Learn more, and view other resources.

You have received this e-mail alert because you have elected to receive information from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on: Public Health and Tobacco.

Cover the Uninsured Week - April 27, 2008 - May 3, 2008

Cover the Uninsured Week 2008 will be held April 27-May 3! Mark your calendars and start planning to help 47 million uninsured Americans—including more than 9 million children—get the coverage they need.

There are many ways for you and your community to get involved in Cover the Uninsured Week 2008:

(1) Host an enrollment event at a hospital, community center, or school
(2) Organize a health coverage forum with community, business and faith leaders
(3) Plan a seminar for small business owners
(4) Distribute information about available low-cost and free health coverage
programs to uninsured individuals and families

Many Cover the Uninsured planning guides are available to help you get started and promotional materials will be coming soon! Visit www.CoverTheUninsured.org for more information and the most current facts and latest news on the issue.

CINCH Needs Your Help - 2007 Salvation Army Toy Drive

For the past 3 years, CINCH has partnered with the Salvation Army Toy Drive to provide screening for health insurance for the many children who will be receiving toys from the drive. We’ve enrolled hundreds of children in FAMIS from this partnership outreach over the past 3 years, and screened over 30,000 families. Many of you have volunteered in years past – thank you! We are asking CINCH members and partners to volunteer for one (or more!) three hour shift.

CINCH invites YOU to volunteer during the 2007 Salvation Army’s Toy Drive. No prior experience is needed. All you need is a smiling face and willing heart!

WHAT:Volunteers (YOU!) will ask families standing in line if their children have health insurance or not, hand out materials and complete a brief referral form with the parents of children who need health insurance that would like assistance. They will then direct the family to the “right” location at the Toy Drive to get their assistance. CINCH will have one lead person on hand to orient volunteers on site. We need 2 volunteers on weekdays, and 4 volunteers on Friday/Saturday, as these are the highest volume days.

WHEN:Fri. 12/14 and Sat. 12/15; Mon. 12/17 thru Sat. 12/22

WHERE:4725 Virginia Beach Blvd. (former HQ bldg. in Pembroke area)

The volunteer time schedule is set in 3 hr. blocks. 9 am -12 pm (noon)
and 1 pm -4 pm. If you cannot spend three hours at a time, any amount of participation will be appreciated and we’ll work you into the schedule.

We will need at least 4 volunteers on Friday and Saturday. One person will be designated as a lead person. That person will be able to answer your questions and keep the staffing record.

Training information will be provided as requested. Contact us at 668-6447 to get an overview of the activity and information as well as the toy drive procedure. Materials will be provided: referral forms, brochures, clipboards, pens, etc.

Contact P. Smith at 668-6447 or email at smithpe@evms.edu

Virginia Injury Update, Fire and Burn Related Injuries in Virginia, 2001-2005

The VDH, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention just released a new unintentional injury report titled, Virginia Injury Update, Fire and Burn Related Injuries in Virginia, 2001-2005.

Burns are one of the most devastating and painful injuries one can sustain. Burn injuries require long rehabilitation and physical therapy. One can sustain a burn injury through a number of different mechanisms: exposure to fire, hot liquids and objects, chemicals, electrical currents, and extreme cold. The Virginia Injury Update includes a five year review of fire and burn related deaths and hospitalizations in Virginia. It includes case studies, a breakdown of fire/flame and hot object/substance hospitalizations, and prevention tips. The report is available for viewing or download at www.vahealth.org/civp. Hard copies will be mailed to Injury Prevention Network members, Virginia Injury Community Planning Group members, healthcare providers, fire and life safety educators, community leaders, and other injury prevention stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth. If you would like a hard copy of the report or additional copies, please contact Jennifer Schmid by email at Jennifer.schmid@vdh.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 864-7746 to request a copy.

In addition, two new fact sheets are available for the general public. One is on Burn Prevention and the other is on Fire Safety Education. These are also available from our Web site at www.vahealth.org/civp.

TEENS AND IMPAIRED DRIVING - Driving under the Influence Too Common among Teenagers

TEENS AND IMPAIRED DRIVING
Driving under the Influence Too Common among Teenagers

Drinking and driving among teenagers is a disturbingly common problem, says a new study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to Elias A. Zerhouni, NIH director, "This study shows that not only are too many teens putting themselves and others at risk by driving under the influence of drugs, but . . . there has been little improvement in the past six years." The study found that nearly a third of high school students had driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs -- or had been in the car with a driver who had -- in the previous two weeks.

Read the full article at:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/newsroom/07/NR10-29.html

TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE - Most Parents Can Accurately Assess Their Teens' Substance Use

TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Most Parents Can Accurately Assess Their Teens' Substance Use

Many teenagers may think they're getting away with drinking, smoking, or other drug use -- but a new study suggests that their parents might not be quite so in the dark about it. Findings from a novel study out of the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions show that most parents can accurately estimate their child's alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. According to lead researcher Neil B. McGillicuddy, Ph.D., "It seems that, despite a few exceptions, many parents do know the extent of their teenager's substance use. Parents can use this knowledge to help themselves cope with teenage substance use and the resulting stress on the family, as well as to begin conversations with their teen about making changes."
Read the full article at:
http://www.buffalo.edu/news/8919

Mental and Physical Benefits of Breastfeeding Found for Most Fragile Newborns

Mental and Physical Benefits of Breastfeeding Found for Most Fragile Newborns

Researchers have been discovering more and more benefits of breastfeeding, and here's one more: premature infants with extremely low birth weight were found to have improved mental development and fewer rehospitalizations when breast-fed shortly after birth. "These findings strongly suggest that, whenever possible, preterm infants should routinely be given breast milk during their stay in the intensive care unit," said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institutes of Health organization that conducted the study. About 40,000 premature infants with extremely low birth weight are born in the United States each year.

Read the full article at:
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/oct2007/nichd-01.htm

New Study Looks at Bicycle Injury Toll beyond Emergency-Department Visits

BICYCLE SAFETY

New Study Looks at Bicycle Injury Toll beyond Emergency-Department Visits

The fact that bicycle-related injuries are one of the most common causes of childhood emergency-department visits is widely known -- but a new study looks deeper and finds cause for even more concern. Researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that about 10,700 children are admitted to the hospital for bicycle-related injuries each year, resulting in almost $200 million in hospital inpatient costs. The study appears in the October issue of Injury Prevention.

Read the full article at:
http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/gd/applications/
controller.cfm?page=204&id=431&type=new

Report: Obese Children Miss More School Days

A Report out of Philadelphia — Obese elementary schoolchildren miss a couple more school days on average than their normal-weight classmates, according to a study that says being fat is a better predictor for absenteeism than any other factor.

Researchers said their results suggest that childhood obesity, in addition to serious medical issues, can lead to a plethora of additional problems down the road.

Click on the URL below for the rest of this story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292937,00.html

New Public Fire & Life Safety Educator Level II Class Available - Expenses will be paid

ANNOUNCEMENT:

A NEW PUBLIC FIRE & LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR, LEVEL II CLASS is NOW AVAILABLE. The FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY GRANT awarded to VFLSC this year will pay expenses for 50 PFLSE, Level I certified educators to become certified to Level II!!

Please go to this web page to obtain more information and to apply:
http://www.vflsc.org/PFLSE2-register.htm
and feel free to visit the VFLSC online at: www.vflsc.org

Also, please help spread the word ! We will be contacting all 1035, Level I certified folks to let them know.

Governor's Healthy Students Summit

The General Assembly has designated the third week in September, 2007 and in each succeeding year, as Healthy Virginians/Healthy Students Week. In observance of the first Healthy Students Week, the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources extended an invitation to local school divisions and health districts to participate in the Governor’s Healthy Students Summit on September 20. The purpose of the Summit was to foster local collaboration between school divisions and health districts to develop action plans to address childhood obesity.

Some of the things learned by Summit participants included: (1)Recent collaborations between public education & public health for the prevention of childhood obesity in various Virginia localities; (2) How Local Wellness Policies can serve as an important tool to guide the development of childhood obesity prevention efforts at the local level; and (3) How the Governor's Scorecard for Nutrition & Physical Activity can serve as a significant motivator for the development of childhood obesity prevention efforts at the local level.

Materials from the summit are posted on the Secretary of Health and Human Resource's website and can be viewed at http://www.hhr.virginia.gov/initiatives/HealthyStudentsSummit/

CPSC Delivers the ABC's of Toy Safety

A recent press release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Toy Safety is below. Some good information to share....

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As gift-givers shop for that perfect toy this holiday season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is emphasizing the importance of shopping safely. Knowing your ABC’s of toy safety will make for happy holidays: (A) awareness, and knowing the (B) benefits, for (C) consumers – (Awareness Benefits Consumers).

Awareness is not only knowing there is a CPSC and what the agency does to protect consumers but also being aware of what poses the greatest risks. The leading causes of toy-related fatalities include choking and aspiration of toy parts.

The increased scrutiny of toys and the CPSC has led to B, or benefits, to consumers. CPSC has increased the agency’s inspections of toys and is taking the action needed to remove violative products from the marketplace. More companies are testing their products and reporting possible safety problems.
The Chinese government has signed new agreements to conduct pre-export inspections to prevent lead painted toys and other unsafe toys from being exported to the U.S.
“CPSC recalled 61 toys involving more than 25 million product units in 2007, underscoring CPSC’s daily commitment to keeping consumers safe 365 days a year,” said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. “Toys today are undergoing more inspection and more intense scrutiny than ever before.”

Finally C, consumers should stay informed and be aware of recalls by signing up to receive direct e-mail notification of recalls at www.cpsc.gov. CPSC has launched a “Drive to 1 Million” to sign up at least 1 million consumers to receive this direct notification.

Consumers can also be more aware by shopping with CPSC's Top Safe Shopping Tips for this year:
•Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
•Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
•Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
•Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
•Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

To choose appropriate toys for children:
•Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
•Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
•For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
Once the gifts are open:
•Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
•Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.
•Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

National Influenza Vaccination Week - November 26, 2007 - December 2, 2007

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced this week as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vacine through the months of November, December and beyond.

This year, Tuesday, November 27, 2007, is set aside as Children's Flu Vaccination Day, with a focus on vaccinating high-risk children. Even if you're healthy, if you live with or care for people at high risk for severe complications from influenza, you should get vaccinated. Groups at high risk include infants, pregnant women, kids and adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and adults aged 65 and older.

For more information please call 800-CDC-INFO.

Engaging Youth..On Their Turf: Creative Approaches to Connecting Youth through Community

Engaging Youth..On Their Turf: Creative Approaches to Connecting Youth through Community

The publication from the Healthy Teen Network offers professionals new approaches to engaging teens. It highlights six examples of programs that reach out to youth in non-traditional communities.

Save-the-Date:

The Future of the Hispanic Family (November 15, Washington, D.C.)
"For most Latinos, families are made and broken amid transformations in culture, economic footing, civic status, and identity," according to the Brookings Institution. Brookings' Center on Children and Families and the Annie E. Casey Foundation are hosting a forum to discuss trends in marriage and childbearing in the Hispanic community and address what actions policymakers and practitioners can take to strengthen Hispanic families and improve the well-being of children in these families.

Raising Awareness about Infant Mortality

In order to raise awareness about infant mortality with an emphasis on the African American community, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) has launched a new campaign, A Healthy Baby Begins with You, as part of the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities.

OMH is asking for community and faith-based organizations, city and state health departments, and private sector partners to set-up and host events in the most affected communities. In return, OMH has partnered with Behind the Bench, the National Basketball Wives Association, to connect sponsors with a local spokesperson. Additionally, OMH will organize the local event, provide all the supporting printed and electronic materials and incentives for attendees, help promote the outreach to African American women of childbearing age, pitch stories to local and national media, and more.

For more information about the campaign or how your organization can become a sponsor, call 1-800-444-6472, or email iestrada@omhrc.gov

Great American Smokeout - November 15, 2007

November 15, 2007, marks the American Cancer Society's 31st annual Great American Smokeout, an event designed to encourage cigarette smokers to quit smoking for at least 1 day so that they might quit permanently.

Information on the Great American Smokeout is available at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ped/ped_10_4.asp or by telephone: 800-227-2345. Advice on how to quit smoking is available at http://www.smokefree.gov

SIDS Risk Reduction Continuing Education Program Emphasizes Important Role of Nurses in Health Care

The National Institutes of Health has created a continuing education program designed to help nurses communicate the risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to parents and child caregivers. Nurses are a key information resource for new parents and often spend the most time with families in the hospital following the birth of a child.

The Continuing Education Program on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risk Reduction was developed by the NIH’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in collaboration with national nursing and health organizations. The program reviews the most current research findings and theories about SIDS and provides nurses with practical approaches to communication about SIDS in a multi-cultural environment.

"Nurses who care for infants and families in the hospital are in a unique position to educate parents and influence health and safety practices," said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the NICHD, the NIH institute distributing the program materials.

Nurses can order a hard copy or download an electronic version of the continuing education booklet through the NICHD’s Web site, at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sidsnursesce/, or by calling 1-800-370-2943. For more information, visit the Institute’s Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/.

For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

INFLUENZA VACCINE CLINICAL TRIAL

The EVMS Department of Pediatrics – Clinical Research Unit is conducting an influenza vaccine clinical trial in children 6 through 35 months of age. Influenza (flu) is a very contagious disease that affects many people throughout the world each year. The symptoms, which include fever, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, and weakness, last from several days to a week or more. Young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health problems run a higher risk of complications than do healthy young adults. Children in this study will receive licensed flu vaccine.

Parents of children in good health, ages 6 through 35 months, who want additional information or want to enroll their children should contact Nancy DeJaeger, RN at 668-6415.

The Eastern Virginia Medical School Institutional Review Board has approved this announcement.

IRB #07-10-FB-0236

Save-the-Date...The Inhalant Abuse Prevention Awareness Institute

Did you know the past thirty-day use of inhalants for Virginia eighth graders is double the national average? Learn about inhalants and how to address this issue in your community by attending the Inhalant Abuse Prevention Awareness Institute. For more information go to www.rmhonline.com

American College of CHEST Physicians and The CHEST Foundation offer FREE handouts

Concerned over studies demonstrating that between 20% and 68% of patients prescribed aerosol devices did not use them correctly enough to benefit from their use, several of the ACCP NetWorks collaborated to produce these handouts. Also available in English and Spanish on the ACCP Web site at www.chestnet.org/ patients/guides/inhaledDevices.php, the handouts can be downloaded and printed by health- care providers and patients.

It is our hope that these materials will help your patients breathe easier. To receive a free packet of the Spanish version handouts, e-mail your request to Spanishmaterials@chestnet.org with your complete mailing address. A limited supply is available.

Attend Luncheon - Delegate Melanie Rapp to Speak

EAT, MEET AND LEARN
Members of the GVPCCC have expressed concern over their seeming inability to get the message, across to the legislators, concerning their need for legislative support with regard to issues that are affecting their clients.

Melanie Rapp, Member of the House of Delegates for the Ninety-Sixth District, has agreed to speak at a luncheon at which she will address the issue of contacting and getting across your message to legislators. She will speak about the best ways and the best times to make contact with state legislators in order to speak with them about your needs for the support of or introduction of specific legislation. She will speak about the use of e-mail, direct mail, telephoning, visiting at the local office or the Richmond Office, visiting the legislators while in session and out of session and the like. It should be a most beneficial presentation with Delegate Rapp speaking about matters which will be of benefit to us in our advocacy role.

Melanie Rapp was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent the 96th District in a special election in December of 2000, filling the vacancy created when her predecessor, Jo Ann Davis, was elected to Congress. Delegate Rapp was re-elected to full two-year terms in 2001, 2003 and 2005. She currently serves on the House Education, General Laws, and Privileges and Elections Committees. She also serves as a Deputy Whip for the House Republican Caucus and serves as a sub-committee chairman of the Teachers and Administrative Action Committee and the Housing Affordability and Real Estate Policy.

The Luncheon
Wednesday, November 14
12:00 - 1:30pm
Auditorium A of the MIH Conference Center

We need your response on or before Wednesday, November 7. Please call 886-6025 if you plan to attend. Thank you.

CHKD Healthy You Program - Registered Dietitians & Licensed Social Workers Positions Available

Needed: Registered dietitians and Licensed clinical social workers to work as contract workers for the CHKD Healthy You weight management program. These positions are grant funded and will be in Williamsburg beginning in 2008. If interested please contact Babs Benson, program manager at 668-7035 or by e-mail at bensonbr@chkd.org as soon as possible.

New Resources from www.childrenshealthcampaign.org

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Who are these children, and why is health insurance important for them? This fact sheet provides the answers. (April 2007)

Why Do School-Aged Children Need Health Insurance? A quick fact sheet on the importance of health coverage for school-aged children. (March 2007)

1st Annual CINCH Membership Conference - Don't miss out!

1st Annual CINCH Membership Conference is scheduled for Friday, October 26, 2007, from 11:30 a.m. at Norfolk's Workforce Development Center. This is a FREE Conference but you MUST REGISTER at CINCH@EVMS.EDU.

Do you know someone or an organization who is an outstanding advocate for children’s health? Do they deserve an award? If yes, CINCH will be hosting the first annual Hampton Roads Child Health Advocacy Awards Ceremony during the conference. Please do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to submit your nomination for someone to be recognized for their work in child health and to recognize those who have stood out in our community as a child health advocate. The deadline is Wednesday, October 23rd!! Please call 668-6426 if you need a nomination form.

Child Health Advocacy Awards for following categories:

□ Grass Roots Advocate
□ Community Leader
□ Community Change Agent
□ Faith Based Advocate
□ School Health Advocate
□ Policy and/or Legislative Advocate
□ Organization – Community Change Agent
□ Organization – Advocate in Action

SCHIP Update - Override vote fails

Jill A. Hanken, Staff Attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center sent the following information:

The House failed to override the President’s veto of the SCHIP bill on a 273 to 156 vote. With 429 members voting, the override needed 286 votes – so they needed 13 more votes.

The Virginia votes stayed the same:

Voting for the bill and the veto override: Bobby Scott, Rick Boucher, Jim Moran, Tom Davis and Frank Wolf

Voting against the bill – Eric Cantor, Bob Goodlatte, Virgil Goode, Thelma Drake, Randy Forbes

Please express your thanks and disappointment, as appropriate!

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to hold a news conference later today. I understand there will still be a push to insure 10 million uninsured children (6 million already on SCHIP, and add 4 million more). Discussions about details and new compromises should begin soon.

Norfolk City Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM

Dear Allies Against Asthma Work Group Members,

We need members to attend this meeting, especially (but not limited to) Norfolk residents. Please let us know if you can attend. . If we can have one CINCH member speak, they can say they are speaking also on behalf of CINCH and ask all members present to stand. Non-Norfolk residents can also attend, but cannot speak. So, the more people we have there, the better!

Here is a link to the guidelines for speakers: http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/guidelinesCC.asp

Here is a link to all the contact information for the city council members – please write a letter, email, or fax: http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/ContactInfoCC.asp. You may also e-mail council members at ccouncil@norfolk.gov

Here is some background information:

Norfolk City Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM

In case you are unaware, the Norfolk City Council is considering a ban on smoking in restaurants. The issue was initially brought forward by Terry Whibley and was considered "dead" at one point because of economic concerns. Since then many people have raised concerns allowing the issue to be placed back on the table. Eric Lowe wrote an editorial (text below) with 2 other physicians as concerned citizens and all are going to be speaking at the Oct 23rd City Council meeting in support of the ban. If you know any of the city council please let them know how you feel about the potential ban. Eric has said to please feel free to e-mail him any thoughts or suggestions.

Sincerely,


Department of Pediatrics

Sign Letter to Congress for Children's Health and Human Needs by Oct. 15!

Sign Letter to Congress for Children's Health and Human Needs by Oct. 15!

If you represent a statewide or local VA group*: Please tell your Members of Congress to cover uninsured children and to fund human needs.

The President has vetoed the children's health insurance bill and has threatened to veto appropriations bills that fund critical human needs programs. The House will vote to override the President's State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) veto on October 18.

Please sign your organization's name to this letter by Monday, October 15 - to show your Congressional delegation how important it is that they
- vote to override the President's children's health veto;
- vote for vital health, education, nutrition, housing, and other social services programs and reject appropriations vetoes.

Click here to read the letter, to sign it, and/or to get more information:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/125/t/3748/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=31692

Help Repair Facial Deformities in Children

Do you all remember playing that really fun game as a kid called Operation. Perhaps playing it motivated you to come here to EVMS (hopefully other factors were involved :) ). I could never quite get all the pieces out without setting off the buzzer. Hasbro, the maker of the game has agreed to donate up to $75,000 to Operation Smile, a nonprofit medical organization dedicated to repairing facial deformities in children worldwide.


All we have to do to make this possible is visit www.operation.com every day and click on the prompt next to the "Oxygen Pump" icon on the page. Hasbro has agreed to donate $.25 to Operation Smile every time someone pushes the button on the following page. Each person can do the free donation through the website once a day.

Increasing Attendance at Parent Work Shops

http://preview.channing-bete.com/special-pdfs/attendance-tips.pdf

Dental Disparities

Previously unreleased figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in 2003 and 2004, the most recent years with data available, 27 percent of children and 29 percent of adults had cavities going untreated. The level of untreated decay was the highest since the late 1980s and significantly higher than that found in a survey from 1999 to 2002.

Read an article on this topic:
Boom Times for Dentists, but Not for Teeth
By ALEX BERENSON
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/business/11decay.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

American Heart Association Announces 2007 Start! Heart Walk

2007 Start! Heart Walk
Saturday, October 20th
9am registration, 10 am walk begins
Chesapeake City Park
757-628-2609

www.startshrva.org

The Stork's Nest

The Stork's Nest is a national project for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in conjunction with the March of Dimes. The goal of this project is to encourage low income mothers to get pre/post-natal care. Participants in this program can earn points by attending educational sessions and keeping all appointments such as doctors and/or clinic, WIC, and Social Services. Points may be exchanged for baby items to include clothes, papers, and other baby essentials. The educational component to the Stork's Nest provides women with valuable information to have a healthy baby. Workshops such as proper eating during pregnancy, essential vitamins, breastfeeding, warning signs, genetic diseases, preparing the home for the baby, what to expect after the infant is born, and other topics are offered.

Beta Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has partnered with the South Norfolk Health Center to offer the Stork’s Nest program. For more information, contact Ms. Stevalynn Adams, Stork’s Nest Chair at 757-823-2658. The location of the Stork’s Nest Office is:

Stork's Nest
South Norfolk Health Center
490 Liberty Street
Chesapeake, VA
(757) 382-2600..for more info, call 823-2658

New Reports from the Urban Institute Focus on SCHIP

Series of Briefs Offer Timely Analyses on Coverage Issues
The Urban Institute will be conducting research and releasing several reports over the next few months on key issues related to health insurance coverage in the United States. The two latest briefs focus on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

-- Concerns About Parents Dropping Employer Coverage to Enroll in
SCHIP Overlook Issues of Affordability
-- Eligible But Not Enrolled: How SCHIP Reauthorization Can Help

National FDA Tobacco Legislation Call-in Day - October 2, 2007

Mark your calendars! On October 2, join with thousands of
advocates from across the country to call their Members of
Congress to advocate for the regulation of tobacco products by
the Food and Drug Administration. HR 1108, the Family Smoking
Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, is currently pending before
Congress and on Wednesday, October 3rd, the House Subcommittee
on Health will hold a hearing on this critical legislation.

This legislation will:
*Restrict tobacco marketing and sales to kids,
*Require changes in tobacco products to make them less toxic and
less addictive,
*Stop tobacco companies from misleading the public about the
health consequences of using their products.

These are all common-sense consumer protections that should have
been passed a long time ago.

Next week, we will send a reminder about the National FDA
Tobacco Legislation Call-In Day along with talking points. In
the meantime, please mark October 2nd down on your calendar.

EVMS Pediatric Grand Rounds

October 4, 2007 "Immune Evasion by Staphylococcus aureus"
8:00 - 9:00 am Timothy Foster, Ph.D.
Brickhouse Auditorium Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity
College, Dublin, Ireland

Objectives: Update on staphylococcus aureus and its growing resistance to antibiotics.


October 11, 2007 “Complimentary Modalities & Pain Management”
8:00 – 9:00 am Donald F. Lynch, Jr., MD
Brickhouse Auditorium Professor and Chairman, Department of Urology/EVMS

Objectives: Review the causes of pain in children and its management.


October 18, 2007 Business Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am No CME Credit is available for this meeting
Brickhouse Auditorium


October 25, 2007 “Thrombophilia testing in Children: Helpful or Harmful?”
8:00 - 9:00 am Eric Werner, MD
Brickhouse Auditorium Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, EVMS/CHKD

Objectives: Determine the major causes of thrombosis in children and formulate an evaluation and management plan.


ACCREDITATION
Eastern Virginia Medical School is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION
Eastern Virginia Medical School designates this educational activity for a maximum of one (1) category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the educational activity

CHKD's 18th Annual Bioethics Day: Making a Difference Advocating for Children

November 29, 2007 Topics include: The ethics of public policy, setting priorities for legislative initiatives, Child abuse- medical, civilian, military, and CPS perspectives, Medical home for children- business or service, and Building coalitions that impact the well being of children. A free added bonus! See and discuss the film “John Q” at the Naro Theater on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. For more information call CHKD at (757) 668-7500 or download the flyer.Register onlineTime: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Location:CHKD’s Brickhouse Auditorium

The Greater Virginia Peninsula Continuum of Care Council's Health Care Summit

The Greater Virginia Peninsula Continuum of Care Council's Health Care Summit, The Needs of the Uninsured: A National Crisis - Local Solutions is on September 28, 2007, 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM at the Riverside Health System Conference Center, Riverside Regional Hospital 500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News, Virginia. The Summit is free, including continental breakfast and lunch. There is limited seating so please return the attached registration by September 19, 2007. Download the flyer/registration form by clicking here: http://www.gvpccc.org/healthcaresummitt.doc

CINCH Welcomes New Assistant Director

Please welcome Taegen McGowan who began her position as Assistant Director of CINCH on August 20th. We’ve been so busy that we haven’t had a chance to get a proper introduction out to the community. Many of you have had an opportunity to meet Taegen on one of our many work group meetings this month. She has also helped out with a variety of tasks and projects over the last several months. Taegen just completed her Master of Public Health degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Taegen has an extensive background in healthcare; primarily focused in Dermatology. She spent many years as surgical assistant and brings with her a good deal of insight on sun safety and skin cancer education. We had the opportunity to know Taegen as a student through her Masters Practicum which focused on identifying factors and barriers affecting sustained enrollment of the FAMIS programs. She recognizes the need for increased patient education and advocacy among all health topics. She believes that preventing illness and injury through education and advocacy should be a priority. She looks forward to a long and rewarding career improving the health and wellness of our children in Hampton Roads. Please take a moment to welcome Taegen to the CINCH family. She can be reached at 668-6495 or mcgowatl@evms.edu

National Asthma Guidelines Updated

Press release issued August 29, 2007 from the NHLBI regarding the new guidelines. Please go to http://public.nhlbi.nih.gov/newsroom/home/GetPressRelease.aspx?id=2442 for story.

Come Learn About Health Literacy and Access Partnership

Bon Secours Hampton Roads Faith Community Health Ministry Network presents a health literacy workshop by Candice Driskell, M.S., R.N., C.C.M., Executive Director, Access Partnership on Saturday, September 15, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Community Health and Education Resource Center, 2 Bernardine Drive, Newport News, VA 23602. FREE and open to the community! Nursing contact hours apply.

Health Literacy refers to the set of skills needed to read, understand, and act on basic health care information. According to the Center for Health Care Strategies, and National Academy on Aging Society, over 90 million adults with low health literacy skills have limited ability to read and understand the instructions contained on prescriptions or medicine bottles, appointment slips, informed consent documents, insurance forms, and health education materials.

To register: call Sharon Jones at (757) 886-6944 or email at SharonF_Jones@bshsi.com RSVP by September 7, 2007. Light refreshments served.

Issue Brief Identifies Practical Strategies to Reduce Health Care Disparities

From Policy to Action: Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities at the Ground LevelWhile health care disparities are well-documented, strategies to address these gaps in care are still evolving. A new issue brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) outlines practical strategies that states and managed care organizations are implementing to reduce health care disparities and improve quality.
The brief highlights the need for standardized collection of race, ethnicity and language data, culturally competent approaches, as well as the involvement and commitment of multiple stakeholders to advance the quality and value of health care services.
Download the issue brief.

CDC Launches Pre-Teen Vaccine Campaign

CDC Launches Pre-Teen Vaccine Campaign: The CDC′s Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign is designed to inform parents, caregivers, family physicians and pediatricians about CDC′s new vaccination recommendations for 11- and 12-year-olds. The three pre-teen vaccines include MCV4, which protects against meningitis and its complications; Tdap, which is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or "whooping cough," and for girls, the HPV vaccine, which protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer.

Research shows that pre-teens generally do not get preventive healthcare, visiting the doctor only when they are sick. One goal of this campaign is to encourage parents to take their pre-teens in for the recommended 11 or 12 year old check-up, which is endorsed by the American Academy for Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), in addition to CDC.

The campaign also seeks to provide caregivers and their health care providers with the latest information about pre-teen vaccines and the pre-teen check-up in the form of fact sheets and posters. It also includes outreach to mainstream and ethnic media, as well as the creation of partnerships with national and state organizations who reach parents and healthcare providers.

The campaign’s August 1st launch coincided with National Immunization Awareness Month in August, and included media events in New York City and Los Angeles. From August 1st though 3rd, Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) participated in media roundtables and desk side briefings about pre-teen immunization and the pre-teen medical check-up. Joining Dr. Schuchat in New York City was AAP’s President-Elect, Dr. Renee Jenkins. In Los Angeles, Dr. Schuchat was joined by Dr. Charles Wibbelsman, from AAP’s Committee on Adolescence. Together, they met or spoke with more than 40 members of the mainstream media including reporters from Family Circle Magazine, Parenting Magazine, CNN radio and Reuters. More than 20 reporters from the country's largest ethnic media outlets attended the minority media roundtables, providing coverage in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and in the African American, Middle Eastern and Caribbean communities. Also, Dr. Schuchat and Ms. Ana Rivera, from CDC's Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, were interviewed by more than 30 Spanish and English radio stations around the country.

The campaign’s Web site, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol/07gallery/default.htm, provides easy-to-understand, downloadable educational materials in English and Spanish for parents and healthcare providers about the vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

CDC Launches Pre-Teen Vaccine Campaign

CDC Launches Pre-Teen Vaccine Campaign: The CDC′s Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign is designed to inform parents, caregivers, family physicians and pediatricians about CDC′s new vaccination recommendations for 11- and 12-year-olds. The three pre-teen vaccines include MCV4, which protects against meningitis and its complications; Tdap, which is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or "whooping cough," and for girls, the HPV vaccine, which protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer.

Research shows that pre-teens generally do not get preventive healthcare, visiting the doctor only when they are sick. One goal of this campaign is to encourage parents to take their pre-teens in for the recommended 11 or 12 year old check-up, which is endorsed by the American Academy for Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), in addition to CDC.

The campaign also seeks to provide caregivers and their health care providers with the latest information about pre-teen vaccines and the pre-teen check-up in the form of fact sheets and posters. It also includes outreach to mainstream and ethnic media, as well as the creation of partnerships with national and state organizations who reach parents and healthcare providers.

The campaign’s August 1st launch coincided with National Immunization Awareness Month in August, and included media events in New York City and Los Angeles. From August 1st though 3rd, Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) participated in media roundtables and desk side briefings about pre-teen immunization and the pre-teen medical check-up. Joining Dr. Schuchat in New York City was AAP’s President-Elect, Dr. Renee Jenkins. In Los Angeles, Dr. Schuchat was joined by Dr. Charles Wibbelsman, from AAP’s Committee on Adolescence. Together, they met or spoke with more than 40 members of the mainstream media including reporters from Family Circle Magazine, Parenting Magazine, CNN radio and Reuters. More than 20 reporters from the country's largest ethnic media outlets attended the minority media roundtables, providing coverage in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and in the African American, Middle Eastern and Caribbean communities. Also, Dr. Schuchat and Ms. Ana Rivera, from CDC's Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, were interviewed by more than 30 Spanish and English radio stations around the country.

The campaign’s Web site, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol/07gallery/default.htm, provides easy-to-understand, downloadable educational materials in English and Spanish for parents and healthcare providers about the vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

Immunization Education & Training

Upcoming Broadcasts, Webcasts and Netconferences: Please mark your calendars for upcoming broadcasts and webcasts from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD):

September 13, 2007, 12 Noon – 1:00 PM EST, New Influenza Vaccine Recommendations (Netconference)
October 11, 2007, 12 Noon – 1:00 PM EST, Travel Health Issues Including Malaria (Netconference)
December 13, 2007, Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (Satellite Broadcast)

More information about these and other training opportunities can be found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/default.htm.

Please email CINCH for information on which LOCAL health departments may be hosting a satellite link. CINCH@evms.edu

New CINCH Staff: Penny Smith, Child Health Insurance Outreach Coordinator

Please welcome Penny Smith, who starts today as the new Child Health Insurance (Project Connect) Program Outreach Coordinator. Penny brings to our team experience as a county youth outreach and program coordinator with Washing ton State University, Michigan State University and the University of Idaho. She has earned her Practical nursing license in 2006 in Virginia and has been working as an LPN in Norfolk. As a former classroom teacher and Teacher's Trainer with the U. S. Peace Corps, Penny has long recognized the need for comprehensive health care as the essential element in both physical and emotional development of our children. Penny has extensive experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community programming that will be an asset to CINCH’s Project Connect.

We are very excited to have Penny join our team and Project Connect Program. I’m sure that all of our partners will enjoy her easy manner and passion for children’s health. Please take a moment to welcome Penny to CINCH. You can contact Penny at SmithPE@evms.edu or 668-6447.

Access Partnership - Annual membership Meeting.

Save the Date - Access Partnership will hold an annual membership meeting on Friday, November 9, 2007 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the Chesapeake Lifestyle Center (N. Battlefield Blvd.). For more info contact: c.driskell@accesspartners.org

Free Websites for Non-Profits

From Access Partnership E-News Flash:

Ron Peterson @ Designers Pro would like to offer free websites to non-profit organizations. The websites will be custom made up to 3 pages. It will Include a Homepage, About Us, and Contact Us page. The sites will be very professional in look and feel and is perfect for organizations that are just starting or have no funds for a website. The name of your would be as follows Ex.designerspro.com/yoursite "yoursite" will be replaced with the name of your organization. There will never be a charge or fee of any kind and we will not try and get you to buy anything. You can upgrade but that is not the purpose of this offer. This is a great way to get a very professional looking starter site at no cost. Thank you and God Bless, Ron Peterson, CEO www.designerspro.com (804)837-2238

(Please note that CINCH posts this only as a resource. We do not endorse this company or their work and really don't know anything about them. Please let us know if you use them and like it!)

Free Skills Building Course: Program Infrastructure and Management for Community Health Promotion and Education

News Flash - From Access Partnership
Free Skills Building Course: Program Infrastructure and Management for Community Health Promotion and Education

My Brother's Keeper, funded through The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Minority Health, would like to extend an invitation to a FREE skills building course Program Infrastructure and Management for Community Health Promotion and Education, scheduled for Wednesday AND Thursday, September 26-27, in Norfolk, VA. This two-day course provides tools for designing, implementing, and evaluating a prevention program geared toward the African-American community. A formal invitation letter, a skills building course application, and course description have been attached for your review. If you are interested in attending this course please contact AngelaJohnson for a course application by email to ajohnson@mbk-inc.org. Applications must be received by Friday, August 31, 2007. Once the completed application is received and reviewed, participants will be contacted with confirmation of registration. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Angela Johnson, Program Coordinator, at 601-957-3625, ext. 108. Please feel free to distribute this invitation to collaborators and partners in your area who may also benefit from this course. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Natille E. Duncan, MSEd, MIT Specialist, CBA 2
Project My Brother's Keeper, Inc.
Phone: (601) 957-3625, Ext. 109 Fax: (601) 957-3640
nduncan@mbk-inc.org
www.mbk-inc.org




















Community Events on the Peninsula




















Free Website Information
Dedicated to bringing health care to all residents of Greater Hampton Roads so that anyone in need of care will not have to go without.

Impact of Medicaid Citizenship and Identity Requirements

We thought our members might be interested in the follow information and links to reports:

SUBJECT: Impact of Medicaid Citizenship and Identity Requirements

The following acronyms are used in this broadcast:
DMAS –Department of Medical Assistance Services
LDSS – Local Departments of Social Services

One year after the implementation of the federal Medicaid rule requiring documentation of United States citizenship and identification as a requirement for Medicaid eligibility, it appears that the rule has had the unintended consequence of creating barriers to Medicaid enrollment for eligible United States citizens. Proponents of the citizenship and identity requirement had originally believed that these requirements would prevent or limit non-citizens of the United States from accessing public financial assistance for medical services.

Reports from the states as well as the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicate that Medicaid enrollment has declined dramatically nationwide due to the requirement, as apparently eligible individuals continue to experience difficulties securing needed documentation. In addition, many states that had initiated simplified Medicaid enrollment processes, such as encouraging the use of mail-in applications, find that these simplification procedures are no longer as effective. The requirement to provide original documentation of citizenship and identity has led to a significant increase in the numbers of individuals making apersonal visit to their local departments of social services.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services recently attributed a decrease in the enrollment of children in Virginia’s FAMIS PLUS and SCHIP Medicaid Expansion to the citizenship and identity requirements. Between July 1, 2006 (the implementation date of the new documentation requirements) and June 30, 2007, the program experienced a net reduction of 9,527 children. Enrollment of children in FAMIS, which is not currently impacted by the citizenship and identity requirements, is reported to have increased by 3,818 children during that same time period.

The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) has published a report on the impact of these new requirements entitled, “Unintended Consequences: The Impact of New Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirements on Virginia’s Children.” Parents surveyed for the report cited an approximate four month delay in obtaining Medicaid benefits for their children due to the barriers created by the citizenship and identity requirements. Parents also reported increased use of hospital emergency rooms for their children’s health care during that time. A survey taken by VHCF of parents who had applied for Medicaid for their children reported that 65% of noninsured children with a pending Medicaid application had some type of health care need that required medical attention while waiting to be enrolled in Medicaid.

The VHCF Report and the GAO Report can be found at the following websites:
http://www.vhcf.org/ and http://www.gao.gov/, respectively.

You can help by relaying the impact of the citizenship and identity requirements and can be an important resource to their local governing bodies and public officials as dialogue continues within Virginia communities regarding individuals’ access to government services. We encourage you to share this information with your local government officials.

Opinion Poll: Nine in 10 Voters Want SCHIP Reauthorized

Opinion Poll: Nine in 10 Voters Want SCHIP Reauthorized

Poll Measures Public Perceptions of the State Children's Health Insurance ProgramA new poll released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that Americans overwhelmingly support the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides states with federal funds to design health insurance programs for vulnerable children.
In this national survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, nearly nine in 10 voters say they support reauthorizing SCHIP. In addition, a clear majority of survey participants support expanding the program's budget by an additional $35 billion over five years.
Read the news release.
View the full report.
From the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation email alert on: Health Insurance Coverage.

CINCH ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT: SCHIP Reauthorization

Say YES to children!
Key recess messages
(1) As our children head back to school, Congress must help
make sure that young people have the health coverage they need
to succeed. Congress can do this by passing a strong $50 billion
SCHIP reauthorization. Six million children rely on SCHIP and
another five million uninsured low-income children would be
covered by new funding. These are God’s children – they need
our support.
(2) As people of faith, we will not tolerate politicians playing
politics with our children. We are all judged by how we treat the
least among us, especially innocent children. SCHIP has been a
great success with strong bi-partisan support since it began. The
faith community expects Congress and the President to say YES
to covering our children before SCHIP ends on September 30.

Responses to false and misleading claims
They say: The House bill cuts Medicare benefits for seniors to fund children’s health
􀃖We say: The House bill strengthens Medicare by reducing overpayments to insurance
companies, which is why it is supported by the AARP, the nation’s leading advocate for
seniors, and many other seniors’ organizations throughout the country. The House bill
eliminates windfalls to insurance companies while significantly improving the program
for all participants, a win-win for America’s children and seniors.
They say: The House bill expands health coverage to children in families earning $80,000.
􀃖We say: The bill sends needed funds to states to cover 5 million low-income children.
As private insurance has gotten more expensive, one state with high costs (New York)
offers subsidized coverage to uninsured children in higher income families. The
real story is that more than 9 of 10 children in SCHIP are in low-income families
earning less than $41,000, for a family of four.
They say: The bill allows illegal aliens to get government-funded health care.
􀃖We say: This is quite simply a false and misleading claim. Undocumented immigrants
are not eligible for insurance benefits under SCHIP or Medicaid. Neither the House nor
Senate bill changes this policy.
The House bill gives states the option to provide coverage to legally documented
immigrant children, a change that is widely supported by local and state officials
from both parties. The House and Senate bills give states more flexibility in how
they determine citizenship. This fixes a problem that has kept tens of thousands
of U.S. citizens from obtaining coverage. This change removes a barrier to
eligible children, but does not open SCHIP or Medicaid to undocumented children.
They say: This is a vast expansion of government health care, paving the way to
socialized medicine.
􀃖We say: This is about living up to our commitment to this nation’s children and
reducing the number of uninsured children from 9 million to 4 million – something
we can all be proud of. Families understand that it is getting harder to obtain
affordable coverage for their children. SCHIP has worked successfully
over the past ten years to reduce the number of uninsured children by
one-third without disrupting the health care system. SCHIP covers
children who would otherwise be uninsured and it is administered
through private insurance contractors, not government agencies. It
has had bi-partisan support since it was created.
They say: An increase in the federal tobacco tax hurts low-income people
􀃖We say: Tobacco taxes are a proven deterrent to youth smoking.
Raising the federal tobacco tax will save the lives of tens of thousands
of people, while saving all of us billions of dollars in unneeded medical
costs. Congress relied on tobacco tax revenue to create SCHIP in
1997 and should use it again to strengthen the program.
For more information visit www.coverallchildren.org

Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure.

Take Action Now!

Support FIT Kids Today for a Healthier Tomorrow
Congress took an important step in the efforts to ensure a healthier generation of school kids by introducing the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act). The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Kind (D-WI), Wamp (R-TN), and Inslee (D-WA), amends the No Child Left Behind Act to support quality physical education for all public school children. In 2004, more than nine million children and adolescents, ages 6 to 19, were considered overweight and an estimated 20 percent of American children are expected to be obese by 2010. Experts agree that a critical component to overcoming this epidemic is to get kids moving more and to teach them how to live healthy lifestyles. Yet, physical education is being cut back on in schools all across the country. The FIT Kids Act will address this decline, as well as ensure that children receive important health and nutritional information. Send your message asking for your representative's support today!

The following communication will be sent to the federal or state legislators that are matched to your home address:
As your constituent and an American Heart Association You’re the Cure Advocate, I wish to thank you for introducing the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act of 2007 (H.R. 3257). As you know, we need to amend No Child Left Behind Act to encourage public schools to provide regular and quality physical education and activity for all students through the twelfth grade, and to hold them accountable for meeting national standards. The FIT Kids Act does just that.

Please enter your personal story here:
I am most concerned that we are facing a childhood obesity epidemic in this country. The Department of Health and Human Services’ forecasts that, three years from now, one out of five children and youth in the United States will be obese. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults, putting these young people increased risk for heart disease, stroke and other diseases later in life. Yet, as you know, schools are cutting back on physical education: from 1991 to 2003, enrollment of high school students in daily PE classes fell from 41.6 percent to 28.4 percent. I worry that this means that fewer children are learning about healthy lifestyles, and fewer are physically active during the school day.The FIT Kids Act will help ensure that schools work towards national standards for PE. It will make sure that parents know about the quality and quantity of physical education in their children’s schools. It will further ensure appropriate professional development for health and physical education teachers. And it will fund research and a pilot program to support effective ways to combat childhood obesity and improve healthy living and physical activity for all children. Through these measures, the FIT Kids Act is a comprehensive package for addressing childhood obesity.The FIT Kids Act is a critical step in arresting the childhood obesity epidemic. I am delighted that my member of Congress in the House of Representatives is a leader on this issue. Thank you again.

As your constituent and an American Heart Association You’re the Cure advocate, I urge you to cosponsor the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act of 2007 (H.R. 3257), sponsored by Rep. Kind and Rep. Wamp. This bill amends the No Child Left Behind Act to encourage public schools to provide regular and quality physical education and activity for all students through the twelfth grade and hold them accountable for meeting national standards.

Covering Kids and Families: Communications Action Center

Covering Kids and Families: Communications Action Center

Covering Kids and Families, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a national health access initiative for low-income, eligible, uninsured children and adults. The Communications Action Center is a comprehensive training center with information on planning communication and outreach efforts to enroll eligible uninsured children in Medicaid or SCHIP. A number of useful resources such as: educational tool kits, how to place public service announcements, how to engage the business community, and fundraising tutorials are available on their Web site. These resources can be helpful in planning campaigns while focusing on communication and outreach education. You can access this information online at: http://coveringkidsandfamilies.org/actioncenter.

Rally for Children’s Health

Don’t let Virginia’s kids lose FAMIS coverage!!
We need you to get fired up about SCHIP Reauthorization!

SCHIP (FAMIS in Virginia) must be reauthorized by Congress in less than 60 days or 82,000 kids could lose their FAMIS coverage!

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected 10 states in which to sponsor major press events to highlight the benefits of SCHIP. Virginia is one of the 10!! The Virginia Health Care Foundation, in partnership with DMAS, is coordinating this event and WE WANT YOU THERE!!!

WHAT: Rally for Children’s Health

WHEN: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Children’s Hospital, 2924 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23220

WHO: Speakers include: Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marilyn Tavenner; Delegate Phil Hamilton; Thomas R. Byrd, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia; Princess Moss, President, Virginia Education Association and a FAMIS family.

You have worked so hard with us to make FAMIS work for Virginia’s kids. Join us to ensure it keeps working!

Mark your calendar. Tell your friends. Be There!

Call us if you have questions, and please RSVP to me if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks,
Jen

Jen Johnson, Child Health Program Manager & Trainer, Virginia Health Care Foundation
707 East Main Street, Suite 1350, Richmond, VA 23219,
Ph: 804-828-5804 Fax: 804-828-4370, Jen@vhcf.org, www.vhcf.org

Cold Medicines Dangerous for Infants

Cold Medicines Dangerous for Infants

Dosing mistakes killed three, sent 1,500 to ER, CDC report finds.

For more information:

http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=600924

For information on treating colds in infants:
http://www.aap.org/patiented/coldsandyoungchild.htm

Human Trafficking - Information

From Mary Wilt, CINCH member & Chairperson of the Children with Special Health Care Needs Work Group:

I thought some of you might find this useful information--please feel free to pass it along. Please accept my apologies if you already have this resource. I saw a presentation at a recent conference from the National Human Trafficking Office and learned a lot from the Health Providers Checklist (and other materials). I am sadly afraid that I may have interviewed a victim of human trafficking at some time in my career and missed the telltale signs.

The Health Provider information is here:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/campaign_kits/index.html

But there is a lot of other good information available at the website as well:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/index.html

mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mary Wilt, BSN, RN, CCM
Care Coordinator, Loving Steps Program, EVMS
757-446-6109 (ph)
WiltMK@evms.edu

PATH Vaccine Resources Library

PATH Vaccine Resources Library

PATH’s Vaccine Resources Library provides scientifically accurate information on vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases, and topics in immunization for parents, practitioners, and public health officials. The Vaccine Resources Library can be accessed by visiting http://www.path.org/vaccineresources/.

Newly Redesigned Nonprofit Good Practice Guide

Newly Redesigned Nonprofit Good Practice Guide

The Nonprofit Good Practice Guide offers an abundance of resources on evaluation, financial management, fundraising, marketing, organizational management and more. The Nonprofit Good Practice Guide can be accessed at http://www.npgoodpractice.org/.

CDC Launches Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign

CDC Launches Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign, August 1.

CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases launches a Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign aimed at promoting vaccination of pre-teens (11-12 year olds) to protect against serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and cervical cancer. The campaign also promotes the 11 to 12 year old medical check-up. Target audiences include African-American, Caucasian and Hispanic parents of 11 and 12 year olds and healthcare providers (pediatricians, family physicians, and nurses) who regularly see pre-teens. Campaign materials include flyers, posters, banner ads, and web content about pre-teen vaccines and the pre-teen medical check-up. For more information about the campaign or to view educational materials, visithttp://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol.htm.

8th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions (NCIHC)

Dear CINCH members - we highly recommend attendance at this conference. This conference presents coalition specific training, speakers, and presentations.

The 8th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions (NCIHC) will be held in San Francisco, CA from May 21-23, 2008!

This interactive and energizing conference brings together doctors, nurses, volunteers, public health, academic, business and nonprofit professionals, policy makers, community advocates, students, health educators, and other members and leaders of immunization and health coalitions nationally and internationally. The objectives of the conference are to teach participants practical ways to help coalitions thrive and to facilitate interaction with leaders of successful coalitions working to improve health in their respective communities. The program will educate and motivate participants on proven techniques and skills to build sustainable Coalitions and public/private partnerships across health issues in order to achieve collective goals. The conference will emphasize collaboration as a way to improve immunization protection, prevent disease, increase health access, reduce health disparities, educate new populations, build community health infrastructure, and improve important health outcomes across the lifespan.
To see and distribute the conference Save the Date, please click here http://izta.org/coalitionresources/save%20the%20date%202%20NCIHC.pdf.

Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia Presents: The Art of Debt Management - FREE CLASS

CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA
Presents: THE ART OF DEBT MANAGEMENT (open to the general public)

Debt Management Classes - No Cost financial training provided by Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia, a non-profit United Way Agency.

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CLASSES start: Wednesday, August 31, 2005; 6 pm - 9pm; 222 West 19th Street, Norfolk, VA23517. Note: the entire class is three hours long; the same content will be presented every Wednesday.

"All you need to know about Debt Management" includes: basic budgeting, identifying financial values and goals, understanding your credit report and the options to consider in resolving your debt concerns. This class will be interactive and fun, as well as educational. You will have the option of receiving a FREE CREDIT REPORT when you attend.

To reserve a seat in the class, call 625-2227 ext. 117 and leave your contact information. We will return your call to confirm your enrollment.

SCHIP VOTES EXPECTED THIS WEEK - ACTION ALERT

Crunch Time for Congress!
SCHIP legislation will be considered by Congress this week in the House and Senate!

WE NEED CALLS TO BOTH SENATORS AND ALL VIRGINIA MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.

SENATE UPDATE: With a strong bipartisan vote, the Senate Finance Committee adopted a SCHIP bill that included a $35 billion expansion funded by a 61 cent increase in the federal tobacco tax (bringing the tax to a dollar per pack of cigarettes). Many have pointed out that cigarette taxes are regressive, but others have argued that this is the only funding mechanism that will produce anything close to bipartisan agreement in Congress. The full Senate vote will be this week!

HOUSE UPDATE: The House Ways and Means Committee worked into Thursday night and Friday morning to approve a broader bill called “CHAMPS” that would include a $50 billion SCHIP expansion and a 45 cent increase in the federal tobacco tax. The House bill also would end the federal government's practice of paying more for people using Medicare Advantage (HMOs within Medicare that tend to attract healthier people) than it does for traditional Medicare. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over SCHIP, got bogged down in political maneuvering on Friday, and the Chairman decided to send the bill to the House floor without a committee vote. The House could vote on the bill early this week!

RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT’S VETO THREAT: The President has threatened to veto this legislation, saying it represents an expansion of the government that will "crowd out" private insurance. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has pointed out that most of the children who would get health insurance under the bills are those who already meet the eligibility requirements but are not enrolled, and that the majority by far are children who would otherwise not have health insurance. 96,000 uninsured children in Virginia are eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP but are not enrolled. The SCHIP legislation would fund their insurance and allow for growth in Virginia ’s program.

ACTION NEEDED: Calls to ALL Virginia members of Congress. They all need to hear from constituents!

THE MESSAGE: “PLEASE PUT CHILDREN FIRST! SUPPORT THE SCHIP BILL! PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE TO 96,000 UNINSURED CHILDREN IN VIRGINIA !”

Phone Fax Email / Website*

Senator John Warner (R) 202-224-2023 202-224-6295 www.warner.senate.gov

Senator Jim Webb (D) 202-224-4024 202-228-6363 www.webb.senate.gov

Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-1st) 202-225-4261 202-225-4382 http://joanndavis.house.gov

Rep. Thelma Drake (R-2nd) 202-225-4215 202-225-4218 http://drake.house.gov

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd) 202-225-8351 202-225-8354 bobby.scott@mail.house.gov

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-4th) 202-225-6365 202-226-1170 www.house.gov/forbes/

Rep. Virgil Goode (I-5th) 202-225-4711 202-225-5681 www.house.gov/goode/

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-6th) 202 225-5431 202-225-9681 www.house.gov/goodlatte

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-7th) 202-225-2815 202-225-0011 http://cantor.house.gov

Rep. James Moran (D-8th) 202-225-4376 202-225-0017 http://moran.house.gov

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-9th) 202-225-3861 202-225-0442 ninthnet@mail.house.gov

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) 202-225-5136 202-225-0437 www.house.gov/wolf

Rep. Tom Davis (R-11th) 202-225-1492 202-225-3071 http://tomdavis.house.gov

DON’T DELAY! PLEASE MAKE YOUR CALLS TODAY!
Thank you!
Jill
Jill A. Hanken, Staff Attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center, 700 E. Franklin St . Suite 14T1, Richmond , VA 23219, 804-782-9430 ext. 13, 804-649-0974 (fax), jill@vplc.org

North Carolina School Officials Pursue Multi-Faceted Student Wellness Program

From RWJF email news:

North Carolina School Officials Pursue Multi-Faceted Student Wellness Program
Jul 25, 2007
Officials for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system in North Carolina are broadening their efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among children and curb rising childhood obesity rates, the Winston-Salem Journal reports. Last September, school officials partnered with Forsyth County Medical Center to measure the body mass indices (BMIs) of nearly 12,500 students in first, fourth, seventh and ninth grades and found that more than 40 percent were overweight or obese. Hoping to spur lifestyle changes, the system superintendent sent letters to the parents of students with high BMIs recommending that parents consult with their child's pediatrician. Officials also are working to increase the amount of physical activity during the school day by encouraging teachers to conduct five-minute, in-class activities called "energizers" and helping teachers' integrate nutrition education or physical activity into academic lesson plans. In addition, elementary schools offer at least 30 minutes of physical education daily and abide by wellness policies established last year requiring the inclusion of healthy food options on cafeteria menus and discouraging the use of food for fundraisers and classroom parties. In tandem with the schools' efforts, Forsyth County Medical Center is encouraging local restaurants to participate in its KidSmart program, which recognizes restaurants that meet at least five of seven requirements such as offering fresh produce, skim milk and whole wheat bread as menu options, and requiring a parent's permission before refilling soft drinks for children younger than age 12. Officials hope the changes will empower students to make healthier eating decisions and maintain active lifestyles (Deaver and Giovanelli, Winston-Salem Journal, 7/25/07).

California Center for Physical Activity's Walk to School Headquarters

You might want to visit the California Center for Physical Activity's Walk to School Headquarters at http://www.caphysicalactivity.org/w2s-headquarters.html.

They have a lot of materials, in lots of languages, and helpful toolkits for starting a walking program.

CDC Vaccine Update Satellite Broadcast - Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Dept of Public Health will be hosting the

CDC Vaccine Update Satellite Broadcast

Thursday, August 9,2007
The broadcast will be shown twice that day. Please choose either:
9:00 am-11:30 am or 12:30 pm- 3:00pm

Topics include influenza, rotavirus, varicella and zoster vaccine. This educational program is provided free but registration is requested at http://www2a.cdc.gov/TCEOnline/ This ensures that adequate materials are available, and appropriate continuing edcation units can be obtained.

For information or questions please call Vicki Roberts at (757) 518-2716 or email Vicki.Roberts@vdh.virginia.gov

Kids in Cars - August Purple Ribbon Month

August is Purple Ribbon Month for reminding parents and caregivers on the dangers of leaving children unattended in and around vehicles.

Kids IN Cars' partner, 4RKidssake, heads up this incredible life saving technique. Hang a purple ribbon on a tree in your front yard, on your personal vehicle or even your work vehicle, on your mailbox and many other places. Wear a lapel pin every day of August and share our life saving message.

You will be amazed on how many people will ask you what the purple ribbon stands for.
What a great way to ensure the safety of our children nationwide.

So how do you get these ribbons? Simply reply to my email and provide an address.

Together we will save lives!

Becky Ball
Director of Virginia
Kids In Cars
703-304-1375
becky.ball@kidsincars.org
www.kidsincars.org

Health Care Listening Tour - Virginia Interfaith Center

Virginia Interfaith Center - Health Care Listening Tour

The Virginia Interfaith Center wants to hear what you have to say about Health Care in VA. Join us and help us construct a Health Care Bill of Rights for the Commonwealth.

Thursday, August 16th, 12:00pm- 1:00pm,
Norfolk YWCA - 5215 Colley Avenue – Norfolk 23508
(Please RSVP to 757-622-1429 for this meeting because light refreshments will be served.)

Thursday, August 16th, 6:00pm-7:00pm,
St. Mary’s Basilica - 232 Chapel Street – Norfolk 23504

Sunday, August 19th, 9:00am- 10:15am, Unitarian Universalist Church - 739 Yarmouth St. – Norfolk 23510

For More Information Contact Ryan Rinn: ryan@virginiainterfaithcenter.org or (804)643-2474.

Article: Overweight kids face early stigma, long-term problems

Article: Overweight kids face early stigma, long-term problems

From: CNN.com/health online news

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/07/12/diet.fatchildren.ap/index.html

Story Highlights
Kids as young as three more likely to think overweight kids are mean, stupid
Study finds overweight kids also face bias from parents, teachers and doctors
More efforts needed to protect obese kids from abuse, researcher says
Almost 50 percent of U.S. kids will be overweight by 2010, she says

Choosing Child Care for a Special Needs Child

Here is some good information for Special Needs Children:

Choosing Child Care for a Special Needs Child

Finding quality, affordable child care can be difficult for any parent. For those with a special needs child, it can also be a very confusing and emotional experience. Rebecca Freshour looks at what the law says, and what parents need to know to find care for their children.
http://www.connectforkids.org/node/5339

Drug treatment for Pediatric Obesity??

A study in the June 18 Early Release issue of Pediatrics found that sibutramine is effective for weight loss in adolescents aged 12-16 years. While sibutramine is investigational in adolescents, pediatric dosing has been approved for orlistat, a competitor drug.

Do you favor or oppose pharmacologic treatment of obesity in this age group? Please respond using the comments function.

SIGN'EM UP! FREE TRAINING

FAMILY ACCESS TO MEDICAL INSURANCE SECURITY (FAMIS)
FREE TRAINING

Please see the information below listing upcoming dates for Family Access To Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) training. The training is FREE but you do need to register on SurveyMonkey to ensure we have enough materials.

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
10:00 A.M.—12:00 P.M.
Workforce Development Center
201 E. Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA 23505
Link to register for Norfolk

MONDAY, JULY 16, 2007
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Virginia Beach Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA
Link to register for Virginia Beach

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Peninsula Health Center
416 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
Link to register for Newport News

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007
10:00 A.M.—12:00 P.M.
Social Services Building(Ph: 923-3000)
440 Market Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
Link to register for Suffolk

MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007
10:30 A.M.—12:30 P.M.
Churchland Branch Public Library(Ph: 686-2538)
3215 Academy Avenue
Portsmouth, VA
Link to register for Portsmouth

This workshop will provide detailed information on Virginia’s
Health Insurance Programs for Children (FAMIS, FAMIS Plus and
FAMIS Select) and Pregnant Women (Medicaid for Pregnant Women
and FAMIS Moms).

This workshop is for people who work with families who want to
know more about FAMIS or who need an update on recent changes.

If you have any questions or if you are having trouble with online registration, please contact Carol Jones, Sustainability Specialist, Consortium for Infant and Child Health at
(757) 668-6472.

Kids & Politics: Minding the Budget

From Connect for Kids Weekly Email:

Kids & Politics: Minding the Budget

Save the Date: Children's Budget Summit (July 20)Federal domestic spending on children has declined by 23 percent since 1960, according to the Urban Institute. To reverse this trend, Urban and the bipartisan advocacy organization First Focus are hosting this event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will include policy and communications experts and state groups that have successfully advocated for additional funding. RSVP to Emily Mah at Emily@firstfocus.net by July 9. For more on the federal budget and kids, check out:

KIDS' SHARE 2007: How Children Fare in the Federal Budget (Urban Institute)
Policy Agenda/Resources (First Focus)
How the Budget Affects You (Emergency Campaign for America's Priorities)
Budget Topic Page (Coalition on Human Needs)
Federal Budget Research (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

Connect for kids: http://www.connectforkids.org/

Early Childhood News and Tools - From Connect for Kids Weekly

Early Childhood News and Tools
Head Start Passes in Senate, Moves to Conference with House
On June 19th, the U.S. Senate passed its Head Start for School Readiness Act (S. 556). The House version of the bill, H.R. 1429, was passed on May 2nd. The differences in the two bills will be worked out in conference. The Child Welfare League of America says the bill, among other things:
Ends controversial standardized testing of 4-year-olds;
Increases the set-aside for Early Head Start;
Sets a "goal" that by September 2013, 50 percent of all center-based Head Start teachers in each state attain a Bachelor's degree.For more on the program, visit the official Head Start website.

How to Plan a Site Visit: Inviting Policymakers to See Your Work with Infants, Toddlers & Their Families
If a picture is worth a thousand words, showing someone your work firsthand can be worth even more. This advocacy tool from ZERO TO THREE helps early childhood workers learn about how site visits can connect policymakers' decisions to the faces of infants, toddlers, and families in the community.
Questions? Contact Debbie Rappaport at drappaport@zerotothree.org.For more information, join the ZERO TO THREE Policy Network (it's free). And visit the site to try out the interactive "baby brain map" and new School Readiness Interactive tools.

Supporting the Growth and Development of Babies in Child Care: What Does the Research Say?
Most infants and toddlers will spend some time in non-parental care during their early years, and research shows that secure relationships with parents and caregivers are of primary importance for cognitive, social, and emotional development. This Center for Law and Social Policy/ZERO TO THREE brief reviews existing research to make the case that state policies can promote quality early childhood experiences and promote healthy growth and development for kids in child care.

Connect for Kids: http://www.connectforkids.org/