Romina Barros, MD who was a fellow in the Montefiore/Albert Einstein Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics MCH Training program, had her fellowship project study published in the journal Pediatrics in February. The article is entitled School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior. The abstract for the article can be found at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/2/431. Authors: Romina M. Barros, MD, Ellen J. Silver, PhD and Ruth E. K. Stein, MD. Citation: PEDIATRICS Vol. 123 No. 2 February 2009, pp. 431-436.
Children's Dental Health Month Resource
Added: February 24, 2009
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) in collaboration with the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University released a new edition of the knowledge path about oral health for infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Presented in time for Children's Dental Health Month in February, this electronic guide points to resources that analyze data, describe effective programs, and report on policy and research aimed at improving access to and the quality of oral health care. The knowledge path contains sections with resources for professionals, resources for consumers, and resources on specific aspects of oral health. Topics include child care and Head Start, dental sealants, early childhood caries, fluoride varnish, K-12 education, pregnancy, school-based care, school evaluation mandates, and special health care needs. The knowledge path is available at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/knwpathoralhealth.html. Knowledge paths on other topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/.
MCHB Launches Combating Autism Web Site
Added: January 7, 2009
As part of the Combating Autism effort, HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau recently launched its Combating Autism web site at http://mchb.hrsa.gov/autism/. This site includes a list of MCHB funded activities and combating autism resources. HRSA's implementation of the Combating Autism Act of 2006 addresses some of the most urgent issues affecting people with autism and their families.
New National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families Has Been Established
Added: January 7, 2009
A new National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families has been established in Berkeley, California under the auspices of Through the Looking Glass, a non-profit organization founded in 1982. The Center will oversee several national research studies concerning parents with disabilities and their families, as well as provide consultations, trainings and publications to parents, family members and professionals.
The research and resources of the Center will address the nearly 9 million U.S. parents with disabilities - 15% of all American families. Parents with disabilities include mothers and fathers in all disability categories - such as parents with physical disabilities, deaf parents, blind parents, parents with psychiatric or cognitive disabilities. The Center is funded by a $500,000 per year federal grant for three years from the Washington, DC-based National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education.
The new Center will focus its research and resource activities on four critical areas that impact parents with disabilities: custody, family roles and personal assistance; paratransit; and, intervention with parents with cognitive disabilities and their children. One of the notable activities planned over the next three years is a scholarship program for high school seniors and college students whose parents have disabilities. The Center will be staffed by nationally recognized experts regarding parents with disabilities, most of whom have personal or family experience with disability or deafness.
More information about the Center and Through the Looking Glass is available at the organization's website www.lookingglass.org, through two toll-free numbers, 800-644-2666 (voice), 800-804-1616 (TDD/TTY), or by email at tlg@lookingglass.org.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health
Added: January 7, 2009
The Maternal and Child Health Library released a new edition of the knowledge path, Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health. The knowledge path points to recent resources about preventing, identifying, and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health.
Separate sections present resources for professionals (health professionals, program administrators, policymakers, researchers) and consumers. A special topics area lists resources about cultural and linguistic competence to remove barriers to care and narrow health disparities. The knowledge path is available at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_race.html. Knowledge paths on other maternal and child health (MCH) topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
UNC MCH Department Designated World Health Organization Collaborating Center
Added: January 7, 2009
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the department of maternal and child health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) as its newest Collaborating Center. The center, established in the department's home in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, will help the United Nations agency use the strongest and most comprehensive available research to promote and improve global reproductive health, reported Dr. Herbert B. Peterson, professor and chair of the maternal and child health department, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UNC School of Medicine and director of the new center.
"This is a classic win-win situation," said Dr. Peterson. "We're helping WHO achieve its global mission to promote cutting-edge reproductive polices, programs and practices, and it gives UNC the opportunity to lead the way in translating research into practice - which is one of the strengths of the Gillings School of Global Public Health."
The department is currently working with WHO through a major grant to develop and implement evidence-based guidance for global family planning efforts. Department faculty members, assistant professors Drs. Kelly Culwell and Emily Jackson are assigned to the agency's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to assist with these efforts.
The Carolina Breastfeeding Institute, led by Dr. Miriam Labbok, professor of the practice of public health in the department, will be part of the collaborating center, helping to discover and promote best practices for feeding infants worldwide.
Dr. Peterson said the center also will launch new activities to address issues in population and family planning related to international development goals and objectives, including environmental sustainability and elimination of poverty and hunger.
WHO Collaborating Centers have been established in various fields. Centers help develop common terms, technologies, methods, procedures and ways to collect data, which allows for better understanding and easier data comparison between international researchers.
University of South Dakota LEND trainee and faculty members contribute article to the journal Nutrition and Clinical Practice.
Added: December 3, 2008
The journal Nutrition and Clinical Practice recently published in their December 2008 issue an article by University of South Dakota LEND faculty members Dennis Stevens and Kendra Kattelmann and trainee Jennifer Sneve. The article entitled Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Team That Includes a Registered Dietitian in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Improved Nutrition Outcomes was the result of a University of South Dakota LEND Trainee project conducted by Jennifer Sneve two years ago. The online version of this article can be found at http://ncp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/23/6/630.
MCH Library Releases New Edition of Domestic Violence Knowledge Path
Added: October 20, 2008
The Maternal and Child Health Library released a new edition of the knowledge path, Domestic Violence. This electronic resource guide has been released in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The knowledge path points to recent resources about identifying and responding to domestic violence within the home and the community. Separate sections identify resources for families and resources about children exposed to domestic violence; dating violence among adolescents; and violence between gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender partners.
The Maternal and Child Health Library released a new edition of the Community Services Locator, an online directory for finding services for children and families in the communities in which they live. The locator may be used by service providers and families to find available services for child care and early childhood education, education and special needs, family support, financial support, health and wellness, and parenting. A new A-Z Resources and Services Index offers another avenue for navigating the locator and the library's Web site. Please view the locator online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_community.html.
Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents Knowledge Path Now Available
Added: July 14, 2008
The Maternal and Child Health Library released a new edition of the knowledge path, Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents. The knowledge path offers a guide to recent resources about the prevention, identification, management, and treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in homes, schools, and communities. Separate sections identify resources for families, schools and after-school programs, and child care settings. Another section presents resources about the impact of media use. View the knowledge path online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_overweight.html. Knowledge paths on other MCH topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
The National Center for Cultural Competence Announces Revised and Improved Curricula Enhancement Modules
Added: July 1, 2008
The National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) completed modifications and updates to its curricula enhancement module web site at http://www.NCCCcurricula.info that include the following.
The registration and the navigation for the site were restructured to streamline user access to key content and to eliminate technical difficulties.
Cultural and Linguistic Competence: Rationale, Conceptual Frameworks, and Values is now a separate module, and returning users can navigate with much greater ease directly to the other Modules.
New resources have been added to the Cultural Awareness module, including a training clip with PowerPoint and audio accompaniment on What is Culture , presented by Vivian H. Jackson, Ph.D., NCCC faculty. Additional training clips using this format with be launched during the year.
Preconception and Pregnancy Knowledge Path Now Available
Added: May 19, 2008
The Maternal and Child Health Library released a new knowledge path edition, Preconception and Pregnancy. The knowledge path offers an electronic guide to current resources that analyze perinatal health statistics, describe effective prenatal care programs, and report on research aimed at improving access to and quality of prenatal care and improving perinatal health outcomes. Separate sections list consumer health resources and resources on specific aspects of preconception and pregnancy: childbirth, depression, drug and alcohol use, environmental concerns, fertility and infertility, nutrition, oral health, and tobacco use. View the path online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_pregnancy.html. Knowledge paths on other maternal and child health topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
The MCH Library Releases Child and Adolescent Nutrition Knowledge Path
Added: April 28, 2008
The Maternal and Child Health Library released a new knowledge path, Nutrition: Children and Adolescents. The knowledge path offers a guide to recent resources that analyze data, describe public-awareness campaigns and other health-promotion programs, and report on research aimed at identifying promising strategies for improving nutrition and eating behaviors within families, schools, and communities. Separate sections identify resources for professionals, resources for families, and resources on specific aspects of child and adolescent nutrition. Topics include child care and early childhood education, food marketing to children, food safety, food-security and nutrition-assistance programs, and school-based nutrition education and food services. View the path online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_childnutr.html. Knowledge paths on other maternal and child health topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
Vanderbilt Education Program Unites Disciplines
Added: April 28, 2008
Vanderbilt Education Program Unites Disciplines. (2006, May 23). The ASHA Leader, 11(7), 5.
Vanderbilt University has started a unique program that will conduct joint training for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and deaf educators to enhance their work with infants and young children with hearing loss. In core courses, students of these three disciplines will train together in Vanderbilt's Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences (DHHS) while continuing separate courses specific to their disciplines.
"To my knowledge, this will be the only program that educates all three disciplines in the same department," said Anne Marie Tharpe, an associate professor in the department. The program also will offer a master's of science in education of the deaf along with the degrees that have always been offered, including the PhD, the AuD, and the master's in speech-language pathology.
"We already have the specialty tracks started and our first deaf education students will start in fall of 2006," she said. After this year, the SLPs, audiologists, and deaf educators will begin their joint courses.
Tharpe previously had a grant to support a program in multidisciplinary training of speech-language pathology, audiology, and deaf education students in the area of cochlear implants in children. The grant, which ran for eight years, sparked interest by a private foundation to support a similar program in the broader area of identification and management of infants and young children with hearing loss.
The foundation, which wants to remain anonymous, has committed to support the program for five years. However, Tharpe said Vanderbilt intends to run the program indefinitely.
This new master's program in deaf education is one of many new programs that Vanderbilt's DHHS has developed through its new National Center for Childhood Deafness and Family Communication within the Bill Wilkerson Center. Prior to this, undergraduates in the Department of Special Education could pursue an emphasis in deaf education but a master's degree was unavailable.
"We believe that our new master's of science in education of the deaf degree will serve to strengthen the undergraduate program and vice versa," Tharpe said. "I think that those of us who work with young deaf and hard-of-hearing children are aware of the importance of teamwork with this population."
Such training is especially true when working with children who have cochlear implants. All involved in this work need an understanding of implant candidacy issues, as well as cohesive intervention approaches between the teacher and SLP, maintenance and trouble shooting of the device, and consistent support and counseling for the families of these children, she said.
Archived Webcast on Preparations for Upcoming MCH Training All-Grantee Meeting Now Available
The Commonwealth Fund Releases Manual on Selecting Developmental Screening Instruments in Primary Care
Added: February 26, 2008
The Commonwealth Fund has released a new manual on selecting developmental screening instruments in primary care. Developed by Dennis Drotar, Ph.D., Terry Stancin, Ph.D., and Paul Dworkin, M.D., "Pediatric Developmental Screening: Understanding and Selecting Screening Instruments" helps providers choose and apply the structured screening method that is most appropriate for their practice setting. The manual is based on an extensive review of scientific research on available developmental screening instruments.
Part I of the manual is designed to help practitioners define their screening needs. Part II includes a series of guides that compare screening instruments with respect to clinical utility, and sensitivity and specificity in different populations and at various ages. For more information, please visit http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=614864.
New Edition of Knowledge Path on Oral Health and Pregnant Women, Infants, Children, and Adolescents Now Available
Added: February 19, 2008
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) in collaboration with the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University released a new edition of its knowledge path about oral health and pregnant women, infants, children, and adolescents. Presented in time for Children's Dental Health Month in February, this electronic resource guide points to resources that analyze data, describe programs, and report on policy and research aimed at improving access to and the quality of oral health care. Separate sections identify resources on specific aspects of oral health including child care and Head Start, dental sealants, early childhood caries, fluoride varnish, K-12 education, pregnancy, and school-based care. A separate section lists oral health resources for consumers. The knowledge path is available at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/knwpathoralhealth.html. Knowledge paths on other topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
AHRQ's HSRProg Database Available Through National Library of Medicine
Added: February 19, 2008
HSRProj provides information about ongoing health services research projects sponsored by leading Federal agencies and private foundations. Users can retrieve records on the projects AHRQ currently funds by browsing or searching on the sponsoring agency listings for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Free access to the database is available through the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hsrproj/.
MCH Leadership Skills Development Series Now On-Line and Fully Functional
Added: February 19, 2008
The Women's and Children's Health Policy Center is pleased to announce the availability of the MCH Leadership Skills Development Series at www.jhsph.edu/wchpc/MCHLDS.
The MCHLDS is made up of leadership skills training modules that allow users to implement their own leadership skills training program-in their own time frame, on their own turf, with easy-to-use materials available on the web free of charge. The modules bring leadership concepts to life in an MCH context through a mix of video, interactive group discussion questions and exercises, case study, and individual self-reflection and planning exercises.
Three modules are available online now:
Module 1: Tapping Into Your Leadership Potential
Module 2: Creating Clarity and Shared Vision
Module 3: Building And Supporting Teams
Module 4: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution will be available in Spring 2008.
By providing access to fundamental concepts of leadership, with examples and exercises specific to the MCH context, the Center hopes to empower MCH professionals and students-emerging leaders at all levels of career and organizational development-to respond in new ways to the daily challenges of work and commit new energy to the achievement of MCH goals.
The Maternal and Child Health Leadership Skills Development Series is a publication of the Women's and Children's Health Policy Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
MCH Library Releases New Knowledge Path on Children and Adolescents with Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Challenges
Added: November 1, 2007
The MCH Library recently released a new knowledge path on children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. This electronic resource guide taps into the health, education, social services, and juvenile justice literature to present current, high-quality resources on the topic. The knowledge path was produced by the MCH Library to complement Knowledge Path: Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Children and Adolescents. The new path identifies tools for staying abreast of new developments in mental health care and for conducting further research. Separate sections contain resources for families and schools and resources about specific emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. View the knowledge path online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_Mental_Conditions.html.
Online Modules of Pediatrics in Practice Now Accredited for CME and CE.
Added: October 15, 2007
The online interactive modules of Pediatrics in Practice (www.pediatricsinpractice.org) are now accredited for CME and CE by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Focusing on health promotion and faculty development, the website features fully re-designed Learning, Teaching, and Practice Centers.
Accredited modules on various Bright Futures concepts (e.g., Health Promotion, Time Management, and Advocacy) are available in the LEARNING CENTER, with additional health promotion modules on Health, Partnership, Communication, Education, and Cultural Competency to be released soon.
The TEACHING CENTER offers several online learner-centered teaching modules (i.e., Brainstorming, Buzz Group, Case Discussion, Mini-Presentation, Reflective Exercise, Role Play, and Promoting a Learner Centered Approach), as well as the entire Pediatrics in Practice Health Promotion Curriculum for Child Health Professionals available for purchase or by download.
The PRACTICE CENTER is under development and slated to include additional valuable health promotion resources, videos, and models of best practice.
The health promotion materials were recently reviewed in the APA newsletter:
"[Pediatrics in Practice] will be a useful and popular resource for all of us who care for families with children. It is accurate, easy to read and use, and well-indexed. Try it!" - Elizabeth Hillman, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Canada in her book review (Ambulatory Pediatric Association Newsletter, Spring 2007;43 (3):31-32).
MCH Library Releases New Knowledge Path on Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Children and Adolescents
Added: September 21, 2007
The MCH Library released a new knowledge path, Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Children and Adolescents. This electronic guide presents resources by age group (infants and young children, school-age children, adolescents) and on topics such as developmental stages; factors that impact social and emotional development; policies and programs to promote social and emotional well-being in homes and community settings; and strategies for integrating health, development, and education services. A section containing resources for families is also included. View the path online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_Mental_Healthy.html.
University of Iowa Offers R.E.A.C.H Program for Young Adults with Multiple Learning and Cognitive Disabilities
Added: August 14, 2007
The University of Iowa is proud to offer the R.E.A.C.H Program, specifically designed to meet the needs of young adults with multiple learning and cognitive disabilities.
Students can be empowered to live full and meaningful lives. This program enriches the abilities and skills necessary for individuals to become productive, independent, and fully participating adults in their communities.
Access to institutions of higher learning provides students the opportunity to pass through the barriers of income, ethnicity, or disability and enjoy the benefits of college life. These opportunities are fundamental to achieving one’s dreams and becoming a full participant in today’s society.
Full inclusion in all campus community activities is the hallmark and philosophy of the R.E.A.C.H Program. Through instruction and support in all aspects of students' lives, R.E.A.C.H creates an environment fostering autonomy and independence.
R.E.A.C.H has been developed as a two year, post-secondary education program located on the campus of The University of Iowa. Education focuses on academic skill building; community life skills, socialization, and independent living skills development; and career preparation and development. Learning experiences include small group class instruction, living in University residence halls, and working at job sites with mentoring from job coaches. All students will have a plan tailored to meet individual needs and goals. Support services will be in place to insure student success in all they do.
Web-Based Learning Module Related To Genetic Awareness
Added: July 16, 2007
The Virginia LEND Program in collaboration with Instructional Technology in the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed a web-based learning module related to genetic awareness. Recent research and advances in genetics, such as the Human Genome Project, have increased knowledge of the role genetics plays in genetic syndromes associated with a variety of disabilities, as well as the role of genetics in common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer disease. In order to provide children, adults and families with information about their health it is important for all health care providers to have an appreciation for the role of genetics in health and disease, to have knowledge of credible resources related to genetics, and to know when to make a referral to a geneticist or genetic counselor. The purpose of this module is to increase genetic awareness of health care professionals from a variety of disciplines, provide educational resources and give examples of cases where genetics referrals can make a difference.
The module is interactive with three cases in which the learner reaches different outcomes based on their decision path. It has been field tested and evaluated by a variety of health care providers and graduate students. It may be integrated as part of a lecture or course, given as a learning activity, or provided as a resource. To access the module, go to: http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/ofid/id/genetics/. The module may be used for educational purposes provided proper credit is given to the authors and funding source.
Support for the project is provided through a grant from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities with funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration (Grant # AUCDGC04-11).
Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Knowledge Path
Added: June 25, 2007
The MCH Library released a new edition of Knowledge Path: Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. This electronic guide presents a selection of current, high-quality resources that measure, document, and monitor the problem; identify risk and protective factors; and report on promising intervention strategies. The knowledge path is intended for use by health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and others who are interested in tracking information on this topic. Separate sections identify resources for families and schools. View the path online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_adolpreg.html. Knowledge paths on other maternal and child health topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
December 2006 MCHB-AUCD LEND Genetics Meeting Report Now Available
Added: May 21, 2007
The report of the December 2006 MCHB-AUCD LEND Genetics Meeting is now available. The facilitator for the meeting, Ann Cox, worked very hard on the report. You can download the report only, the appendices only or the report and appendices combined in one document.
If you have any questions or suggestions about the document(s), please contact Laura Kavanagh or Denise Sofka at (301) 443-2190.
The MCH Library released a new edition of Knowledge Path: Asthma in Children and Adolescents.
Added: March 29, 2007
Special thanks to Elizabeth Woods, MD, MPH who is the Principal Investigator of an Asthma Access to Care Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children grant and Director of Research for the Children's Hospital Boston LEAH program. She and her colleague, Beth Klements, MS, APRN, BC, reviewed the path and provided very helpful comments and suggestions for its improvement.
This electronic guide presents a selection of current, high-quality resources about asthma in children and adolescents and the impact of asthma on homes, schools, and communities. The knowledge path also identifies tools for staying abreast of new developments in pediatric asthma research. Separate sections identify asthma information for families, information about asthma and environmental triggers, and resources about asthma management in school.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Launches Redesigned Web Site
Added: February 7, 2007
AUCD is pleased to announce the launch of a completely redesigned web site at www.aucd.org. The new website hopefully will provide you with more intuitive navigation, more focused content, and a cleaner user interface for enhanced usability. The web site uses a content management system (CMS) which will allow greater flexibility in presenting information and faster, more efficient updates and maintenance by AUCD staff and content owners.
New features include:
AUCD - A Guided Tour: An introduction to AUCD for new visitors
Member Spotlight: Highlights members and noteworthy events in the AUCD Network
Special features: An acronym dictionary, improved event listings, restructured public policy sections, and a regularly updated list of funding opportunities
Health & Disability Digest: An online publication highlighting the AUCD-NCBDDD Cooperative Agreement
Reorganized Council web pages
We invite you to explore the new web site and tell us what you think by taking the Visitor Survey. This version of the AUCD website is our next step to provide better organization and accessibility to AUCD network-wide information. We want to continue to make improvements to the information we provide to you so please let us know what you think and any suggestions that you may have. We welcome all feedback!
If you have questions about the new website please contact Evette Mezger, Director of Information Services, 301-588-8252.
AUCD provides technical assistance to the LEND Network through a contract with MCHB.
New Knowledge Path Edition: Adolescent Violence Prevention
Added: February 7, 2007
The MCH Library released a new edition of its knowledge path about adolescent violence prevention. This electronic guide offers a selection of resources from the public health, medical, criminal justice, education, and social services literature that measure, document, and monitor adolescent violence; identify risk and protective factors; and report on promising intervention strategies. The knowledge path includes separate sections of resources on specific aspects of adolescent violence such as bullying, firearms, gangs, media violence, school violence, and violent-crime victimization. This knowledge path is intended for use by health professionals, policymakers, educators, community activists, and families who are interested in obtaining timely information on this topic.
National MCH Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) Releases New Edition of Knowledge Path about Oral Health and Children and Adolescents
Added: January 29, 2007
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) in
collaboration with the MCH Library at Georgetown University released a
new edition of its knowledge path about oral health and children and
adolescents. Presented in time for Childrens Dental Health Month in
February, this electronic resource guide points to a selection of
current, high-quality resources that analyze data, describe effective
programs, and report on policy and research aimed at improving access to
and the quality of oral health for children and adolescents. Separate
sections identify resources on specific aspects of oral health including
dental sealants, early childhood caries, fluoride varnish, Head Start,
child care, school-based education, and school-based care. The final
section lists oral health resources for consumers. This knowledge path
is intended for use by health professionals, program dministrators,
educators, policymakers, and consumers who are interested in obtaining
timely information on this topic. The knowledge path is available at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/knwpathoralhealth.html . Knowledge paths on
other maternal and child health topics are available. [See
http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html ].
Fall/Winter 2006 Issue on Reducing Pesticide Exposure in Children and Pregnant Women Now Available Online
Children are more sensitive to pesticide exposures than adults because their bodies are not fully developed. For example, their immune systems may not be able to protect them against pesticides and their excretory systems may not be able to excrete these chemicals. In addition, their behaviors put them at risk. They crawl on floors and play on lawns—places where pesticide residues collect—and put objects into their mouths.
The current issue of the Northwest Bulletin presents results of recent research on children and pesticides, and provides specific recommendations for reducing children's exposures.
In the editorial, Dr. Elaine Faustman discusses the biochemical, molecular, and exposure mechanisms underlying children's susceptibilities to pesticides and other chemicals in the environment.
Dr. Beti Thompson presents specific recommendations for farmworkers and their families on how to reduce their exposures to pesticides. These recommendations result from a five-year study she and her colleagues conducted in the Yakima Valley of Washington State.
Kathryne Toepel presents results from a study that supports the National Research Council's conclusion that dietary intake of pesticides represents a major source of exposure for infants and children.
The state reports highlight their efforts to track and investigate pesticide-related illnesses in order to identify trends and problem situations, and recommend preventions.
Howard University’s MCH Pipeline Program Makes the Front Page of the Howard Hilltop, Howard’s Daily Newspaper
Added: December 6, 2006
Please access the PDF of this article to read more about Howard’s MCH Pipeline Program. The article is entitled “New Health Course to Be Offered in Spring.”
Pediatric Pulmonary Centers Cross-Cultural Health Care: Case Studies
Added: November 3, 2006
The Cross Cultural Health Care Case Studies, developed collaboratively by the seven MCHB-funded Pediatric Pulmonary Centers (PPC), will allow users to test their knowledge through newly added quizzes. The case studies comprise a unique, interactive self-study program consisting of a series of five tutorials in cultural competence, aimed at familiarizing health care providers with common issues that arise while working with people of diverse cultures. Each tutorial consists of a home page to introduce the topic and define concepts, a case story to illustrate the topic, a multimedia lecture about the topic, and a series of learning activities to engage the learner in applying the concepts to the case story. After users have viewed all of the components of a tutorial, they will have an opportunity to take a quiz on what they have learned in a tutorial. Each quiz consists of 10 questions. Users must score 7 out of 10 on quizzes to receive a passing score. If users receive less than passing scores on quizzes, they will be directed to take quizzes again until they have received passing scores. Upon receiving passing scores, users can view and print certificates of completion. For health professionals other than nurses, social workers and physicians who can obtain continuing education credit for a small fee, certificates of completion provide evidence of curricula enhancement. For more information about the Cross Cultural health Care Case Studies, please visit the PPC webs site at http://ppc.mchtraining.net.
MCH Timeline: History, Legacy and Resources for Education and Practice
Added: October 19, 2006
MCH Timeline: History, Legacy and Resources for Education and Practice, traces the history of maternal and child health in the U.S., provides in-depth modules on topics such as MCH 101, MCH Systems of Care, Infant Mortality and MCH Performance and Accountability, and allows you to search for topical areas of interest. We hope that the site will be used as an orientation tool for those new to the MCH profession, for grantees of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and MCH students. We also hope that those with experience in the field will find it a rich resource and a source of inspiration. This site will be continuously updated. Planned enhancements include: interviews of MCH leaders about historical events, links to digitized historical documents in the MCH Library, and additional in depth modules. Please contact Laura Kavanagh, lkavanagh@hrsa.gov, with any suggestions.
MCH Library Releases New Knowledge Path on Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
Added: October 4, 2006
The MCH Library released a new knowledge path edition about diabetes in children and adolescents that includes resources about the types of diabetes, its prevalence, treatment and care, and lowering the risk of complications. This electronic resource guide also identifies tools for staying abreast of new developments in pediatric diabetes research. The knowledge path is intended for health professionals, program administrators, educators, and researchers, and a separate section identifies resources for families. View it online at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_diabetes.html. Knowledge paths on other maternal and child health topics are available (See http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html ).
MCH Library Releases New Knowledge Path on Physical Activity and Children and Adolescents
Added: October 4, 2006
This electronic resource guide offers a selection of current resources that analyze data, describe public health campaigns and other promotion programs, and a report on research aimed at identifying promising strategies for improving physical activity levels within families, schools, and communities. The knowledge path also provides resources that describe the consequences of sedentary behavior. The knowledge path for health professionals, policymakers, educators, coaches, and families is available at http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_phys_activity.html. Knowledge paths on other maternal and child health topics are available at http://mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/index.html.
The September Issue of the MCH Training Funding Bulletin is Now Available
National Institutes of Health
Get funded by NIH – 2 Regional Seminar Opportunities – Register by November 1
Foundation Grant Opportunities
American Association of University Women
1 and 2 Years – $2,000-$10,000 – Apply by January 15
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Up to $300,000 for 1-3 Years
State-Specific Funding Opportunity
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
$1 Million Earmarked to Expand Healthcare in Maryland
Fellowship/Scholarship Opportunity
Foundation for Child Development
$150,000 Fellowships for Immigrant Children Research
New National Institutes of Health Website for Child Health and Human Development Launched
Added: September 14, 2006
Need information on reading disability? Want to know how much calcium is in a serving of broccoli? Trying to find out how to apply for a research grant to study spinal cord development in zebrafish? Check out http://www.nichd.nih.gov.
The component of the National Institutes of Health that conducts and supports research on human development, medical rehabilitation, and the health of children, adults, families, and communities, launched its redesigned Web site. The new National Institute of Child Health and Human Development site provides easy access to information for patients, the general public, scientists, and the news media.
Since its creation by Congress in 1962, the NICHD's diverse mission has encompassed research across the life span. The Institute's research portfolio includes development before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. NICHD research has led to advances enabling millions of people in this country and around the world to lead healthier lives.
The NICHD's new site has undergone major changes in content, navigational features, and design. One premier feature is an A to Z topics list, which offers information on health conditions, disorders, programs, and topics. Reflective of the NICHD's mission, these topics span the gamut, from autism, to endometriosis, to gestational diabetes, to reading disabilities. The site also links to corresponding NICHD publications and materials.
Moreover, users will find links to clinical trials (research studies involving volunteers) and to the Institute's public education campaigns: "Back to Sleep" (reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome), "Milk Matters" (the importance of getting enough calcium during the preteen and teen years), and "Media Smart Youth" (teaches young people to evaluate media messages about nutrition and physical activity).
Scientific researchers coming to the NICHD Web site will find extensive information on the Institute's research components and supported projects. Through a directory that is searchable by research specialty, researchers and potential grantees will now be able to find program staff and scientists who share their research interests. Scientists seeking financial support for their own research projects or training will be able to access information tailored for their level of familiarity with the federal funding process or to the current stage of their research career.
The redesigned Web site also provides members of the news media with convenient access to current and past news releases, science advances, as well as media resources, such as video and audio clips. In addition, the site also offers help to reporters seeking to arrange interviews with NICHD scientists and officials.
The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Institute's Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/.
Sarah Lawrence College announces a new Advanced Certificate Program for health professionals in Public Health Genetics/Genomics.
Added: August 25, 2006
Sarah Lawrence College announces a new Advanced Certificate Program for health professionals looking for new career-related knowledge, skills and credentials in Public Health Genetics/Genomics. The certificate program offers flexibility in terms of when participants enroll, and it is also possible to participate in discrete modules without committing to the full program.
The program was launched the week of June 5-9, 2006. Apply now to participate in the next session, which will take place September 27–30. (Application deadline is August 31.)
ASPH releases Version 2.3 of the core MPH competencies, which includes the ASPH board-approved cross-cutting competencies.
Added: August 25, 2006
The ASPH Education Committee, chaired by Dean Stephen Shortell (Berkeley), has released Version 2.3 of the core MPH competencies, which includes the ASPH board-approved cross-cutting competencies. This version is the final product of the competency development process that the committee has undertaken since October of 2004.
Version 2.3 represents a culmination of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the committee's work, again, as approved by the ASPH board. It includes the previously-released five discipline-specific competency lists (biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management and social and behavioral sciences) along with a new list of interdisciplinary/cross-cutting competencies involving seven overarching domains (communication and informatics, diversity and culture, leadership, professionalism, program planning, public health biology and systems thinking). Version 2.3 is available at http://www.asph.org/userfiles/Version2.3.pdf.
The committee has also prepared related competency resources, as follows:
General Competency Resources
Public Health Biology Illustrative Sub-competencies
Supplemental Information for the ASPH Systems Thinking Domain
It is understood that competency sets generally have a lifespan of three to five years, and that it will soon be time to revisit the set for further refinement and updating in line with new thinking and future challenges to the field. ASPH continues to track all comments for consideration by the Education Committee for any future iteration of Version 2.3. Comments can continue to be sent to competency@asph.org. For more information on the project, contact Ms. Kalpana Ramiah at kramiah@asph.org.
The William T. Grant Foundation Is Accepting Proposals for the William T. Grant Foundation Distinguished Fellows Program
Added: August 4, 2006
The William T. Grant Foundation is excited to announce the re-opening
of the William T. Grant Foundation Distinguished Fellows Program for mid-career
influential researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The deadline
for Letters of Inquiry is November 3, 2006.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) is attached and is also available on
our website at www.wtgrantfoundation.org.
The goal of the Distinguished Fellows Program is to increase the supply
of, demand for, and use of high-quality research in the service of improved
youth outcomes.
To accomplish this goal, the Foundation is pilot testing a fellowship
program so that mid-career practitioners/policymakers can spend extended
time working in a research setting. Likewise, researchers can spend extended
time working in a practitioner/policymaking setting.
The Foundation has made two sets of Distinguished Fellows awards in as
many years. The Foundation will test the program for another one or two
years, with the goal of naming two to four Fellows each year. At that
time, the Foundation will determine if this program will become a regular
part of ongoing grantmaking.
Please forward this email and the RFP to any colleagues who may be interested
in this program. For more information, contact Sharon Brewster at
sbrewster@wtgrantfdn.org.
CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is accepting applications for a
two-year, post-graduate program of service and on-the-job training for health professionals
interested in the practice of epidemiology.
Added: August 1, 2006
Every year, EIS selects up to 90 talented individuals from around
the world for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience
in the practice of epidemiology at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention headquarters campuses or in the field
at state or local health departments. EIS is often a steppingstone
to careers and leadership in public health, but is also useful
for health professionals seeking to enhance their skills with
a population health perspective. The EIS Program approach
of training through service provides officers with unique
opportunities, frequently not available in academic training
programs, to develop public health skills by addressing real
public health problems in the public sector. EIS graduates
occupy many leadership positions in CDC and state/local health
departments and in academia.
Please share this training information with colleagues and
students who have a strong interest in applied epidemiology
and who meet one of the following qualifications to apply
to the EIS:
Physicians with at least one year of clinical training;
PhD, DrPH, or doctoral-degree holders in epidemiology, biostatistics, the social or behavioral sciences, natural
sciences, or the nutrition sciences;
Dentists, physician assistants, and nurses with a Master
of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree; and
Veterinarians with an MPH or equivalent degree or relevant public health experience
The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is now accepting
applications for the EIS class beginning July 2007. The deadline
for receipt of application materials is September 15, 2006. For application
information and details about the program, please contact:
The Foundation for Child Development: Changing Faces of America’s Children Young Scholars Program is accepting applications.
Added: August 1, 2006
The goals of the program are to stimulate both basic and policy-relevant research about the early education,
health and well-being of immigrant children from birth to age 10, particularly those who are living in low-income
families and support young investigators — from the behavioral and social sciences or in an allied professional
field — to attain tenure or who have received tenure in the last four years from a college or university in the
United States.
Eligible researchers will have earned their doctoral degrees within the last 15 years, and be full-time,
faculty members of a college or university in the United States. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or its equivalent
in one of the behavioral and social sciences or in an allied professional field (e.g., public policy, public health,
education, social work, nursing, medicine). Three to four fellowships of up to $150,000 for use over one to three years
(maximum) will be awarded competitively. Please note tenure equivalent positions are not eligible for the fellowship.
Registration is also open for the conference so be sure to take advantage of the special
Early Registration Rate offered. A downloadable registration form is available on the conference
web site and online registration will follow soon.
Sarah Lawrence College announces a new Advanced Certificate Program for health professionals in Public Health Genetics/Genomics.
Added: August 25, 2006
Sarah Lawrence College announces a new Advanced Certificate Program for health professionals looking for new career-related knowledge, skills and credentials in Public Health Genetics/Genomics. The certificate program offers flexibility in terms of when participants enroll, and it is also possible to participate in discrete modules without committing to the full program.
The program was launched the week of June 5-9, 2006. Apply now to participate in the next session, which will take place September 27–30. (Application deadline is August 31.)
ASPH releases Version 2.3 of the core MPH competencies, which includes the ASPH board-approved cross-cutting competencies.
Added: August 25, 2006
The ASPH Education Committee, chaired by Dean Stephen Shortell (Berkeley), has released Version 2.3 of the core MPH competencies, which includes the ASPH board-approved cross-cutting competencies. This version is the final product of the competency development process that the committee has undertaken since October of 2004.
Version 2.3 represents a culmination of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the committee's work, again, as approved by the ASPH board. It includes the previously-released five discipline-specific competency lists (biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management and social and behavioral sciences) along with a new list of interdisciplinary/cross-cutting competencies involving seven overarching domains (communication and informatics, diversity and culture, leadership, professionalism, program planning, public health biology and systems thinking). Version 2.3 is available at http://www.asph.org/userfiles/Version2.3.pdf.
The committee has also prepared related competency resources, as follows:
General Competency Resources
Public Health Biology Illustrative Sub-competencies
Supplemental Information for the ASPH Systems Thinking Domain
It is understood that competency sets generally have a lifespan of three to five years, and that it will soon be time to revisit the set for further refinement and updating in line with new thinking and future challenges to the field. ASPH continues to track all comments for consideration by the Education Committee for any future iteration of Version 2.3. Comments can continue to be sent to competency@asph.org. For more information on the project, contact Ms. Kalpana Ramiah at kramiah@asph.org.
The William T. Grant Foundation Is Accepting Proposals for the William T. Grant Foundation Distinguished Fellows Program
Added: August 4, 2006
The William T. Grant Foundation is excited to announce the re-opening
of the William T. Grant Foundation Distinguished Fellows Program for mid-career
influential researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The deadline
for Letters of Inquiry is November 3, 2006.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) is attached and is also available on
our website at www.wtgrantfoundation.org.
The goal of the Distinguished Fellows Program is to increase the supply
of, demand for, and use of high-quality research in the service of improved
youth outcomes.
To accomplish this goal, the Foundation is pilot testing a fellowship
program so that mid-career practitioners/policymakers can spend extended
time working in a research setting. Likewise, researchers can spend extended
time working in a practitioner/policymaking setting.
The Foundation has made two sets of Distinguished Fellows awards in as
many years. The Foundation will test the program for another one or two
years, with the goal of naming two to four Fellows each year. At that
time, the Foundation will determine if this program will become a regular
part of ongoing grantmaking.
Please forward this email and the RFP to any colleagues who may be interested
in this program. For more information, contact Sharon Brewster at
sbrewster@wtgrantfdn.org.
CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is accepting applications for a
two-year, post-graduate program of service and on-the-job training for health professionals
interested in the practice of epidemiology.
Added: August 1, 2006
Every year, EIS selects up to 90 talented individuals from around
the world for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience
in the practice of epidemiology at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention headquarters campuses or in the field
at state or local health departments. EIS is often a steppingstone
to careers and leadership in public health, but is also useful
for health professionals seeking to enhance their skills with
a population health perspective. The EIS Program approach
of training through service provides officers with unique
opportunities, frequently not available in academic training
programs, to develop public health skills by addressing real
public health problems in the public sector. EIS graduates
occupy many leadership positions in CDC and state/local health
departments and in academia.
Please share this training information with colleagues and
students who have a strong interest in applied epidemiology
and who meet one of the following qualifications to apply
to the EIS:
Physicians with at least one year of clinical training;
PhD, DrPH, or doctoral-degree holders in epidemiology, biostatistics, the social or behavioral sciences, natural
sciences, or the nutrition sciences;
Dentists, physician assistants, and nurses with a Master
of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree; and
Veterinarians with an MPH or equivalent degree or relevant public health experience
The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is now accepting
applications for the EIS class beginning July 2007. The deadline
for receipt of application materials is September 15, 2006. For application
information and details about the program, please contact:
The Foundation for Child Development: Changing Faces of America’s Children Young Scholars Program is accepting applications.
Added: August 1, 2006
The goals of the program are to stimulate both basic and policy-relevant research about the early education,
health and well-being of immigrant children from birth to age 10, particularly those who are living in low-income
families and support young investigators — from the behavioral and social sciences or in an allied professional
field — to attain tenure or who have received tenure in the last four years from a college or university in the
United States.
Eligible researchers will have earned their doctoral degrees within the last 15 years, and be full-time,
faculty members of a college or university in the United States. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or its equivalent
in one of the behavioral and social sciences or in an allied professional field (e.g., public policy, public health,
education, social work, nursing, medicine). Three to four fellowships of up to $150,000 for use over one to three years
(maximum) will be awarded competitively. Please note tenure equivalent positions are not eligible for the fellowship.
Registration is also open for the conference so be sure to take advantage of the special
Early Registration Rate offered. A downloadable registration form is available on the conference
web site and online registration will follow soon.
