Teams at the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality are preparing for an exciting fall 2024 conference season, where staff will give oral presentations and facilitate workshops and symposiums at a variety of national maternal and child health conferences.  

Research continues to emerge highlighting racism and discrimination as key drivers of negative health outcomes impacting historically marginalized communities. During the Equity Exchange S1 E3: Combating Weathering + Equity Fatigue, we sat down with three experts to discuss the challenges of enduring racist and discriminatory systems while working to dismantle them. Read three strategies for maintaining engagement in equity initiatives and navigating equity and ally fatigue.

Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee, asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. This month, Gabe Soto, who recently expanded his family, shares how working at NCHQ has impacted his parenting experience and offers advice to MCH organizations seeking to create more initiatives dedicated to supporting fathers and partners in honor of Men's Health Month.  

Strategies for providers to improve the experience of care for young people living with SCD and enhance the process of transition from pediatric to adult care include educating pediatric patients early about the process of transitioning to adult care, streamlining systems for sharing medical records, and considering bias when making pain management recommendations. Learn more about each strategy, and read insights from Mikeia Green, a fourth-year medical student at UC Davis, who has successfully transitioned from pediatric to adult SCD care.

In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re taking some time to reflect on maternal mental health and the experiences of a parent who is also a maternal and child health researcher. Read reflections from NICHQ Associate Director of Research and Evaluation Meera Menon, PhD, and learn more about her experiences navigating these roles and thoughts about how public health practitioners can hold maternal mental health more compassionately for all new parents, but especially those negatively impacted by social determinants of health. 

Transitioning from pediatric to adult care can be challenging for any young person, but those challenges are often amplified for children with special healthcare needs. Two young adults with complex medical conditions share their experience with transitioning from pediatric to adult care.