Insights

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. 

Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee, asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. This month, NICHQ Web & Product Manager Nathanial Ray Pickett, Ph.D., shares his untraditional path to working in MCH, while highlighting his passion for equity, resisting oppression, and giving voice to the voiceless.  

 Our main story this episode highlights he links between maternal and infant health, and the impacts of preterm birth on health outcomes for mothers, birthing people, and babies. Hear from NICHQ VP of Equity and Innovation Dr. Stacy Scott, Ph.D. D, MPA, who shares some equity considerations regarding disparate rates of preterm birth, infant mortality, and maternal mortality. Dr. Zsakeba Henderson, MD, FACOG, NICHQ’s senior health advisor, also connects the impact of maternal health on infant health outcomes while shining a light on the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and current policy initiatives that can help reverse maternal mortality trends.  

Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee, asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. This month, NICHQ Project Manager Callie Rowland, MPH, shares her passion for working to affect change in the system, serving all mothers and children, and working for an organization that aims to help create more equitable systems.

Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee, asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. This month, NICHQ Project Manager Madeline D'Onfro, MPH, shares her passion for creating systems that protect members of society who are marginalized the most and improving experiences for those with the highest needs.

Whether transitioning to college or a full-time job, it's a time when young adults are going to be establishing their independence from their nuclear family and taking responsibility for their own needs. For a young person with special healthcare needs such as SCD, the responsibilities are compounded by the additional need to begin transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Read more for four helpful strategies for transitioning from pediatric to adult care for people living with sickle cell disease and other special health conditions. 

 Our main story this episode highlights the need for resources for people living with sickle cell disease and strategies for transitioning from pediatric to adult care. We also reflect on National Infant Mortality Awareness Month and hear from NICHQ team member about connecting their personal and professional passion for equity. Thanks for joining us!