March 28, 2024

Rep. Edwards named Maternal and Childhood Health Fellow by National Conference of State Legislatures

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State House — The National Conference of State Legislatures has named Majority Floor Manager John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) a fellow in its Maternal and Childhood Health program, which is designed to support legislators who are experienced or emerging leaders on MCH-related issues.

Maternal and childhood health programs focus on health issues concerning women, children and families, such as access to recommended prenatal and well-child care, infant and maternal mortality prevention, maternal and child mental health, newborn screening, child immunizations, child nutrition and services for children with special health care needs.

“The fellowship programs offered by the NCSL are a great opportunity for state legislators to hear about the policies and programs that have worked in other states,” said Representative Edwards, who was selected as a fellow for the organization’s Opioid Policy program in 2019. “I look forward to working with these other legislators to invest in healthy children and families to strengthen our communities and avoid unnecessary health care costs.”

The kickoff meeting, which will take place on Jan. 21 in Scottsdale, Ariz., will set the stage for the work of the MCH Fellows and will provide issue content in a peer learning setting.

Topics will emphasize health issues and will include, but are not limited to, policies and programs to reduce infant and maternal mortality, address mental health and substance misuse, and improve access and care for the MCH population.

The program goals include:
 Build knowledge about new research and policy.
 Exchange ideas and solutions related to maternal and child health.
 Meet and learn from other legislative leaders.
 Connect with leading researchers and policy experts.
 Identify practical information to use in your state and develop action steps.

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