The Jacksonville Children’s Commission is offering a 28-hour training on Advancing Youth Development that provides an in-depth look and review of critical areas for those working in the youth development field.

• Session 1: Introduction to the Youth Development Approach
• Session 2: Developmental Youth Outcomes: The Bottom Line of Youth Workers
• Session 3: Cultural Assumptions and Stereotypes About Young People: From Adultism to Caring Adults
• Session 4: Strategies of Youth Participation
• Session 5: Opportunities and Supports for Youth Development: Identifying Best Program Practices
• Session 6: Core Competencies of Youth Workers
• Session 7: Review, Teach Backs, and Celebration

Dates: April 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 25, & 30

Time: 9:00- 12:00 p.m.

Location: Jacksonville Children’s Commission

Register here. For further information contact: Frances Calvy at (904) 630- 7265 or fcalvy@coj.net. Note: You are automatically registered for all sessions when you register for the April 4th training

Postpartum depression is a type of clinical depression that occurs in women after childbirth and because of feelings of shame or guilt, most mothers go untreated. To address the problem, the Baptist Health Women’s Services is hosting the Postpartum Support International (PSI) 2-Day Perinatal Mood Disorders Certificate Training Course April 4-5 at Baptist Downtown at Prudential Drive.

A study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry and mentioned by NPR’s “All Things Considered” noted 1 in 7 women are affected by PPD. The Florida Department of Health documented that in 2010, 58.8 percent of mothers in the state experienced symptoms of postpartum depression.

The training course led by experienced healthcare practitioners will discuss the symptoms, treatment and screening options for postpartum depression.

For more information and to register for the course visit the event webpage here.

In a move that promises to significantly expand access to health care for women of childbearing age, Governor Rick Scott agreed to extend Medicaid benefits to more than 900,000 Florida residents as part of the state’s plan to implement the Affordable Care Act. The proposal will be considered by the state Legislature in the upcoming session. Scott wants to implement the expansion for the next three years while the federal government is picking up the costs.

Women age 15-44 years old have the highest uninsured rates in the state.  Nearly one-third of women who gave birth in 2010 had no health care coverage prior to their pregnancy.

The state Medicaid program pays for nearly half of all births in the state.  Currently, Medicaid provides coverage for uninsured pregnant women with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level.  Benefits, however, end 60 days following delivery except for family planning services which are offered under a special state waiver slated to end in 2014.  Expanded Medicaid benefits for pregnant women have significantly improved access to prenatal care, increasing the chances of a healthy birth and reducing the need for costly NICU care.

A growing body of evidence, however, suggests access to care during pregnancy is important but not sufficient for improving the health of mothers and babies. Poor maternal health before pregnancy has been linked to prematurity and low-birthweight, particularly among African Americans. Maternal health issues prior to pregnancy is consistently the factor most frequently identified in Fetal and Infant Mortality Reviews (FIMR) conducted by the Coalition.  Improved preconception health is a priority focus of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a key strategy implemented by the Magnolia Project to address health disparities.

Click here to download a free guide on the Affordable Care Act and health reform laws.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau is hosting a webcast called, “Moving Beyond Back to Sleep to Safe to Sleep”. The webcast will be focused on the national “Safe to Sleep” Campaign, highlighting what resources are available for on safe infant sleep and how health partners in the MCH community can promote the message.

In Northeast Florida, sleep-related deaths accounted for 13 percent of all infant deaths. Some areas still see higher rates, like Baker County, where 40 percent of deaths are Suddenly Unexplained Infant Deaths (SUIDS). Sleep-related deaths are a leading cause of post-neonatal mortality across the country but can be significantly reduced with education and awareness campaigns, like “Safe to Sleep”.

The webcast will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Johannie Escarne, MPH and Senior Public Health Analyst at MCHB/HRSA will moderate and Shavon Artis, DrPH, MPH, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health will present.

There will also be a Q&A session with Johannie Escarne during the webcast. To submit your question in advance email Johannie at jescarne@hrsa.gov. Link-in to the webcast here.

Need low-cost health insurance for your uninsured children? There’s an app for that.

Florida KidCare, the state children’s health insurance program, launched a mobile application called “FL KidCare” that can be accessed through the Android and Apple marketplaces. The app includes a map of and directions to assistance centers; the online application; resources; direct access to customer service and payment portals; and an events calendar.

The app will also benefits KidCare partner agencies and community outreach workers, as they’ll be able to assist families in completing the application process.

Florida KidCare is health insurance for uninsured children under age 19. Qualifying for Florida KidCare is based on income & family size. Coverage includes doctor visits, surgeries and emergency care, as well as dental and vision.

The app was launched by Florida Healthy Kids Corporation and funded through a grant from Bank of America.