Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children’s Post

Earlier this year, I joined my colleagues Clare Boothroyd and Dr Katharine Bassett in writing the following: "[Australia must] become a family-friendly society. This will mean starting a national conversation about the long term economic importance of having children, supporting current and prospective parents, as well as supporting family members such as grandparents who may have to help in the raising of children." You can read our article here... https://lnkd.in/gXvUcYxy

TODAY IS A DAY OF CELEBRATION! The Maternal and Child Health #StillbirthPreventionAct was overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. Energy & Commerce Committee by a roll call vote of 44-0 and now it’s on to the Full U.S. House for a vote. Let’s keep the momentum going! Visit bit.ly/StopStillbirth This is a critical piece of legislation that would add #stillbirth and stillbirth prevention to Title V of the Social Security Act — something that has been lacking since the introduction of Title V funding back in 1935. Our organization helped initiate the legislation after discovering the omission of stillbirth from the most important piece of maternal health legislation in our country. No additional funding is associated with this legislation. The Stillbirth Prevention Act would signal to states that they should use MCH Block Grant funding to support stillbirth prevention. Approximately only one third of state health departments are currently using funds for stillbirth. Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the nonprofit organization that created the Count the Kicks stillbirth prevention campaign, is proud to be the primary stakeholder and author of this important stillbirth prevention legislation. #StillbirthPreventionAct #StopStillbirth #stillbirthawareness #stillbirthSTILLhappening

If you're interested in finding out more about the Child and Dependent Care Credit, check out this great new blog post from the Randolph-based Ronald D'Arminio CPA P.C.. Just click below.

In civil society this week: Discussions on the progress towards reforming the public service and the role civil society can play, exploring the ongoing struggle for better mental healthcare, and unpacking democracy and inequality in São Paulo and Johannesburg.

Imagine the joy of welcoming a new life and the fear and uncertainty faced by many mothers due to systemic gaps and inequalities. When mothers are overlooked in policymaking, their children are also disregarded, failing to align with the biblical vision for family and community flourishing. Scripture calls for the care of the vulnerable, including widows and orphans (Exodus 22:22, Isaiah 1:17, James 1:27). God’s concern for marginalized women and children compels us to take action. Who is excluded from our care systems, and how can we include them? Fortunately, there have been improvements in the U.S. Thirty-five states have expanded Medicaid to cover 12 months postpartum, providing crucial support during a family’s most vulnerable days. However, more efforts are needed. We must advocate for policies that encompass paid leave, workplace flexibility, and comprehensive care. Giving birth should not result in a death sentence or financial burden. We invite you to join us in honoring the dignity of pregnant women and their children. This is a matter of justice, family, and faith. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on Family Valued news and learn how you can make a difference in maternal health. Your voice matters!" 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKEvxSkm #MaternalHealth #PublicJustice

As Founder of Alvita Care, we encourage everyone to promote successful strategies for enabling older adults to stay in their homes and maintain independence. As we age, our homes need to accommodate our ever changing needs, such as mobility issues or health concerns. Key strategies for aging in place include making home modifications (like installing grab bars), utilizing technology for safety and assistance, and accessing community resources and services. With proper planning, individuals can maintain their independence and quality of life while living at home. I hope this article helps in promoting this advocacy. https://lnkd.in/egkCctun

It’s no secret that the United States has never recognized care work as essential. And that has contributed to something called the “child care cliff.” Sounds concerning, right? Check out our latest Substack on this issue. https://lnkd.in/eEtk8Q8i

America is facing a diaper crisis, and it's time for policymakers to take action. This article from Harvard Public Health highlights the challenges and potential solutions to address diaper need across the country. At Helping Mamas Knoxville, we see firsthand the impact that diaper need has on families. Join us in advocating for change and supporting initiatives that help provide essential supplies to those in need. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eRUhiM7d

📣SWSPHN has commissioned Catholic Healthcare to begin delivering the Stepping On program to older adults in the region. The free, seven-week program is for South Western Sydney residents who are aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 45 and over. In South Western Sydney, falls-related injuries more than doubled between 2010-2021. The number of older people affected by falls is projected to increase by 51.4 per cent by 2031, with the highest increases expected in Camden (151 per cent) and Liverpool (62 per cent). The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, strength and confidence to prevent falls, stay active and remain independent. SWSPHN CEO, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said “Stepping On is among the early intervention initiatives the Department of Health and Aged Care has focused on to support senior Australians to age in a healthy way and to delay entry into aged care”. Visit our website to learn more about the program➡️ https://bit.ly/3ZGIEx8

Though the journey to end maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone is still long, the impact we’re making through Freedom Tree is nothing short of extraordinary—and it’s all thanks to you! Thinking back to one of my past visits to the very first clinic we built, I experienced something unforgettable. As I stepped into the clinic, I was greeted by a beautiful sight—a newborn baby boy, just hours old, resting in his mother’s arms. It was a moment filled with hope and joy. But the surprises didn’t stop there! In the next room, another baby girl, Hawa, had just been born. In all my visits to this clinic, I had never been present for a birth. The timing is unpredictable, so witnessing two new lives brought into the world within just a few hours was incredibly special for me. Since the clinic opened, over 1,300 babies have been born there—around 12 each month. And here’s the most amazing part—not a single case of maternal or infant death. This milestone speaks to the power of our work and the dedication of the Freedom Tree team. Every birth is a miracle, and each one shows the progress we’re making in improving maternal and infant healthcare. But none of this would be possible without your support. Your generosity, whether big or small, has created a safe space for mothers and their babies. You are saving lives and spreading joy to families in Sierra Leone. Thank you. #WitnessingMiracles #SavingLives #ImpactfulJourney #MaternalHealthMatters #SafeMotherhood #TogetherForChange #SierraLeoneStrong #HealthcareForAll #BirthJustice #HealthyMoms #AfricaForWomen #BirthRights #AfricaRising #WomenEmpowerment #HealthyBirths #BirthMatters