1. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 About the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant

2. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Title V U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Social Security Act, Title V) The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. Maternal and Child Health Bureau, as part of the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers Title V. State’s health agency – Maternal and Child Health

3. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Title V Each State’s health agency is responsible for programs carried out with Title V dollars. Title V programs are closely administered with related programs such as WIC, Family Planning, Early Intervention and School Based Health Programs. The largest portion of Title V dollars go to the States through a formula-based block grant process: on the basis of the number of children in poverty in a state states match $3 for every $4 in Federal funds they receive

4. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Title V Title V programs develop service systems to meet critical challenges in maternal and child health, including: Reducing infant mortality Providing and ensuring access to comprehensive care for women Promoting preventive and primary care services for children Increasing the number of children who receive health assessments, diagnostic and treatment services Providing family-centered, community-based, coordinated care for children with special health care needs.

5. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Title V States conduct a needs assessment every year to determine the specific needs of the women and children in their state. For example, reducing childhood obesity and decreasing injuries among children

7. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Advocacy

8. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 How to make an appointment Do homework in advance Staff Matter Introduce Yourself Educate

9. January 22, 2009 Do Your Homework Try to research your member. Past positions and actions regarding the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Help them understand what it means for the state. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & Training

10. January 22, 2009 Staff Matter Staff members are consulted on the day-to-day decisions. Regular access to the Congressman or Senator. End Goal: Having your idea considered.

11. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Introduce Yourself Who you are. What you do. What you want them to do? Don’t overwhelm with talk or materials.

12. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Educate What exactly is the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant? How is it funded? What does it do to help?

13. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Materials AMCHP can provide An official ‘ask” sheet Specific state profile The MCH Pyramid of services Other materials

14. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 “Ask” sheet

15. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 AMCHP State profile

16. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Meeting Tips Be flexible. Be ready to move. Call ahead if you are running late. Remember, you are the “expert”

17. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Follow Up The success or failure of a meeting is determined almost entirely by what you do after the meeting.

18. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Follow Up Tips Thank You note. Provide requested information. Brief your network on the ground as to the delegation’s positions and if appropriate, urge them to contact the staff as well.

19. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Follow Up Tips Share the delegation’s positions with the officials in your agency. Consider writing a Letter to the Editor. Invite your member to visit. Ongoing relationship.

20. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Planning a Site Visit Bring a letter of invitation to your meeting. A place they can see, tour, meet with people. Invite the media. What is in it for them (and you!)