Volunteer groups consisting of board members, MCHC members and people in the community run these committees.
Initiates and participates in preventive activities addressing youth issues to enhance the health of adolescents, ages 10–19. This includes building community resources and focusing on teenage violence and pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Committee
Mariah Chrans, chair
Taking an interest in the most nutritious and natural method of infant feeding, this committee works to build an awareness regarding the importance of breastfeeding at all levels of community: mothers, families and businesses. The Breastfeeding Committee (a sub-committee of the Pregnancy, Infant and Child Health Committee) focuses its efforts on educating mothers and families about breastfeeding as the best option for the health of mothers and babies. The Committee also works to educate area businesses on creating breastfeeding-friendly work places for mothers/employees.
The Development Committee oversees the fund development plan and implementation, and assists in the development of the public relations/marketing plans for the Coalition.
Finance Committee
Kay Connelly, chair
The Finance Committee reviews financial fact-finding in order to advise the Board of Directors on matters relating to the finances of the Coalition's own administration and that of its community programs. It is responsible for the preparation of the annual budget and audit for approval by the Board of Directors, and for maintaining a fiscal policy manual for MCHC.
Many special interest groups have a say in politics; families often do not. The MCHC Legislative Committee educates members, policymakers and the public on local, state and national legislation and policy initiatives related to family health issues. The committee acts as a convener of interested parties for discussion of health policy issues and as a catalyst for members and interested persons to advocate on behalf of children, mothers and their families. Please click here to view our current Legislative Priorities.
Planning Committee
Arif Ahmed, Chair
The Planning Committee oversees, monitors, and evaluates
the MCHC community programs and the standing committees,
ensuring they are consistent with MCHC's mission.
Pregnancy, Infant and Child Health Committee
Cheryl Herzog-Arneill, Chair
This committee serves the community by bringing together medical and social service professionals as well as interested persons from around the greater Kansas City area to become more informed about the services related to the health of infants, older children and mothers during and following pregnancy. The committee has a special focus on access to care issues and decreasing barriers, especially for the most vulnerable families.
These committees have full or part time staff affiliated with them and are very active on a day-to-day basis.
Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC)
Regina Weir, coordinator
Promotes immunization for people of all ages and provides updated immunization information to health care professionals.
Safe Haven for Newborns Education Committee
Anne Biswell, coordinator
MCHC supports the Safe Haven for Newborns campaign in Missouri and Kansas by providing information and resources to the community.
Safe Kids Metro KC
Regina Weir, coordinator
Part of a national program that works to prevent injuries and deaths from vehicular, home, bicycle and pedestrian accidents to children under the age of 15.
Weighing In Collaborative
Deborah Markenson, director
Educates families and the community about the dangers of children being overweight and provides a forum to discuss the progress and programs related to childhood obesity issues. A collaboration between MCHC and Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.