Maternal and Child

Health Coalition

of Greater Kansas City

Press Release

Contact: Cesar Motts FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

816.283.6242 Ext. 249 (office) October 19, 2005

913.636.4701 (cell)

Townhall meeting focuses on Maternal and Child Health Legislative Issues in Missouri and Kansas

Kansas City, MO- The Maternal and Child Health Coalition and Community Together will co-host a meeting to discuss current legislative issues affecting women and children in Missouri and Kansas. This meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Pierson Auditorium on the campus of the University of Missouri, Kansas City located at 5000 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110. The program will consist of:

9:00-9:15 am -Senator Charles Wheeler (Democrat, Missouri District 10)

· Senator Wheeler will discuss the impact of Medicaid cuts to women and children in Missouri.

9:15-9:30 am -Senator Charlie Shields (Republican, Missouri District 34):

· Senator Shields will discuss the activities of the Missouri Medicaid Reform Commission. He is currently the chair of this commission.

9:30-9:40 am- Gary Brunk, Executive Director, Kansas Action for Children:

· Mr. Brunk will provide a policy update of maternal and child health issues affecting Kansas residents.

9:40-9:50 am - Catherine Martarella, Policy Analyst, Citizens for Missouri’s Children:

· Ms. Martarella will provide a policy update of maternal and child health issues affecting Missouri residents.

9:50-10 am- Questions and Answers

Maternal and Child Health Coalition promotes the health of mothers and children through community planning, education, advocacy and collaboration with organizations addressing infant mortality, immunization, childhood obesity, maternal health and child safety. For more information about this meeting, please contact Cesar Motts at Maternal and Child Health Coalition, 6400 Prospect, Suite 216, Kansas City, Missouri, 64132, office phone (816) 283-6242, ext. 249. Interviews are available upon request. Photos and background materials will be available at:

http://www.mchc.net/PressReleases.htm

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