By Michael Spencer, BA
AMCHP, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, is a leading agency providing data and information along with advocacy and support for maternal and child health programs across the United States. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a member of AMCHP since 2011 through previous employment as well as having attended the annual conference in Washington, D.C. on past occasions. The evolution of maternal and child health (MCH) has changed greatly since 2011 within the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Having worked previously in MCH for the last decade, being part of this action has been thrilling and rewarding.
Attending the conference this year as a student provided a different perspective to the conference than I have noted in previous years. My past experience was very focused and related to my position in public health; this time I had more freedom to explore the different topics and interests that colleagues supporting MCH efforts brought to the conference along with information about the MCH transformation occurring at the federal level.
The AMCHP conference provided an incredible opportunity to learn from partners, share ideas, and develop and maintain professional networks. I found myself learning and sharing ideas, and asking questions of partners working on the federal, state, and local level. Hearing these experiences and learning about their efforts provided a new insight to understanding the needs and priorities of women and infants, children and adolescents, and children and youth with special health care needs. These needs vary among the different regions of the country as well as between neighboring states. In addition, the opportunity to establish and maintain connections with professionals working in the field was invaluable. These established relationships provide the opportunity to call upon these individuals and ask questions or bounce ideas throughout the year. These resources help support and facilitate my learning alongside what is provided in the classroom setting here at Tulane.
I’m very fortunate to have been provided the opportunity to attend the conference through funding from the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Training Program. This program offers a plethora of resources and information on MCH and the real world experiences that we, as students, will encounter upon leaving Tulane. I would highly encourage anyone to learn more about what the MCHLT offers as well as take advantage of professional opportunities such as the AMCHP conference to further knowledge and develop networks.
Michael Spencer is a second-semester, dual-degree student pursuing a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work. His past experience includes working in maternal and child health, primarily working with children and youth with special needs doing direct care services in a children’s hospital as well as nearly eight years in governmental administration.
