Erin Davison, MPH

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced progress toward the commitments made in the Maternal Health Blueprint in 2022, including expansion of our team's Newborn Supply Kit pilot to ten states in 2024, thanks to our partners Baby2Baby and a generous investment from Huggies. We are so grateful for Vice President Harris's continued, consistent leadership on maternal health and health equity. https://lnkd.in/ev3mzJWY “President Biden and I are fully committed to addressing a maternal health crisis in which women across America – disproportionately Black women, Native women, and women in rural communities – are dying before, during, and after childbirth at higher rates than in any other developed nation. That is why I called on states to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from two months to 12 months – with 46 states taking action – and why we launched the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, an unprecedented whole-of-government strategy to improving maternal care,” said Vice President Harris. “Today, we are building on this critical work by proposing new policies that will strengthen maternal health and increase access to high-quality care for millions of women and children throughout the country.” https://lnkd.in/emaYWjuv

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Join me for this session!

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"Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $8 million in recurring annual funding for The State University of New York's 30 community colleges — the first increase in nearly a decade — to advance health care and mental health goals for NY State and the SUNY system. ●$5 million will be used to support investments by community colleges to increase enrollment in and completion of health care educational programs, supporting the Governor’s goal of increasing the State’s health care workforce by 20% over the next 5 years. ●The remaining $3 million will be used to expand mental health support for SUNY students, which is consistently identified as a critical campus need..." This is a huge triple win for higher education, mental health, and workforce equity and access for young adults in New York. 🎉🎉🎉 Our community colleges are bastions of opportunity and economic mobility for millions of working-class, first-generation, and minority students and families. These investments help ensure that all New Yorkers can earn well-paying jobs in health care and access potentially life-saving mental health services on campus. This is especially critical at rural schools and community colleges, which are more likely to struggle with limited staff and resources. The mental health crisis and inequities on college campuses are dire. Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth and college-age students, and rates of suicide can range from two to ten times higher for marginalized students and those with intersectional identities, such as queer Black (LGBTQIA+) youth or disabled Asian young adults. Colleges are often the first line of support for students and play a key role in outreach and destigmatizing therapy or mental health challenges and services. Each additional counselor hired, training provided, outreach message sent, or appointment made can help a student in need, ensure their studies succeed, and even save a life. Speaking from experience, I likely would not be where I am today if it were not for my ability to access counseling when I was struggling with anxiety and depression for the first time in my life, in college. It got bad my junior year when I began experiencing panic attacks while also developing a chronic health condition. I started attending counseling on campus, which was my first time experiencing therapy. It helped me tremendously to get back on top of my health and studies and laid my foundation to appreciate therapy's numerous benefits for the rest of my life. I was privileged and lucky to have therapy on campus, supportive friends and family, and an appreciation for applied psychology, as a psych major. Without these things, I doubt I'd even be able to talk about this today, especially given the stigma therapy often has for men. We must continue this precedent, increasing the capacity of our mental health and health care services and providing rewarding workforce development opportunities for all, at both SUNY and CUNY schools. 🗽

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During the 2019 legislative session, my ongoing commitment to social justice was even more deeply solidified as I actively engaged in lobbying at the Connecticut State Capitol. It was during this session that I gained a newfound appreciation for the impact of lobbying legislation. Immersed in the classroom environment, I absorbed valuable lessons on monitoring bills, understanding committee assignments, and utilizing digital marketing strategies. This experience left me feeling empowered and fulfilled in a way I had never previously known. Inspired by the idea of civic engagement, I dove headfirst into the world of lobbying. I attended committee hearings, met with state representatives and senators, and worked tirelessly to educate others on the importance of advocacy. In 2019, my efforts paid off as Senate Bill 880, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at combatting racial bias in prosecutor decisions, was passed by both houses of the Connecticut legislature. This was just the beginning of my journey towards creating significant change in the community. In 2021, I collaborated with legislators and various coalitions to pass the Clean Slate Bill, which removed nonviolent crimes from individuals' public records, providing them with new opportunities for employment and housing post-incarceration. In 2022, I along with the Stop Solitary and Smart Justice organizations, successfully advocated for Public Act 22-18, a measure that significantly restricts the use of solitary confinement in Connecticut. This was another first for the state and a major win for the criminal justice reform movement. Moved by the impact I was able to make through lobbying, I decided to turn my passion into a career. I founded Change-Policy, a lobbying firm dedicated to empowering individuals to make their voices heard and create positive change in their communities. Through this firm, I will teach advocates access to the art of lobbying legislation, helping them navigate the complex world of policymaking and create meaningful change. My story is a testament to the power of civic engagement and the impact that individuals can have on shaping the laws that govern their communities. By using my knowledge and passion for advocacy, Change-Policy has become a driving force for positive change, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for social justice. Donald Rivers Founder and Chief Researcher Change-Policy

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the 12th annual Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR) conference, Going the Distance: Confronting New Challenges to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Duquesne University, an initiative of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP). One of the highlights was a heartfelt and energizing speech by the Honorable Ed Gainey, City of Pittsburgh Major. His inspiring words emphasized the crucial need for our city to prioritize and actively work toward increasing equity, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of our community. Mayor Gainey's passionate message set the tone for a transformative event focused on creating positive change in our region. The incredible day-long event brought together brilliant minds and influential leaders from our region. The engaging program featured a variety of formats, including intimate fireside chats, thought-provoking presentations, a captivating keynote speaker by Audra Bohannon, impactful videos, and interactive exercises that kept attendees engaged and inspired throughout the day. Here are some of the key takeaways that resonated with me: 📣 Embrace discomfort and step out of your comfort zone 📣 Always bring your best self to the table 📣 Diversity, equity, and inclusion are non-negotiable principles 📣 Foster an inclusive environment through honest performance feedback 📣 Don't let fear hinder progress 📣 Collaborate and climb together, rather than compete 📣 Speak up, speak out, and take action to create meaningful change I left the conference feeling heard, seen, and compelled to share my story to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive Pittsburgh. It is our collective responsibility to make our city livable for ALL! Now is the time for us to be bold, fearless, and authentic in our efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive community. We must confront challenges head-on, have difficult conversations, and take decisive action to ensure that everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive. I invite you to join me in this essential work. Let’s chat! www.mccg.info/contact #diversity #equity #inclusion #Pittsburgh #community #leadership #collaboration #empowerment

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This week is Black Maternal Health Week, and it's crucial that we shed light on why this topic is so important. Black maternal health is a critical issue because Black women in the US are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. This disparity highlights systemic issues within our healthcare system that need to be addressed urgently. Let's use this opportunity to educate ourselves and others on the importance of advocating for better healthcare outcomes for Black mothers. Together, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society. #blackmaternalhealth #blackmaternalhealthweek #healthequity

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Save the dates! August 8th & 9th the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity is co-hosting a Fatherhood conference at Central Connecticut State University. Register here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eTBzax7t "Fatherhood: The Next Level Conference," scheduled for August 8th and 9th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free 2 day conference is hosted in collaboration with the CT Department of Children and Families Fatherhood Division, the CT Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity, and Central CT State University's Brotherhood Initiative. Our goal is to educate our communities and mental health professionals on effectively engaging men of color and to explore strategies, resources, and solutions for addressing mental health challenges. The event will feature training sessions for mental health professionals, clinicians, social workers, and other community stakeholders on culturally competent care and effective interventions. We will delve into the intersectionality of race, gender, and mental health, empowering participants to navigate and overcome systemic challenges. Additionally, the conference will provide a safe space for boys and men of color to share experiences, discuss coping mechanisms, and access healing resources. Insights and recommendations from the conference will be shared with state leaders to inform policymaking efforts aimed at improving mental health outcomes and access to care. At every stage of life, men are encouraged to consider three equally important aspects of their health—physical health, mental health, and social connection. This year's conference seeks to address and provide resources in all three of these areas. Register here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eTBzax7t

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Please share this opportunity if you know of anyone who may be interested in participating in a University of Delaware Study for people with disabilities. Here is a brief description and the link to screen for the study: Dear Families and Caregivers: There is a lack of tools that are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior - two important behaviors that impact overall health and well-being. Our study aims to determine how adults with IDD use watches and an activity log to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior. The outcomes of this study will help us improve how we assess physical activity and sedentary behavior. Participating in the study will not cost anything. Each participant can earn up to $50 in gift cards or a check. Caregivers can earn up to $20 in gift cards or a check. Transportation to the in-person session can be reimbursed.

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Christina Mattina shares a thorough overview of New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI)'s Spring Conference -- Top Health Care Issues at the Ballot Box. Featuring Christopher Whaley , Anand Parekh, and Ben Dworkin, we covered a lot but Affordability was at the top of our list and showed up in our Health Matters Poll of likely NJ voters with Eagleton Institute of Politics. About 3 in 4 New Jersey voters report being very worried or worried about medical costs. Another important issue to NJ voters is reproductive health care and access to abortions. Check our Mattina's article and our poll results. Lots to think about and for policymakers to address to improve not just coverage --- but affordability and access to care. Our speakers cautioned not to look for sweeping change in this election cycle, but there are incremental steps that Employer/Purchasers and States can take.

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👀 Check it out! 👀 Boston Globe Media: C3 has been a "game changer" for #Massachusetts #children, #families, #communities, #ece providers, and the #economy! "There is a need for public investment in child care, and the Commonwealth Cares for Children [C3] grants. . .have been a game changer. . ." "Budgets proposed by Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee would fund the program at $475 million next year, and the Massachusetts State Senate, in its own child care bill, also supports continuing the grants. This would make Massachusetts the only state to continue funding C3 grants at the same level. . ." "Making the grants permanent is a good thing, and could lay the groundwork for future expansions. The challenge will be doing so in a way that incentivizes the kind of care the Commonwealth wants to have: high-quality child care that is affordable, accessible, and pays providers a living wage." #childcare + #workforce = #jobs + #economicgrowth for ALL of MA! Follow and learn more with the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education! #MassBiz4EarlyEd https://lnkd.in/e4mgMrP4

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Fiscal experts in New York are urging state leaders to brace for a challenging 2026 budget ahead. As they gear up for Gov. Kathy Hochul's upcoming executive budget, identifying savings is crucial. The state is expected to grapple with filling the void left by congestion pricing and multi-billion-dollar spending gaps. Despite passing a $239 billion budget earlier this year, with a substantial 7.8% spending increase amidst high inflation and wage growth, New York faces significant financial hurdles. A large out-year spending gap of over $4 billion is projected for next year, ballooning to a staggering $16 billion deficit by 2028. Read more about the fiscal challenges New York is navigating at nystateofpolitics.com. #NewYork #Budgeting #FiscalPolicy #Finance #EconomicOutlook

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Very proud of my team at NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as we release our “Special Report on Social Media and Mental Health”, the first ever report of its kind issued from a public health agency and that is based on local data to assess local impacts of these platforms on the wellbeing of our kids. We surveyed over 20k New Yorkers, parents and young people together, to better understand their patterns of use and impacts on their mental health. We found a few trends: 1) More time on social media is associated with more negative mental health symptoms, and children and teens who use social media at all have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those that DO NOT 2) Children and teens from high poverty neighborhoods report using social media more than those from lower poverty areas 3) Most children and teens are using social media out of boredom 4) Nearly 80% of people surveyed want the government to step in and act to control and regulate these platforms to make them safer On the heels of the Surgeon General’s call for warning labels for social media, and Gov Hochul’s signing of the SAFE Act to control social media algorithms targeting kids, we’re stepping up with local, city solutions, because we know every level of government must work to protect our kids as we wait for Congress to act. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gwY6BxHs Press release: https://lnkd.in/gj3uHQ7D Vivek Murthy, Julie Scelfo, Raj Goyle, Mothers Against Media Addiction, Jonathan Haidt, Andrew S. Gounardes, Nily Rozic, Raja Krishnamoorthi

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Doulas are crucial pillars of support for expectant parents, empowering birthing people to navigate prenatal care and childbirth safely by providing respectful care. Despite being uplifted as a vital partner in addressing New Jersey's racial disparities in maternal and child health care, doulas are being forced to choose between providing support services for low pay or walking away from families because the work is not economically viable on its own. Challenges like unlivable wages, administrative barriers and even distrust from medical staff are just to name a few, and these obstacles are pronounced for Black doulas, whose essential services are often undermined by inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates, convoluted billing processes, and exclusion from pre-approved certification lists. While recent New Jersey legislative efforts — like Medicaid expansion coverage for doula services — represent progress, they fall short without comprehensive support and integration into the healthcare system. To truly address the maternal health crisis, New Jersey must go beyond well-meaning laws and ensure doulas receive the resources and respect they deserve. This means seamless, sustainable coverage, better visibility into maternal health data, and full integration of doulas into medical teams as trusted partners. It’s time to turn promises into practice and make New Jersey a true leader in maternal and infant health, ensuring every mother and baby has the best opportunity to thrive. https://lnkd.in/e9C_8a-T #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #BirthJustice #RWJFLife

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Exciting news for expectant parents in New York! As part of efforts to lower infant and maternal mortality rates, New York's Medicaid program will now pay for doulas to help care for expectant parents before, during and after childbirth. Why is this important? The New York State Commissioner noted that there is a high maternal mortality rate in New York, especially among minorities. By providing more access to doula care, birthing parents will be able to receive better care and health outcomes. This is a significant step forward in ensuring equitable and accessible maternal care for all New Yorkers. Learn more in the article here: https://lnkd.in/gVDxjKbS #MaternalCare #DoulaCare #healthcareaccess #healthequity #NYState #healthoutcomes #ARCFertility

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Let’s talk about the pay gap in New York State! Did you know that Black women in NYS earn just 75 cents for every dollar earned by white men? This disparity is real, and it’s not just about numbers - it’s about the value we place on people’s work and contributions. Equal pay is a matter of fairness and justice. We need to work towards a world where everyone is paid equitably, regardless of race or gender. It’s time to close the pay gap! Let’s raise our voices and demand equal pay for equal work. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. #EqualPay #PayGap #Justice #Equality #blackwomenequalpayday #wnycosh #workersrights #blm

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We’re excited to join with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in announcing the first grant opportunity through the new Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership. This round of grants will award $3.75 million from the Opioid Recovery & Remediation Fund over the next three years to community-based organizations working to reduce the harms of the opioid epidemic among historically underserved populations most impacted by the crisis. The Community-based Opioid Response Efforts (CORE) grant is intended to help organizations deepen their impact and build a strong and sustainable infrastructure to meet the needs of the populations they serve. The three-year grants will provide general operating support and will range from $50,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the organization’s size and budget. Apply by Friday, June 14 and help us spread the word! https://lnkd.in/eyrdQ3D5 #substanceusedisorder #opioidcrisis #opioidepidemic #opioidsettlements #overdosecrisis #grantmaking #grantprogram #addictionprevention #addictiontreatment #addictionrecovery #harmreduction

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