Commonwealth Fund (CMWF) Publication

1. A new Commonwealth Fund Publication (CMWF) on the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) initiative from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP)

Training Opportunity

2. Diagnostics and Amplification for Infants and Toddlers Training Opportunity Sponsored by A.T. Still University and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM)

A new Commonwealth Fund Publication (CMWF) on the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) initiative from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP)

The second phase of the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) initiative--supported by The Commonwealth Fund and administered by the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP)--provided five states with the opportunity to develop and test strategies for preventing developmental delays and providing early intervention services. Improving the Delivery of Health Care That Supports Young Children's Healthy Mental Development: Update on Accomplishments and Lessons from a Five-State Consortium, by NASHP's Neva Kaye and Jill Rosenthal, shows how these states were able to improve screening and follow-up services for young children by upgrading insurance coverage, reforming reimbursement policies, and boosting health system performance.
The authors show how the states:

• identified validated screening tools and helped pediatric providers integrate these tools into their practices;
• facilitated appropriate referral to follow-up services;
• addressed policy barriers in Medicaid and early intervention programs;
• formed key partnerships with other state agencies, clinicians, and provider organizations to achieve project goals; and
• undertook quality improvement activities to produce and improvements in care.

Read the report to learn more, and also be sure to check out the ABCD Resource Center.

Diagnostics and Amplification for Infants and Toddlers Training Opportunity Sponsored by A.T. Still University and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM)

An exciting opportunity for audiologists to enhance their knowledge and skills in the assessment of hearing loss for infants and strategies to ensure appropriate amplification and intervention for infants and toddlers with hearing loss (see attached PDF file). This training combines on-line preparation with a four day session emphasizing clinical procedures and hands-on practicum.

When: Online chat rooms begin June 24th
Hands-on training, August 5-8, 2008
Where: Arizona School of Health Sciences - Mesa, Arizona
Registration Information: http://www.infanthearing.org/workshop/registration/2008arizona

To view the training brochure please click here.