APRIL NEWSLETTER: Race Equity Forum + CA Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos to Speak on May 2nd

First 5 Marin's Newsletter:

April 2024

Spotlight:

Advancing Racial Equity in Marin County

What an event!

We were proud to welcome more than 350 people to the Marin Communications Forum, "Advancing Racial Equity in Marin." This April 5th gathering was co-sponsored by the Marin County Office of Equity and First 5 Marin. (Here's the link to the video of the three-hour event.)

The forum began with a welcome from First 5 Marin's commission chair Dr. Itoco Garcia. He was followed by Matt Trujillo with Catalyst California, who presented data and information from their "Race Counts" report.

Jamillah Jordan, Equity Director for the County of Marin, followed with a summary presentation of the County's "Race Equity Action Plan." She then moderated a panel discussion with equity leaders from Oakland, San Mateo County and a new state agency, California Racial Equity.

Next, First 5 Marin's executive director, Maria Niggle, moderated a panel discussion with local leaders and representatives:

* Paul Austin, Play Marin

* Dennise Enriquez, Marin Child Care Council

* Shana Hewitt, Community Action Marin

* Raemona Little-Taylor, Marin County Free Library

* Jahmeer Reynolds, Marin County Cooperation Team

The forum concluded with deep and lively discussions at each table.

First 5 Marin hopes the community engagement will continue and grow-- as each person and each organization strengthens their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice all across Marin County.

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Coming Soon!

California Surgeon General, Dr. Diana Ramos, Speaking about ACEs and Toxic Stress for Maternal Mental Health Month

First 5 Marin is proud to welcome Dr. Diana Ramos, the California Surgeon General, to Marin on Thursday, May 2nd from 2 to 4:30 pm. Dr. Ramos will be speaking about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Toxic Stress-- and discussing how they can impact a woman's pregnancy, birth and mothering experiences.

This keynote address will be part of a larger forum being presented for "Maternal Mental Health Month" in May.

The forum will feature a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Jennifer Reinks from UCSF and breakout sessions to engage the whole audience.

The forum will be held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Rafael-- please note the special location.

This is a free event but registration is required. RSVP to Michelle@First5Marin.org.

NEXT COMMISSION MEETINGS! First 5 Marin will be holding a special commission meeting on Tuesday, April 30th from 4 to 6 pm (at the First 5 Marin offices, 1050 Northgate, Suite 130 in San Rafael). The next regularly scheduled commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 8th; same time and location. Email Beatriz@First5Marin.org for more information.

First 5 Things to Read in the News Today!

Take a look at some of the recent articles about important issues related to children and families:

The Associated Press:

California is rolling out free preschool. That hasn’t solved challenges around child care

A year before I-Ting Quinn’s son was old enough for kindergarten, she and her husband had the option to enroll him in “transitional kindergarten,” a program offered for free by California elementary schools for some 4-year-olds.

Today:

Why more moms are looking to midwifery for their birth journey

According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate is three times higher for Black women. Elaine Welteroth talks to two women who were influenced by that statistic to explore the midwifery route as a solution.

Associated Press:

Morning Sickness? Prenatal Check-Ups? What to Know About New Rights for Pregnant Workers

Pregnant workers have the right to a wide range of accommodations under new federal regulations for enforcing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

The Washington Post:

Does eating too much sugar really make kids hyper? We asked researchers.

A lot of parents swear that too much sugar makes their kids bounce off the walls. Science has other ideas.

CNN:

Mother of Chicago child with measles: It was ‘one of the scarier moments of my life’

When Jessica Coletti’s 3-year-old son Vincent lost his usual pep last month, she worried that something was really wrong.

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*** FOLLOW the Marin Communications Forum HERE!