July 2026 Update

I have often used this column as my “bully pulpit” to extoll the importance of nonprofit engagement in public policy. During the 2026 Missouri legislative session, I had the opportunity to practice what I preach.

As a quick refresher, Nurture KC housed the Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) for twenty years. For the past several years, ours was the only active FIMR in Missouri, serving as a national model for other states. FIMR brings together clinicians, social workers and community advocates to examine fetal and infant death cases and make recommendations to reverse emerging trends. The FIMR community impact team then implements these strategies. Our work has resulted in the safe sleep certification for eight metro hospitals when only two started with the designation. Our team developed a prenatal care algorithm used across the city to establish a standard of care to improve birth outcomes.

In 2024, the Missouri legislature approved a statewide FIMR organized along regional hubs. While I was optimistic that Nurture KC would have a role in this effort, ultimately, our FIMR was not allowed to continue.

Fast forward to the winter of 2026 and the regional FIMRs were still not operational from a case review and action team standpoint. Since the end of Nurture KC’s FIMR in December 2024, this work had come to a halt. We had representation in the Missouri Capitol this year as part of a larger plan to accelerate our policy work and as a response to what had transpired with FIMR in 2024. Restoring Nurture KC’s FIMR was ultimately approved by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor.

Resuming this work at a community organization level reinforces the importance of collaboration among those best equipped to do the job. It is a recognition that families are better served when the community is involved. I am looking forward to the year ahead and the initiatives we have planned to improve infant health in Kansas City via Nurture KC’s FIMR!

Gratefully,

Tracy Russell

Chief Executive Officer, Nurture KC

Thank You for Your Service

Please join us in thanking Stacy Barter and Solissa McKay as they complete their terms on the Nurture KC Board of Directors.

We are grateful for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to our mission. Their service has made a meaningful impact on Nurture KC and the families we serve.

Thank you for your support and service!

Welcome New Board Members

Nurture KC is pleased to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors: Jan Marrs, Jen Poppe, and Melissa Woetzel.

Each brings valuable experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to improving maternal and infant health in our community. We look forward to the leadership, perspective, and passion they will contribute as we continue advancing our mission.

Please join us in welcoming our newest board members to the Nurture KC family.

Food Farmacy Back for a Second Year

We are proud to continue our partnership with University Health for a second year of the Food Farmacy program. This innovative initiative provides fresh produce and nutrition education to pregnant women, their children, and male-involved partners, helping families access the resources and support they need to live healthier, more nourished lives.

Watch the video below to see the learn more about the impact of this important initiative.

We're Hiring! Healthy Start CHW

Nurture KC is hiring a Community Health Worker for our Healthy Start program to help connect pregnant women and families with the resources and support they need for healthy beginnings. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting families and improving maternal and infant health, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply.

Missouri: Your Vote Matters Aug. 4

Missouri voters will decide on two constitutional amendments on the August 4 ballot:

Amendment 4 would change the requirements for citizen-led constitutional amendments to pass in Missouri.
Amendment 5 would make significant changes to Missouri's tax system, including phasing out the state income tax and expanding sales taxes.

Before you vote, take a few minutes to review the proposed amendments and understand how they could affect Missouri's future.

Learn more and read the full ballot language at the Missouri Secretary of State's website.

Help Build a Stronger Kansas for Families

Every family deserves the time to care for a new baby, recover from a serious illness, or support a loved one, without sacrificing their financial stability.

Join us in supporting Paid Leave for Working Kansans. Follow along or sign up for updates to learn how we're working together to create a healthier, stronger future for Kansas families.