Washington, DC… On November 21, 1996 the National Parent Consortium on Maternal and Child Health will air Bright Consumers, Bright Families, Bright Futures, a video teleconference for mothers, families, and professionals on Health Care. The program will originate in Washington, DC and will be broadcast free via satellite throughout the US to sites located at public schools, churches, colleges, universities, homes, hotels, and other public or private video conference sites. A toll free telephone number will link conference sites and provide two-way communication with participants to ask questions directly of experts. All participants will be provided with a handout to be used by families to map out their health care needs. The video con- ference will focus on negotiating the Health Care scene in the 1990s with special segments on be- havioral health services, cultural diversity, and services for children with special needs.
Patricia Smith, Director of the National Parent Network on Disabilities, stated, "this video conference will provide the skills for parents and families to become smart consumers and ensure the best health care for their children…to assure they have a bright future today and tomorrow."
The Video Conference will promote themes and messages from Bright Futures, which is a program sponsored by the US Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration and the Medicaid Bureau Health Care Financing Administration. It addresses the health and well-being of children and the relationship to health supervision. Organizations supporting Bright Futures include the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American School Health Association, Child Welfare League of America, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, and the National PTA.
The National Parent Consortium on Maternal and Child Health, which represents over 450 parent organizations in America, will be working to access parents and families for this how-to conference on family health needs.
The Video-conference will be broadcast free of charge, and will contain valuable information on health care for children and families. Establishing a video-conference site is easy. For more information on how you can view and participate in this exciting event, contact EMILY MCWHORTER, PROGRAM COORDINATOR, at (703)684-6763, or e-mail: npnd@cs.com
Thanks also for working on the recovery and strengthening of NPND in very positive ways. There is much work yet to be done and your continued support and involvement are very much appreciated.
The work of NPND must go on during the recovery period. The IDEA reauthorization efforts will increase after the first of the year. Your time and expertise will continue to be needed. Keep up the good work.