The Institute for Patient Access and the National Coalition for Infant Health welcomed health care providers, advocates, parents and members of Congress for the Preemie Matters National Policy Summit in Washington, DC on June 24-25, 2015.
The summit featured remarks from preemie mom and CNN host Nancy Grace, who shared her personal and powerful story of her premature twins’ birth and the many challenges they faced. Conference attendees were also privileged to hear from Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), who are both active leaders in supporting the nation’s most fragile patient population.
The summit brought together experts from across the country to discuss access issues facing premature infants and their families, and to assist in establishing a policy platform for the NCfIH. Attendees included health care providers, representatives from national nursing and physician organizations, along with leaders of both national and regional preemie parent organizations.
Two panel discussions included:
Protecting Preterm Infants from Infectious Disease
Panel experts:
- Judy Bernbaum, MD, Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania
- Mitchell Goldstein, MD, National Coalition for Infant Health
- Suzanne Staebler, DNP, Emory University
- Ram Yogev, MD, Northwestern University
Optimal Nutrition and Health for Preterm Infants
Panel experts:
- Amy B. Hair, MD, Texas Children’s Hospital
- Martin L. Lee, PhD, Prolacta Bioscience
- Trish MacEnroe, Baby-Friendly USA
- Diane Spatz, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Three interactive breakout sessions included:
- What do preemies and parents needs in the NICU?
- Ensuring continuity of care of premature infants into the community after the NICU
- Setting up preemies for optimal health through age two
NCfIH is a multidisciplinary collaborative of provider, parent, community and national support organizations focused on improving the lives of premature infants and their families through public policy and access to optimal health therapies. The coalition is committed to the special needs of premature infants through age two.
