We are all familiar with this famous quote from Margaret Mead: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" With all due respect to Ms. Mead, I think she is mistaken. Particularly her comment that it is the “only” thing. It has been my experience that meaningful, long-lasting systemic change requires engaging large numbers of people.

Reflecting on four skills which were vital to helping move the children’s mental health policy in Iowa forward with substantial success during the 2019 legislative session

Unless power and privilege are being explored and addressed at the top levels systems, there will not be a significant change. Inclusion and diversity will be in appearance without substance, without systemic change.

While many of us strive to partner or “share power” with people with lived experiences, we often fall short. And as much as we all might think we want this partnership, it is difficult to implement successfully.

Medicaid helps set kids on a path to be successful adults. Research shows that compared with their uninsured peers, children enrolled in Medicaid are more likely to 1) miss fewer days of school; 2) perform better in school; 3) graduate high school and go to college; 4) earn higher wages and become tax-paying adults. By covering important health services that set children on a path to healthy adulthood, Medicaid supports the long-term financial stability of our health care system.

If we know mothers are having significant levels of stress and trauma before their children are born, we must begin community supports prenatally. If we know parental ACEs can influence maternal and child health, we must begin supporting moms prenatally. If we know that historical trauma, implicit bias, and systemic bias are negatively impacting maternal and child health, we must address bias and better support mothers of color prenatally.