NCSL Legislative Video Resource Center

Hospital closures, shrinking budgets, a diminishing workforce and poorer health outcomes in rural areas are prompting policymakers to look for ways to boost maternal health care in the nation’s less-populated communities. Women and families living in rural areas often must drive long distances for prenatal visits, delivery and postpartum care. This webinar will highlight strategies to improve access to maternity care in rural counties. Speakers will provide examples of state actions related to coverage, workforce and remote services.

Moderator: Khanh Nguyen, project manager, NCSL Health Program. Speakers: Colleen Durocher, executive director, New Mexico Rural OB Access & Maternal Services, Representative Kimberly Moser, Kentucky and Senator Cristina Castro, Illinois.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Borrower Defense, and Pandemic-Era Student Loan Policy

Speakers: Ashley Harrington, senior advisor, Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education and Austin Reid, senior legislative director, NCSL.

This 90-minute webinar will build on sessions from the Seattle convening, diving deeper into child and youth protective factors. Attendees will learn from and engage with presenters on the Strengthening Families and Youth Thrive frameworks and policy options to aligned with this research. Both frameworks are evidence-informed approaches to increase child and youth well-being and reduce the likelihood of adverse experiences and outcomes. Following the presentation, you will have opportunities to discuss the content with other fellows and NCSL staff. Presenters: Francie Zimmerman, senior associate, Center for the Study of Social Policy and Michael Lutton, intern, Center for the Study of Social Policy.