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NCSL Legislative Video Resource Center

The NCSL Video Resource Center is a collection of recorded webinars accessible for on-demand learning.

Human Services

Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities Webinar

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.

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

Protective Factors and Their Role in Child Welfare, Early Childhood and Youth Homelessness

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.

SNAP Employment and Training: Food Security through Economic Mobility

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is well known for providing nutrition support for individuals and families with low incomes. The lesser-known SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T) helps eligible participants develop skills to achieve economic mobility. SNAP E&T provides employability assessments, training, transportation and child care, all of which help participants attain and sustain employment. Learn about opportunities state legislatures have to boost economic recovery and decrease food insecurity by investing in their SNAP E&T program using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and other sources. Moderator: Rachel Gragg, Office of Employment and Training, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Speakers: Nick Moore, director of the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation, Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Sage Learn, director of government relations, Portland Community College.

State Actions to Increase Access to Supportive Housing

To improve the health of individuals experiencing homelessness and reduce associated health care costs, many states are leveraging COVID-19 relief and other funds to provide permanent supportive housing. This type of low-barrier, affordable housing provides health care and support services, such as case management, child care and employment assistance. Featuring national and state perspectives, this webinar will explore the landscape of permanent supportive housing and highlight several state legislative actions.

This webinar is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $767,749 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Setting the Stage Understanding Early Childhood Policy

Children’s earliest experiences set the stage for life-long health, emotional well-being, learning and achievement. Learn why the early years are critical to healthy development and the major policies and programs legislators are likely to consider. Learn about disparities in access and outcomes for children of color, as well as the effectiveness and return on investment of policies and programs supporting young children and their families. Speakers are Patrick Lyons, Melissa Mincic, and Jennifer Palmer, NCSL; and Al Race, Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University.

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