Family Voices National Conference
The Family Voices 2009 National Conference offers an exciting schedule of plenary and spotlight sessions over 1 1/2 days. Participants will gain a wealth of new information, best practices and resources to support families of children and youth with special health care needs/disabilities and youth with disabilities.

For example, the Health Information Technology (HIT) session features:
   - Cheryl Austein-Casnoff, HRSA, Office of Health Technology
   - Wendy Benz, Raising Special Kids (AZ)
   - Patricia MacTaggart, GWU Medical Center
   - Claudia Williams, Markle Foundation

Visit our conference section to learn more!

Family-Centered Care Tools
These newly-published Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Tools are designed as an opportunity for health care practices and families to assess current areas of strength and identify areas for growth, plan future efforts, and track progress toward family-centered care. These tools include a Family Tool, a Provider Tool, and a Users Guide. Please feel free to download and use these or order them as a set from our online catalog.

Families Speaking Out on Health Care Reform
Responding to President Obama's request to share experiences and insights into our nation's health care systems, family leaders have been meeting with families across the country. President Obama believes that modernizing the American health care system must improve health care quality, and cut costs, expand coverage and access, and increase the emphasis on primary care and prevention. Read more about the activities in DC, FL, MA, NC, NJ, and UT to share family stories. If you have something you'd like to share, please contact a Family Voices member in your state or a Family-to-Family Health Information Center.

Family Voices 2007-2008 Annual Report
This just-released report highlights the accomplishments of family and youth leaders, Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, the National Center for Family/Professional Partnerships and offers an overview of Family Voices’ financial position for fiscal year 2007-08. Hard copies available upon request.

Family Voices Partners with AMCHP
Family Voices and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate collaborative planning and address opportunities to work together on a variety of issues. Specific joint activities will include the Family Scholars program, policy work, and an issue brief on families working with state Title V programs. Read more about this exciting intiative in Friday's Child.