ANNOUNCEMENTS

 HAWAI'I STATE BIRTH CENTER HAR UNDER DOH

For all who are interested in discussion and advocacy efforts, we will be reviewing Title 11 DOH Ch. 93 SUBCHAPTER 2 re: FREESTANDING BIRTHING FACILITIES - for proposed amendment action in 2024. Second meeting, TBD

"§11-93-50 Purpose. The provisions of this subchapter are to establish minimum requirements for the protection of the health, welfare and safety of patients, newborns, personnel and the public in freestanding birthing facilities. 

These shall not be construed as lowering standards, ordinances, or regulations established by other divisions or subdivisions of government. In all instances the more stringent rules shall apply." 

We are currently waiting for direction from the AG to indicate whom can address amendments.

Please be in touch if you would like to be involved. CMs, CNMs, & CPMs - and the public are all welcome! 

Contact: acnmhawaiiaffiliate@gmail.com

• See Link Below For Full Document

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR TREASURER

 Nominations, including volunteering oneself, are most welcome. There are 2 years remaining to this term. It's a great opportunity to get involved in community building, advocacy, and action to support midwifery services in the State of Hawai'i. Mahalo to Sharon for all of their efforts!  

Please contact Annette Manant, President, for a copy of the HAA Bylaws, including Board duties. She is also the contact to nominate or be placed on the ballot. annette.manant@gmail.com

MAHALO TO ROBIN!

Robin has initiated a chapter fundraiser by selling canvas bags embroidered with the image she made for our t-shirts back in the day. The bag is large enough to carry work items or groceries.  It will have a  black band around and including the bottom and black handles.  The body of the bag is a sturdy white canvas. Bundled orders also welcome -- i.e. for group practices. A great idea for a holiday gift! 

Motivation for fundraising is to fill our coffers so we could do CME's, sponsor folks for cool stuff or host a chapter retreat etc. For orders, email: robinjimshen@yahoo.com

MAHALO TO ALL THE MAUI MIDWIVES!

December 31, 2023 wrapped up our crowdsourcing campaign for midwifery efforts during the aftermath of the Maui Fires. 

Mahalo to all who have contributed! We were able to raise over $4,300 - Distributing funds to FQHC Malama I Ke Ola, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Kalauokekahuli, Maui Breastfeeding Support, & the CPMs receiving support for charitable work through Pacific Birth Collective. There's still time to give!

HUMANITARIAN HAVENING TRAINING:

12/01/23 8-10 AM HST

In partnership with Maui Strong Mental Health Response, training for providers will be offered via Zoom.

Humanitarian Havening is an initiative to bring emotional healing to distressed communities across the world- both near and far. Havening is an impactful method for bringing global relief because it is easily taught and shared in groups, who can then show other families, groups, and communities. As a result, Havening’s effect can be exponential. It is simple, safe, and lasting. Most groups greatly enjoy doing Havening together. 

A COPY OF HAA BYLAWS HAVE BEEN ATTACHED TO 12/06/23 

GENERAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MEMBER REVIEW.

     Per ACNM Affiliate Board Member Training Manual: 

"Bylaws are filed with the Articles of Incorporation at establishment of the affiliate and can be amended by the board as needed. Affiliates must submit bylaws that have been updated to ACNM every three years (Due early April of the years 2019, 2022, 2025, 2028, etc.). If no changes have been made to the bylaws the Affiliate president affirms this to ACNM. 

     The bylaws make it clear that not all decisions, reports, etc. need to be made at general membership meetings. Instead, the board can manage this business and when the general membership convenes, it can focus on programs and activities, rather than the business of the organization. Affiliates should provide a short report to the membership on business items at a program or general meeting."

Send Comments to Board President: 

annette.manant@gmail.com

Advisory Board ZOOM Meeting: 

October 30, 2023

DCCA / PVL Midwives Program Advisory Board will be meeting for the second time on October 30, 2023 9-11 am HST. 

Board to review & discuss proposed rules for scope of practice for the Certified Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife license. 

Midwives - Strengthening Communities Oct.  1-7, 2023

    National Midwifery Week (#MidwiferyWeek2023) was created by ACNM to celebrate and recognize midwives and midwife-led care. It's time to display your pride in the hallmarks of midwifery that you deliver every day; this week is for you and about you.

    This year's theme is "Midwives - Strengthening Communities." Midwives are committed to equitable, ethical, accessible, and quality healthcare for all. Midwives are striving for justice on many fronts – ending racial discrimination, ensuring access to birth choices and full spectrum reproductive healthcare, eliminating gender bias, supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, and more. In this work, midwives must all come together. The midwifery model of care fosters compassionate collaborations and personalizes care based on each person's life experiences and expertise. We are stronger together.

Whether you're willing to throw yourself into hosting a full-scale midwifery-themed event in your community or share stories on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Every action from every individual builds our celebration and helps to raise awareness about the important role midwives play for justice. 

Don't forget to use the hashtags #MidwiferyWeek2023 and #MidwivesStrengtheningCommunities whenever you post or re-post on social media for your chance to be featured on ACNM's social media channels! Let us know how you'll be participating! If you need help or have any questions, please contact: communications@acnm.org

POSITION STATEMENT ON RURAL MIDWIFERY PRACTICE - PUBLISHED ON 08/2022 

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) affirms that CNMs and CMs (midwives) working in rural areas require support and structures to maintain specialized skills. 

AMONG THESE ARE:

• Access to and collaboration with specialty providers who can aid in the management or continued care of the patient Access to mechanisms for peer support 
• Access to mechanisms for peer support
• Support for growing and retaining a rural midwifery workforce 
• Focused advocacy to strengthen rural midwifery practice 
• Access to education and training opportunities that build the advanced practice skills required by midwives practicing in rural areas