Generate Health has been leading the efforts in the St. Louis region to advance equity in outcomes for infant and maternal health, particularly in zip codes with some of the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality in the state and across the country. Their work is centered in community voice, engagement, and empowering the most impacted communities to be their own advocates. Kids Win Missouri has been working together with Generate Health over the last several years to pass critical health policies, including extending postpartum Medicaid coverage and Medicaid expansion. Read our Q&A with Generate Health as they are featured as Kids Win Missouri’s January Partner Spotlight.
How does your organization work to improve child well-being in your community or in the state of MO?
Generate Health mobilizes and inspires the St. Louis region to advance racial equity in pregnancy outcomes, family well-being, and community health. Generate Health brings our community together in ways that make St. Louis a place where babies thrive. We amplify impacted voices by health inequities to focus on policies and legislation that eliminates racial disparities in infant mortality and maternal health.
What policy change would you most like to see to support child well-being in our state?
One of Generate Health’s policy priorities this year is paid family leave. Paid family leave has been shown to have many benefits to children and families such as lowering infant mortality rates and improving children’s health and development. It can also reduce stress associated with financial worry and job stability. By making this investment, we build a stronger economy, healthier families and businesses, and greater equality for all women and families.
Why do you think it’s important for our state to invest in children?
Children are a true reflection of our values. We know that, locally and globally, communities with strong infant health policies and practices are stronger and more successful from both a social and economic standpoint. By investing in children, we are investing in our future.
What do you like most about being a member of Kids Win Missouri?
Being a part of Kids Win Missouri allows Generate Health to amplify our collective impact to improve the lives of children and families across the state. We are able to create shared policy agendas and stay informed of key policy developments. Through Kids Win Missouri we enjoy building stronger relationships with elected officials and opportunities that we may not have otherwise.
Learn more about Generate Health by visiting their website at generatehealthstl.org. You can also find them on Facebook (@GenerateHealthSTL) or Twitter (@GenHealthSTL).