Region VI has been busy managing everything COVID! It has been impressive to see the affiliates come together and support their members. Thank you to our affiliate leaders and members for your dedication, passion, and perseverance during COVID. Our affiliate leaders have been meeting frequently to discuss patient care and share ideas on how to support midwives and the families we care for as well as each other as we navigate this new world. In addition, we had an opportunity to be together at the ACNM Annual Meeting at the Affiliate Leaders Workshop. Many of our discussions revolved about supporting students, increasing affiliate engagement, and diversity, inclusion, and racism. The time we spent together was meaningful and productive and I am excited to see these ideas come to fruition. We will be holding a Region VI Town Hall quarterly in order to bring information to you in real time and allow time for questions. In addition, our Region VI CE Webinar is getting back up and going. This is a free CE event for Region VI ACNM members. Stay tuned for more information!
The Arizona Affiliate created the Ursula Knoki-Wilson, CNM Scholarship for Indigenous Persons enrolled in a certified nurse-midwifery education program. Donna Barisich, Arizona Affiliate Vice President, working with members of the Arizona Nurses’ Association Nursing Specialties Round Table on COVID-19, was instrumental in promoting the use of “RNconnect” among midwives. This platform provides reminders and resources for self-care for busy, stressed, and tired health care providers.
The Colorado Affiliate has upgraded their website. The goal is for this to be an information sharing hub for the state. Colorado is also actively planning for their 17th annual symposium. The event will be virtual this year.
The Texas Affiliate had the highest number of scholarships awarded through the A.C.N.M. Foundation of all the ACNM affiliates.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Affiliate recently held their second meeting, with plans to meet monthly, update their bylaws, and hold affiliate elections. Thank you to Rosemary Bolza for taking the lead on this!
The Wyoming Affiliate is working on updating affiliate documents and identifying midwives to hold leadership positions. Thank you to Esther Gilman-Kehrer!
Region VI Representative