MCH CAN

The purpose of the CAN is to share information and recommendations on how to best serve families. The CAN will help advise the Healthy Babies, LYFTE, and Baby Talk programs. It will help make sure the programs do the following:

(1) Provide information on pregnancy and infant care that is important to parents. 

(2) Set a tone of cultural sensitivity and respect for participants. 

(3) Stay true to the vision of sharing evidence-based strategies for maternal and infant health.

The CAN is made up of community members, including those who have participated in the programs listed above. CAN members will serve a 1-year term, with the option of a 2nd term. Members will be recruited who can offer a range of views, experiences, and skills. These may include:

• Pregnant women currently enrolled in the program(s)

• Pregnant women or mothers who have completed the program(s)

• Fathers and other support persons 

• Concerned community members 

Each CAN member can earn up to $15 in gift cards as well as baby safety items per meeting attended. 

CAN members are responsible for the following areas: 

• Attendance – Attend at least 3 of the 4 meetings per year.

• Communication – Respond to emails within the appropriate time frame; alert the coordinator if unable to attend a meeting or meet a deadline.

• Overall guidance – Provide feedback on how to best meet the needs of families in Sedgwick County. Examples may include reviewing materials or sharing opinions on new guidelines or information.

• Program promotion – Share information about the programs with people you know and interact with and refer those who may benefit from the program.

• Partnerships – Support the creation of partnerships and other links between these programs and other groups.

Sedgwick County Health Department and the KU School of Medicine-Wichita CRIBS will provide coordination of the meetings, and are responsible for:

• Membership – Recruit and orient new CAN members; manage existing CAN members throughout their term in order to ensure continuity.

• Information – Gather information requested by the CAN.

• Schedule – Schedule meetings and other CAN events; record attendance at these events.

• Materials – Confirm all materials needed for meetings, including agendas and minutes, are distributed in an appropriate and timely fashion.

The CAN meets four times a year. It may choose to hold extra meetings if necessary. Meetings will not exceed 2 hours unless so scheduled.

Meeting dates will be set at the beginning of the year. For extra meetings, CAN members will be polled for availability. The final date will set at least two weeks prior to the meeting. 

Agendas will be sent 5 business days before the meeting. Meeting minutes, including action items, person responsible and due dates, will be sent out within 5 business days of the meeting.

As the CAN makes suggestions rather than decisions, Sedgwick County Health Department and KU School of Medicine-Wichita CRIBS are ultimately responsible for their own actions. 

Despite not making official decisions, the CAN is expected to act responsibly. To show this, CAN members must: 

• Act in good faith, in the best interest of Healthy Babies, Baby Talk and LYFTE.

• Avoid conflicts of interest.

• Be diligent with regard to CAN meetings and tasks.