5-Minute MCH: Module 3.4

She is an advanced nurse practitioner specializing in the health care of individuals with developmental disabilities, and has over 30 years of experience in this specialty. For the past 8 years she has directed the DC Developmental Disabilities Health Initiative, an effort aimed at improving health care quality and access for adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Ms. Brown’s interest in community collaborative approaches to human services delivery are a common thread among the projects with which she has been associated including health services for people with intellectual disabilities, genetics education, community services and supports for people with disabilities, early intervention services for infants and toddlers, cultural and linguistic competence, and home visiting services to families that are homeless and other families impacted by poverty, disability and substance abuse.  

Ms. Brown has served on numerous task forces and advisory groups at the local and state level related to children and adults with developmental disabilities. As the parent of a young adult with autism spectrum disorder, she is particularly interested in advocacy for services to support community integration and independence.

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• "One very thorny topic is dealing with a situation when one person's deeply held ethical belief (based on their religion, very often) causes them to deny to another person something that the other person considers a right and which is in fact legal in this country, such as abortions, contraception, hospital visitation by a gay partner. I don't begin to know how to address this beyond being careful where you live."
• "Please give us specific perals that can be applied to practice as well as talking about the topics in a broad way."
• "She's great!"
• "Great important topic."
• "In an article by Paul Schmitz at Collective Impact Forum, he wrote on the increasing buzz about “equity” and “racial equity” in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. He wrote that while it is a good thing and our nation’s persistent and rising racial and economic disparities demand it, Paul added that many groups are applying an “equity lens” to look outward at social problems and solutions to reduce disparities. Paul cautioned that our collective efforts must begin by looking inward, using an “equity mirror” to examine our own composition, culture, and policies that reinforce and perpetuate societal disparities. To do equity, we must also be equity."
• "I plan on using this information to develop a thoughtful and knowledgeable ethical stystem."
• "This month's work helps to remind me of the many ethical issues that one most approach with knowledge and skills."