In this August edition of “Appleseed in Action”:
- Celebrating Medicaid’s 50th birthday
- Improving access to children’s behavioral health treatment
- New Americans share their stories at World Refugee Day
- Introducing 2015 Good Apple Awards honorees
- Appleseed is hiring Fall interns
- Meet our 2015 Summer Law Clerks and Interns
Celebrating Medicaid on its 50th Birthday
One of the cornerstones of our American health care system reached a big milestone when we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Medicaid program on July 30. Every year, Medicaid coverage allows thousands of Nebraska children to have a healthy start in life, and it lets many of our seniors and people with disabilities live more full and independent lives.
We thought this occasion was worth celebrating, so on July 28, Appleseed hosted a “Happy 50th” birthday party for Medicaid at the Center For People In Need.
With cake, balloons, and party hats, we celebrated 50 years of lives saved by Medicaid, and encouraged people to tell our leaders how important it is to protect and strengthen Medicaid for the future.
See a full photo album from Medicaid’s 50th Birthday Party
Improving access to children’s behavioral health treatment
Last month, we told you about a significant legal victory (K.D. & S.L. v. Winterer) that will improve Medicaid coverage of behavioral health treatments for Nebraska children with autism.
On July 30, the decision became final when the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced it would not appeal the Lancaster County District Court ruling.
“We now look forward to swift and complete implementation of the court’s decision so that children with serious behavioral needs can get the important services they need,” Appleseed child welfare attorney Robert McEwen told the Omaha World-Herald.
New Americans share their stories at World Refugee Day
Meeting neighbors, finding shared values, and learning about the vibrant cultures of all of the people who are proud to call Nebraska home is exciting and can help us to overcome what often divides us.
This year’s World Refugee Day celebration in Omaha gave Nebraskans the chance to hear first-hand experiences from new Nebraskans who escaped danger in their home countries, but now have high hopes for the future in our state.
Click here to read more and to see a list of summer cultural events and festivals across the state.
Introducing the 2015 Good Apple Awards honorees
Save the date for Thursday, October 22 for the Good Apple Awards – Appleseed’s annual reception honoring outstanding individuals who stand up for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans!
We’re excited to announce this year’s honorees:
Frank LaMere
Jim Wolf Equal Justice Award
Sen. Sara Howard
Milo Mumgaard Emerging Leader Award
Unity in Action
Roots of Justice Award
Follow our Good Apple Awards Facebook page for updates about this year’s event!
Appleseed is looking for Interns for the Fall Semester
Appleseed is now hiring interns for the Fall Semester! Our Internship Program is a hands-on way to gain experience with policy and grassroots advocacy work in Nebraska.
Interns work within our programs to conduct research projects, assist with advocacy and public policy work, help with community outreach and education, and provide general office support.
If you know someone who may be interested in being an Appleseed intern, they can click here to learn more and apply to join our team and fight for justice and opportunity for all!
Meet our 2015 Summer Law Clerks and Interns
We wanted to continue introducing you to the bright and talented law clerks and interns who chose to spend their summer working with Appleseed.
These energetic young advocates have been creative and enthusiastic in their approach to helping us fight for justice and opportunity for all, and we are grateful to benefit from their experiences and skills.