20 Years at Maternity Care Coalition: JoAnne Fischer
By Our Bodies Ourselves • May 1, 2009
Please note: This entry -- originally posted at Our Bodies, Our Blog -- has not been updated since the publication date listed above.
Entrant: Olivia Hamilton
Nominee: JoAnne Fischer, Maternity Care Coalition, Executive Director
JoAnne Fisher is not only my Women’s Health Hero, she wears that cape for every birthing woman in Pennsylvania. This year she celebrates her 20th year as Executive Director of the Maternity Care Coalition.MCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the needs of mothers and their families visible through policy advocacy and research, and meeting those needs in the community every day through the outreach of teams of Community Health Workers.
Since 1989, JoAnne has raised MCC from a fledgling neighborhood project with a staff of 3 to a statewide organization with staff of over 70, and a budget of $116,000 to over $4.5 million. MCC’s programs include the operation of MOMobile outreach sites providing services to at risk mothers right in their neighborhoods including one in the Riverside Correctional Facility, two Early Head Start locations, The Cribs for Kids program which provides safe sleeping options to families in need, the Smoke Free Mom’s initiative, and an HIV/Aids prevention program for at risk women.
In addition JoAnne leads MCC’s efforts to advocate for policies that support the women served by these programs – most recently through the report “Insuring Healthy Births” which she will present jointly with area mothers impacted by the faulty insurance system at a rally in Harrisburg at the Capitol Rotunda on Monday May 4th.
JoAnne says of her work, “Birthing is a powerful experience whether it results in a baby or an organization. I am grateful to have been a midwife to MCC, to work with passionate and talented people and to advocate for women and children every day." Joanne’s own talent and passion are evident everywhere I go, when I say I work for MCC inevitably someone says “Oh, you know JoAnne Fischer?” Her reputation, energy and warmth precede her.
At a recent staff meeting JoAnne’s anniversary was recognized by those who work with her every day. We were all invited to stand and convey our own experience of that warmth and vitality. It was evident to me, even as a new member of the MCC community, that she had made an effort to connect with every woman (and the two men as well!) in that room.
I had my own experience of this: at another meeting I had the chance to contribute some of my own ideas – and shook like a leaf the whole time I was speaking because I was so nervous. When I got home that evening there was a message on my Facebook page (yes, JoAnne is on Facebook!) complimenting me on my effort and my ideas. It is a small thing, but when you consider how large a job she has, and how many people she takes the time to connect with in that way in any given day it is no wonder that her name is known far and wide.
I literally found out about this contest ten minutes ago and today is the entry deadline. If I had the chance I could compile story after story just like those tributes I heard at the Maternity Care Coalition staff meeting about what a fantastic leader and mentor JoAnne is. I know there is no better, stronger, more dedicated champion of the health of childbearing women than JoAnne Fischer and no one is better deserving of the recognition of the Our Bodies Ourselves community. Celebrate with us at MCC by joining with us to honor her 20th Anniversary year of serving the women of Pennsylvania!
125 Responses
Nancy on
JoAnne Fischer is a passionate leader in the field of Women and children's health care. She has given unselfishly of herself to this cause all of her adult/professional life. She has been a role model for many young men and women. I am honored to be able to vote for her as a Health Hero -- no one deserves it more than JoAnne!
Sandy on
A true Health Hero!!
Joan on
Joanne is truly a wonderful person, a friend to many, and a fine example of what perseverance and dedication can accomplish both at Maternity Care and other communities also. I vote for her!
Joan Manley
Tina Davidson on
JoAnne is amazing, and truly gift to the field! I vote for her!!!
Tina Davidson
Carolyn Cohen on
Joanne is tireless in supporting others to be all that they can be and in creating a world where every woman/family has equal access to the care they need. She is the epitome of one who understands what community means. I vote for her.
Emily Bradley on
What a profoundly responsive community vision Joanne has birthed and care-fully nurtures with passion and expertise. I vote for her.
Bobbi Amato on
This is a highly deserved recognition for the supportive work JoAnne has been committed to over these many years. Not only has she positively impacted so many mothers and babies lives, but, as an advocate, she has brought an expanded awareness of the need to address health at the earliest stage. I vote for JoAnne.
Steven on
congratulations JoAnne
Mary Lou on
I have seen first hand the dedication and passion with which you have done this health hero work for so many years. Your commitment to awareness, education, and action to ensure good health for women, mothers, and babies is visible in your work. Congratulations on a well deserved nomination. I vote for JoAnne!
Judy on
Joanne is truly an inspiration and innovator who has significantly impacted the lives of mothers and families through her two decades with MCC, I vote for JoAnne.
Carol Lutter on
JoAnne is an inspiration in so many ways. Her work for and with women truly stands out and makes a difference to all. Please count my vote for JOANNE!
Judith Katzburg on
JoAnne has provided tremendous leadership to the Materna & Child Health Section of the American Public Health Association, including in her current role as our section president. She has my full support and my vote!
Lynne Piersol on
JoAnne is a wonderful person and advocate for women's health issues, and she runs a top notch organization. I vote for JoAnne!
Jane Warren on
I vote wholeheartedly for JoAnne Fischer, an untiring, inspiring, and remarkably effective advocate for mothers and babies.
Betsy on
I vote for JoAnne. She is an enthusistic and infectious promoter of mothers' health.
Ellen on
JoAnne Fisher is a wonderful person and advocate for women’s health issues, and she runs a top notch organization. I vote for JoAnne!
Marcy Bacine on
JoAnne Fisher DEFINITELY deserves this award. She is an amazing advocate for women, mothers and babies. Congratulations on the nomination.
Vivian on
Joanne's vision, hard work, leadership and compassion has made the Maternity Care Coalition a model organization. My vote is for Joanne!
Rosemary Northcutt on
JoAnne's contribution to the physical and emotional health of community families is an inspiration to many and a gift to us all!
linda weinstein on
There is nothing left to say...that hasn't already been said about this amazing woman.
Words cannot express her dedication & energy.
She has taught me a lot though the yrs.
Julio on
I add my enthusiastic vote for JoAnne, a true advocate for maternal and child care.
Clare Feinson on
I have known JoAnne Fisher for almost 30 years, through the Women's Caucus and the Maternal and Child Health Section of the American Public Health Association, and there are not enough words to describe how much she deserves this award. Her unflagging energy and enthusiasm have not only benefited the MCC and APHA, but they have also helped many of us to keep going when the going was tough. JoAnne is a great leader and an inspiration to us all, and she greatly deserves this recognition.
Clare Feinson
letty on
wonderful nomination!
Rita Lourie on
Joanne is an amazing person, connector, colleague and a true innovator for public health. What a wonderful nomination- well deserved!!!!
John on
Through Joanne's leadership, MCC has had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of women, children and families in the Philadelphia area. She is a leader of exceptional quality whose commitment, incredible hard work and dedication is the hallmark of MCC. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
Cindy on
I heartily support Joanne for all her tireless commitment and passion over the many years at MCC.
Eric Hoffman on
JoAnne is amazing. As her husband for over 30 years, I can add that her 20 years at Maternity Care Coalition and leadership in the American Public Health Association tell only part of the story. She was on the founding board of the National Women's Health Network, which she Chaired in the late 1970's; she has contributed to earlier editions of Our Bodies, Ourselves; and she has been a tireless advocate for women's health through founding over a dozen other organizations. She also supports the leadership of women and girls by her involvement in Girl Scouts nationally and internationally. And there is more for which there is not enough room. She certainly has my vote.
Elise on
Joanne is well-deserving of this honor.
Melanie Brennan on
JoAnne has been a life-long active creator of opportunities for enhanced physical and emotional wellness of women, children and families in the community. I join my voice with others in the public acknowledgement for the place JoAnne holds in so many individual lives as one of todays Heroines for women's health.
Patricia on
JoAnn Fischer has my vote!!!!
Patricia on
She deserves to Win!!
Dolores on
I have known JoAnne for many years and can attest to her unswerving dedication to women's issues and her warm and wonderful way. She deserves this honor. She has my vote.
Dolores Menapace
Sara on
JoAnne care deeply for women and children, especially babies, our most vulnerable citizens. and she has translated her caring into action! she is to be commended for her work and her lifestyle that directly reflects her passion!
Joan on
I can not think of anyone more deserving of this honor than JoAnne. She works tirelessly on behalf of mothers and children, and is a model of leadership for girls and women of all ages. I vote for JoAnne.
Michael on
JoAnne, in my opinion, serves as a great example of a "Servant Leader." She has continued her steadfast devotion to serving the needs of The MCC Family, develops employees to reach their potential; by supporting their personal/professional growth, is a coaches-coach, and a listener who builds a strong sense of community and ownership. JoAnne is truly deserving of this recognition.
Glenda on
Great nomination
Chris G on
Joanne has been an inspiration to Moms and women working in jobs that support mothers, children and healthcare in the Philadelphia area for over 30 years. I think she is a wonderful nominee.
Tina on
JoAnne is an amazing woman who reflects to others her commitment, leadership, dedication, compassion and knowledge through her work and personal life. She is an inspiration to me and others and is deserving of this award.
Elaine on
Congratulations Joanne! I a big yes for Joanne!
Cynthia on
What a wonderful and appropriate selection. Way to go, Jo!
Sol on
Joanne is truly a great person, who is following her dream, just because its her job, but its her passion.. Congratulations and keep it up ..
Barbara on
You are a hero for women and it is my pleasure to vote for you.
Hope on
I am voting for JoAnne. Through her work she has helped thousands of our neediest mothers and children. What an honor to be nominated with such an inspiring group of health heroes.
Dale on
Not only has JoAnne led Materinity Care Coalition to have the impact that it does but she has done it with a leadership style that is an exemplary model for all. She is wise, brilliantly creative and full of grace.
Jeff on
A health hero to so many.
Cecilia Cannon on
JoAnne, you have my vote! Congratulations on a well earned nomination for this wonderful work that you continue to do.
Brenda Bary on
Joanne, you definitely have my vote. You are one of the most empowered and effective women I've ever met. Having known you for almost 20 years now, I can say that you work tirelessly to improve conditions for women and children in the world. And, of course, improving conditions for women and children upgrades life for all humanity. I think you are marvelous and I hope you get all the recognition you deserve.
Mary Jo on
JoAnne, you are an inspiration to women everywhere. It is an honor to vote for you.
Robin on
Congrats JoAnne. As your "on the way home from work call" I am amazed by all that you do in each day. As your little sister I am so proud of the example you have always lead. I got to see first hand on a daily basis the passion in which you work when we were at Booth Maternity Center. Now 20 years later MCC has been the result of that passion. Amazing! You got my vote
Dale Allen on
JoAnne is that rare combination of skill, intelligence, vision, creativity and perseverance that you rarely find in one person. She is able to motivate others to compassionate action and she is tireless in her commitment to making this world a safe and nuturing place in the face of truly severe and relentless obstacles. I have been honored to know her through her work at The Maternity Care Coalition and I know that she is extraordinarily deserving of this recognition as a Health Hero.