Marcus Baca, MD, FAAP
Co-Chair, WCAAP Legislative Committee
After a legislative session where so many child-focused priorities became realities, 2022 has already been an incredible year for pediatric advocacy in Washington State. We listened to input from WCAAP members to shape our legislative priorities, and WCAAP members participated in record numbers and were pivotal in key conversations. The takeaway continues to be – your voice matters! When we speak together to support children in our state, our voice is loud.
As we look to the next part of this year there are ways that you can continue to share your voice and passion. Consider joining our legislative advocacy meetings on the first Tuesday of each month 7-8 AM. (Our May meeting will be an exception, meeting May 10th instead of May 3rd). Also, remember that scheduling a meeting with your legislator in the interim before the next legislative session is a powerful opportunity to build that relationship and to keep our lawmakers thinking about childhood health and well-being. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with your legislators in the next few months, let us know – we can help!
Advocacy News from AAP: Dr. Sandy Chung, AAP President Elect, was the first primary care pediatrician to testify on mental health care in Congress this session. Nineteen bills on mental health are being considered, including 13 pertaining to pediatrics. One of the bills is HR 7076, offered by Congresswoman Schrier and supported by AAP and many Chapters, including Washington. You can read about it here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7076?s=1&r=3
