by Crystal Shen, MD, MPH
From March 2-4, WCAAP pediatricians joined nearly 400 AAP members from 44 states for the national AAP Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Pediatricians came together from across the country to advocate together on Capitol Hill to urge Congress members to reject cuts to Medicaid. This effort comes as $880 billion worth of federal budget cuts are being considered, including to Medicaid. We spoke up about how vital Medicaid is for children (covering almost half of all children in the United States and 38% of all Washington children) and the importance of preserving Medicaid access to care.
During the conference, there were informative and galvanizing sessions on topics including on access to care, vaccines, advocacy during times of adversity, and more.
There was also a fireside chat with pediatrician and U.S. Representative from Washington’s 8th Congressional District, Kim Schrier. Rep. Schrier also received the AAP’s Excellence in Public Service Award.
On Tuesday, March 4, Washington state pediatricians joined multiple meetings with Congress members or their staff on Capitol Hill including with:
- Senator Maria Cantwell
- Senator Patty Murray
- Representative Dan Newhouse, WA-04
- Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, WA-03
- Representative Pramila Jayapal, WA-07
- Representative Adam Smith, WA-09 (delivered Medicaid issue briefs to his office)
Washington pediatricians at the conference and/or Congress meetings include Drs. Callie Byrd, Beth Ebel, Lauren Hawkins, Heather Henne, Kathleen Kieran, Crystal Shen, Roy Simms, Annette Ville, and Rachel Yang.
Our Washington pediatricians ranged from a pediatric resident (Dr. Rachel Yang) to a pediatrician returning to this conference after attending 26 years ago (Dr. Roy Simms)—this lifelong advocacy on behalf of children is inspiring! Our geographic range for Washington state went from southwest WA (Longview, WA – Dr. Annette Ville) to eastern WA (Yakima, WA – Dr. Roy Simms). We included perspectives from primary care as well as pediatric subspecialties (Dr. Lauren Hawkins – pediatric nephrology fellow and Dr. Kathleen Kieran – pediatric urology).
During these times of uncertainty with the new federal administration and so much at stake that can impact child health, it was tremendous to gather together to advocate on behalf of kids and what they need. These were valuable opportunities to speak directly with Congress members and their staff about how vital Medicaid is for children in Washington state and how access to care is at stake. We are more likely to preserve Medicaid (and other important policies) when we advocate together.
If you are wanting to stay informed about key federal AAP advocacy issues and opportunities, please go to federaladvocacy.aap.org.