One of the WCAAP staff recently shared this story: while driving, she heard an advertisement encouraging people to get protected against measles and other diseases. She listened eagerly, curious to know who was behind such a strong public health message. To her surprise, she realized she had tuned into a Canadian radio station!
As many of us wish for the day when public health messages are broadcast so broadly here at home, there are several exciting developments in Washington and across our region that we can celebrate:
The West Coast Health Alliance was announced last week! The governors of Washington, Oregon, and California have joined together to ensure that regional public health strategies are based on the best available science. “This regional partnership responds to concerning developments at the federal level that have undermined the integrity of guidance from agencies we have historically depended on for evidence-based recommendations.” We were even called out by name by Washington’s new Secretary of Health, Dennis Worsham, who wrote:
“We stand firmly with trusted medical professionals and organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics…whose guidance remains rooted in rigorous research and clinical expertise.”
This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the trust placed in us, and we should all be proud to be acknowledged in this fashion.
There are now Department of Health Statewide Standing Orders for COVID vaccines! Under the direction of the State Health Officer (and fellow pediatrician, Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett), everyone 6 months and older can now receive the COVID vaccine without an individual prescription. This order reduces barriers to COVID vaccination and improves vaccine access and equity for everyone in Washington. Again, the AAP Immunization Schedule is cited as the source of vaccine guidance.
And – we won!
Back in May, WCAAP and eight other medical and public health organizations sued the federal government to stop the deletion of vital public health and science data. Last week, a settlement was announced in the case, WSMA et al. v. Kennedy, withHHS agreeing to restore deleted web pages and data, making these resources once again available to physicians, scientists, and the public. Our Chapter President, Jim Polo, captured the moment perfectly:
“By joining this effort, we were sending a clear message: politics must never interfere with the care of Washington’s kids.”
This is a proud and defining moment for WCAAP.
Together, we are proving that science, advocacy, and persistence matter. Let’s keep pushing forward, boldly and unapologetically, for the health of every child in Washington.
Excellent news!!