by Lelach Rave, MD, FAAP
WCAAP Interim Executive Director
On Monday, January 27, WCAAP held its annual Advocacy Day in Olympia,
Washington. This is our largest in-person gathering of members every year, and
we exceeded our prior record by having 130 advocates join us in the Capitol. We
also had the largest number of residents and trainees with us that we have ever
had.
During the course of the day, numerous legislators met with us, including
Representatives Macri, Dent, Thai, and Callan and Senators Harris and Riccelli. We were also visited by members of the Governor’s office, former Senator David Frockt, now deputy policy director, and Caitlin Saord, senior health policy advisor.
Our own Legislative Co-Chair, Dr. Crystal Shen, spoke to the group about the
health impacts of nicotine on youth. Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products
is one of WCAAP’s legislative priorities this session.
Partners from the Health Care Authority came to share with us about their efforts
to ensure continuous health care coverage for all children up to age six and
coverage for mothers for a full year post partum, even if they were not covered
by Medicaid during their pregnancy.
Leaders from the Association of Educational Services Districts and the UW
SMART Center came to share about their efforts to bridge between schools and
primary care to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of our youth. The
School Assistance Professionals (SAPs) provide an evidence-based, effective
intervention in the school system for all students with enhanced services for
those found to be in greater need. The SAP program is hoping to expand in
areas of the state that are furthest from behavioral health resources to serve
those students in greatest need. Funding for expansion of the SAP program is
one of WCAAP’s legislative priorities this session.
Finally, WCAAP honored former State Representative Tana Senn with our Fourth
Annual David Frockt Child Advocate Award. Tana served in the State House of
Representatives from 2013 until 2025, when she was appointed to serve as the
Secretary for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). She
chaired the Human Services, Youth, and Early Learning Committee and wasinstrumental in expanding investments in childcare and early learning services, improving benefits for youth in the foster care system, and enhancing supports for children with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Secretary Senn is currently serving on the governor’s newly formed Rapid Response Team to address the needs of families and children who are separated from their deported or detained parents or primary caregivers.
Obviously, there is a great deal of uncertainty in this legislative session as so
many executive orders are being issues by the new federal administration. It was
heartening to see that local legislators are making contingency plans and are
prepared to pivot as needed in the months ahead. Thankfully, due to the strong
relationships WCAAP has forged with so many members of the legislature
through the years, we can feel confident that they will continue to reach out to
us for our advice and insights as the landscape continues to shift. These
relationships are thanks to YOU and your efforts! We are so grateful that you
continue to advocate with us and that so many of you were able to join us in
Olympia this year!