Elexis Jackson, Operations and Program Manager
The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) welcomed healthcare professionals, educators, advocates, community organizations, parents, and youth leaders to its Second Pediatric Health Equity Summit, centered on the theme “From Embers to Action: Reimagining Pediatric Health Equity.”
The summit created a space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration around a common goal: advancing equitable health outcomes for all children, youth, and families. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, participants explored how healthcare systems and community partners can work together to address disparities, amplify lived experiences, and create lasting change.
The day opened with a keynote address by Dr. Shaquita Bell, Associate Vice President and Chief Medical Director of Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, who challenged attendees to reflect on the intersection of politics, people, and purpose in advancing health equity. Reverend Jan Bolerjack delivered a powerful plenary session highlighting community-based approaches to supporting migrant and asylum-seeking families and the importance of collective responsibility in caring for vulnerable populations.
A featured panel discussion on Equity in AI examined both the opportunities and ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence in healthcare. Panelists Dr. Clara Lin, Julija Gelazis, and Dr. Jennifer Kett explored how technology can improve care delivery while ensuring that equity, patient experience, and ethical decision-making remain at the forefront.
Breakout sessions offered practical strategies and diverse perspectives across three key tracks:
- Culturally Responsive Care explored topics such as supporting spiritual well-being in pediatric practice and leveraging food traditions as culturally relevant health equity strategies.
- Lived Experience Panels elevated the voices of youth, parents, and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of authentic partnership and the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” in pediatric healthcare.
- Interdisciplinary Partnerships to Advance Equitable Care highlighted cross-sector collaboration on issues including school attendance, LGBTQIA+ youth disproportionality, and community-based solutions that support children’s health and well-being.
Throughout the summit, a consistent message emerged: advancing pediatric health equity requires collaboration, humility, and a willingness to center the experiences of children, families, and communities. Participants left with new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and renewed commitment to creating systems that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
WCAAP extends its gratitude to all speakers, panelists, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose expertise, lived experience, and dedication made the summit a meaningful and inspiring event. Together, we continue the work of transforming awareness into action and building a more equitable future for Washington’s children and families.