Advocacy

WCAAP believes that pediatricians and others who care for children should speak out for kids in public forums.  When legislators meet, involved citizens must bring the voices of their youngest constituents to the table.    WCAAP is committed to providing pediatric expertise towards shaping policies affecting the well being of the children and families of our state. 

In recent years WCAAP was central in creating the Washington Vaccine Association, pushing for the ban of bisphenol A (BPA) in bottles, and ensuring continuation of the home visiting program that places health care professionals in the homes of high risk kids to alleviate the risks of poverty, child abuse and neglect, and developmental delays.  WCAAP employs a lobbyist in Olympia to help push a child-friendly legislative agenda in our state.  Members of our chapter frequently testify in Olympia and meet with legislators.  The chapter holds regular Advocacy training days to familiarize membership with legislators, current legislative priorities and ways to influence the legislative process. 

WCAAP has a Legislative Committee that is open to any interested members.  This committee meets by phone weekly during the legislative session and monthly during the rest of the year to set and promote the chapter’s legislative agenda.  We also have a key contact list – members who are willing to be contacted and asked to mobilize when specific issues need attention. 

WCAAP members are actively advocating for children outside of Olympia too:

  • Promoting early literacy through Reach Out and Read, a program that gives books to children when they visit their pediatrician for check ups,
  • Ensuring safety and health in the early childcare setting,
  • Providing mental health resources to physicians in remote areas of the state where there are few or no pediatric psychiatrists,
  • Having meetings with insurance companies so that the needs of children are considered when insurance policies are created
  • Supporting medical students interested in pediatrics and residents training to be the next generation of pediatricians.

AAP has very active federal and state level advocacy offices.  As members of WCAAP, the resources and personnel of these offices are open to pediatricians of the state.  The staff can proof an editorial or letter to the editor.  They can provide issue briefs, written advocacy material for your own education and for handing to legislators.  There are also national conferences to hone advocacy skills. 

Advocacy can be a very rewarding part of a pediatric career.  The power of our collective voice can have a huge impact.  Please browse through this section of the web site to learn more about how you can get involved. 

Learn more: WCAAP Budget Priorities for the 2012 Legislative Session