From Dr. Paula Kocken, MNAAP Disaster Preparedness Liaison to AAP
It is important for all of us to think about what we would do in the case of a disaster affecting our home, community, or state. It is especially important for families with children with special health care needs.
Pediatricians and their clinics should encourage these families to have a plan and consider a "Go Bag" with supplies they might need."
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Have you ever wondered what MNAAP can do you for you, individually? Ever doubted whether being involved in a professional group really makes a difference? Watch a short video about the impact of MNAAP membership -- and find out what MDH Commissioner Ed Ehlinger, MD, MSPH appreciates most about the state's pediatricians.
Feel free to share on social media and with fellow pediatricians!
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Clear your schedule and plan to join other Minnesota pediatricians for two statewide pediatric advocacy and education events in 2018.
Wednesday, March 7 is Pediatricians' Day at the Capitol. We'll hear directly from MNAAP's lobbyist about what to expect in the 2018 session. We'll also hear from key legislators about important child health issues under consideration and how pediatricians can serve as a valuable resource. Finally, we'll arrange for a 5-10 minute meeting with your own legislators so you can introduce yourself, offer to be a resource, and share key messages about the chapter's child health priorities.
Friday, May 11 is the chapter's Hot Topics in Pediatrics Conference. Join us as we celebrate 85 years of supporting Minnesota pediatricians and advocating on behalf of children, adolescents and teens. Pediatric experts from across the state will speak on a variety of topics. Mingle with trainees and pediatric providers from multiple health systems. Expand your knowledge and network base.
More details coming soon. In the meantime, mark your calendars!
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A recording of C&TC Periodicity Schedule Updates (originally hosted 8/22 and 8/29) is now available for viewing. The link to this recording as well as other previously recorded webinars are available on the C&TC training information webpage under "Online Training Resources." Additionally, a pdf version of the PowerPoint is also available with clickable hyperlinks to resources mentioned in the video on that page.
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Once again, much is at stake for children's health coverage, and now is the time to speak up for kids.
Graham-Cassidy Proposal: A last-ditch effort to repeal and replace the ACA in the U.S. Senate is gaining momentum. Under the Graham-Cassidy proposal, Minnesota stands to lose $8 billion in federal funding through 2026, severely restricting Medicaid. Essential health benefits and other consumer safeguards would be optional for states. The Senate must vote by September 30 in order to pass it by a simple Republican majority. Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken are opposed to the bill.
CHIP: The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is authorized through 2019, but funding expires September 30, 2017. Unless Congress extends funding for 5 more years, 9 million children across the country may lose coverage, and Minnesota will run out of funding in early 2018.
AAP and MNAAP will continue to monitor developments on these issues and send out advocacy alerts as necessary to Minnesota members. In the meantime, feel free to use social media to educate others about the need to cover all children and families, particularly those in poverty and those at high risk.
Re-tweet from MNAAP's Twitter page or post your own message.
Now that the 2017 measles outbreak is over, many in the state are calling on lawmakers to take steps to avoid future outbreaks. Here are three suggestions from Star Tribune's editorial board:
1. Eliminate the state's "personal belief" vaccine exemption.
2. Exclude unvaccinated individuals from schools and daycares during outbreaks.
3. Sanction medical providers who spread inaccurate vaccine information.
MNAAP will be discussing Minnesota vaccine policy and other legislative issues for 2018 at its upcoming policy meeting on September 27.
Read the full article
Join our esteemed senior and retired pediatricians for an informal lunch gathering to meet and catch up on life changes, hear about your ideas for advocacy efforts in 2018, and celebrate the changing seasons!
The next quarterly gathering will be held on Thursday, October 19 at Perkins Restaurant in Bloomington.
We'll rotate around the state. Each attendee will buy their own lunch and MNAAP will secure meeting space and provide beverages.
If you are interested in attending, contact MNAAP at 651-402-2056 or cairns@mnaap.org
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About 1 in 5 Minnesota students say they experience bullying or harassment on a weekly basis, according to the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey.
In a recent interview with MinnPost, MNAAP Board Member Michael Pitt, MD, a pediatric hospitalist at the University of Minnesota, says suicide attempts tend to spike around back-to-school time, a phenomenon he attributes to anxiety over bullying at the beginning of the school year.
"Just as pediatricians are trained to look for physical injuries that could be caused by parents and caretakers, they also have to be on the lookout for emotional injuries," he said. "These could be manifested in self harm or in a range of physical reactions to bullying."
AAP suggests pediatricians ask whether kids get picked on at school or whether they see other kids get picked on in order to start a discussion.
Bullying and Cyberbullying Resources from AAP
