May 1, 2010

One of the distinct privileges I have had as president of MN-AAP is to present the accomplishments of our Chapter over the last year to the selection committee for Outstanding Chapter at the national Annual Leadership Forum.

Many of these are highlighted in our “accomplishments” section on the website (www.mnaap.org/accomplishments.htm ). However, I thought I would take the opportunity to summarize some of my comments from the presentation to the best of my recollection.
MN-AAP is first and foremost a “community of pediatricians,” which of course supports the health and well being of children in the state of Minnesota. And our engaged members with the very able support of engaged staff serve as the energy and passion behind all efforts of our Chapter. Communications play a key role: a quarterly newsletter, bi-monthly all member emails, continuous ongoing website development, webinars to support CME and our annual membership survey all support creating community.

Indeed, over 1,300 individuals participated in MN-AAP events, from medical home learning

Many of these are highlighted in our “accomplishments” section on the website (www.mnaap.org/accomplishments.htm ). However, I thought I would take the opportunity to summarize some of my comments from the presentation to the best of my recollection.

MN-AAP is first and foremost a “community of pediatricians,” which of course supports the health and well being of children in the state of Minnesota. And our engaged members with the very able support of engaged staff serve as the energy and passion behind all efforts of our Chapter. Communications play a key role: a quarterly newsletter, bi-monthly all member emails, continuous ongoing website development, webinars to support CME and our annual membership survey all support creating community.

Indeed, over 1,300 individuals participated in MN-AAP events, from medical home learning collaboratives, the Somali Autism Forum, developmental screening programs, and immunization forums to highlight a few activities.

MN-AAP creates coalitions to improve children’s health, many times taking a leadership role with larger stakeholders committed to children. Our primary care coalition with MN Academy of Family Physicians and MN Academy of Physicians serves as an example. These coalitions always involve families and frequently the MN Department of Health, MN Department of Human Services, MN Department of Education and private foundations. Such coalitions have supported our policy efforts, including successful passage of booster seat legislation and maintenance of our current newborn screening program as an “opt out” program. They will continue to inform our efforts surrounding oral health, obesity and mental health issues for children.

Issues of cultural effectiveness were addressed through shared learning forums involving families, educators, clinicians, therapists and interpreters at events such as the Somali Autism Forum.

A coalition serves as the base of our MN Child Health Improvement Partnership to support quality improvement efforts in the state. As one of our partners was quoted, “Such partnerships have led to a culture change, one where commitment to children and quality within the state is evident.”

MN-AAP creates change to drive ongoing efforts of health care reform, especially those that support children. Our primary care coalition as noted has supported efforts to promote family-centered health care homes. In the past year, MN-AAP hosted four learning sessions on health care homes, educating more than 500 participants. In addition, we supported implementation of health care home in 22 primary care clinics serving 12,000
children.

MN-AAP representatives participated in state workgroups related to quality measures and potential payment restructuring on key pediatric issues, including health care home, preventative care, and asthma. We continue with our partners to look for opportunities to drive ongoing change.
All of these successful efforts are the results of many dedicated individuals who always put children first. I am
optimistic for the future … this is only the beginning.

Anne Edwards, M.D., F.A.A.P.
edwar046@tc.umn.edu