In June, the Academy
announced the recipients of the 2006 Child Health Advocate Award,
Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, and Senator Janet D. Howell
of Virginia. Both award recipients are recognized for their
leadership in advancing children's health and well-being in
their respective states.
The AAP Child Health
Advocate Award acknowledges the significant accomplishments
of advocate and government officials who have served as a voice
for children in the state and local government arenas. This
annual award recognize these individuals for their contributions
to child health and safety and serves as a stimulus for continued
action in child advocacy.
Ed
Pont, MD, FAAP, President of the AAP
Illinois Chapter, nominated Governor Blagojevich for his ongoing
commitment to the health of children and families in the state of Illinois.
Governor Blagojevich has expanded the KidCare program to 200% of the
Federal Poverty Line, established Family Care for low-income parents,
and strengthened gun violence prevention programs. Additionally, he
has initiated funding for preschool programs, making Illinois the only
state to provide access to preschool to every 3 and 4 year-old in the
2007 Fiscal Year. Most recently, Governor Blagojevich championed the
establishment of "All Kids" - the first state program to provide
access to health insurance for all children regardless of income-level
or citizenship status. 
Leslie Ellwood, MD, FAAP,
Immediate Past President of the AAP
Virginia Chapter nominated Senator Janet D. Howell for her dedication
to children's advocacy within the Virginia legislature. Senator Howell
has consistently fought for increased funding for health care through
Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) and Medicaid, and
recent AAP-VA Chapter efforts to increase pediatric payments to ensure
quality of care. She championed Virginia's Megan's Law legislation,
a sex offender registry and anti-stalking legislation. She introduced
legislation on behalf of the AAP-VA Chapter creating an immunization
registry within the Virginia Department of Health and opposed HB1531,
which would have forbidden pediatricians from asking if there is a gun
in the home of their patients.
Governor Blagojevich
and Senator Howell join 25
other distinguished recipients who have been presented the
AAP Child Health Advocate Award since 1991.
The Academy's Division
of State Government Affairs will be soliciting nominations from
AAP Chapters for the 2007 Child Health Advocate Award in January
2007.
Congratulations
to all of the AAP Chapters and their nominees for their continuous
hard work in child advocacy.
Should you have
any questions regarding the Child Health Advocacy Award please
contact Rachel Poulin in the Division of State Government Affairs,
at 800/433-9016 ext 7799.
