Get Involved

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers several opportunities to get involved.

Join the Disaster Preparedness Contact Network
Become part of a forum of members who support AAP initiatives by providing expertise, representing the AAP at meetings, presenting at conferences, identifying/reviewing resources, etc. Learn more.

Donate
Donate to the Friends of Children Fund, through which contributions can be made to support pediatricians and the children they treat after disasters anywhere in the world. For more information, click here.

Sign Up to Volunteer in Advance
Health professionals interested in promoting pediatric preparedness can establish a relationship with their state or federal government in advance of an event to be prepared, credentialed, and ready to go before the need arises. Consider the following resources:
 

• Connect with disaster volunteer agencies in your state.
• Join the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals in Your State (ESAR-VHP).
• Join the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
• Participate on a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) within the National Disaster Medical System.
• Consider working with your local Community Emergency Response Team to coordinate preparedness and response trainings.
  

Promote Hospital Preparedness
Members can support their local children's hospital or community hospital to improve preparedness. Consider the following ideas:

• Work with hospital leaders to identify a physician coordinator who can implement AAP guidelines and recommendations. For more information, see Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department.
• Assist hospital leaders in working directly with their State or County Department of Health to plan for the short- and long-term needs of pediatric patients and their accompanying family members or caregivers.
• Encourage the hospital in your community to sign up to participate in the National Disaster Medical System planning and response efforts.
  

Additional Ideas for Pediatricians

Ideas for AAP Chapters