CHA submitted a statement for the record for the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, “Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats.”
Our statement calls on Congress to prioritize the unique health care needs of children and the pediatric health care system when reauthorizing Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) programs and initiatives that aim to improve public health and medical preparedness.
Solutions include equipping the Strategic National Stockpile with pediatric supplies, targeting Hospital Preparedness Program resources to meet pediatric needs, enhancing pediatric-specific training opportunities in the Medical Reserve Corps, and bolstering the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters and Children’s Preparedness Unit.