Child Patient Advocates and Families to Press Congress to Prioritize Children's Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of Congress will hear directly from children and families’ whose lives have been forever changed by the advanced, specialized care provided by children’s hospitals during the 18th annual Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) Family Advocacy Day. In accordance with this year’s theme, Fearless for Kids’ Health, children’s hospital representatives and patient advocates will ask legislators to swiftly prioritize issues urgently impacting children’s health care, including increased access to pediatric clinical professionals, support for children on Medicaid and CHIP, and addressing the youth mental health crisis. 

Child patient advocates and their families will participate in this year’s Family Advocacy Day from June 20-22 – the first to be held in-person on Capitol Hill since the pandemic. Patients and families will underscore the essential role children’s hospitals have played in their health journeys and why Congress must not wait to take legislative action. 

Some of the patient advocates who will share their stories include:

• Milo – age 7 – Boston Children’s Hospital
• Kairi – age 15 – Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 
• Millie – age 8 – Children’s Health, Dallas
• Zachary – age 18 – Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
• Phoenix – age 9 – Children's Wisconsin
• Rafay – age 16 – Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
• Maddy – age 19 – Children's Hospital Colorado
• Luke – age 3 – St. Joseph's Childrens Hospital of Tampa
• ZZ – age 11 – Children's National Hospital

“Children’s Hospital Association stands alongside these courageous children and their families as they share their stories on Capitol Hill. Each has fought to overcome significant health challenges, and they bring that same fighting spirit to D.C. to urge Congress to prioritize children’s health care,” said Amy Wimpey Knight, president of CHA. “The many issues facing children’s physical and mental health illustrate the numerous opportunities Congress has to embrace the role of children’s hospitals in sustaining the entire ecosystem of patient care, provider training, and pediatric research investments so every child can receive the care they need to thrive.”

With Family Advocacy Day, CHA is launching “Made Possible by Your Children’s Hospital” a celebration of the moments – both big and small – that are made possible thanks to the invaluable care provided by children’s hospitals. From specialized care, like chemotherapy, to comprehensive care, from primary care to mental health services, children’s hospitals provide the advanced, specialized care children need so they can celebrate all of life’s moments. For more information visit: www.MadePossible.org.