CHA Expands Population Health Work with New Department and Vice President

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To better support children’s hospitals in delivering holistic care that addresses mental, behavioral, and physical health, the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) will launch a new Population Health Department, led by Heidi Baskfield, CHA’s new vice president of mental and population health. CHA members increasingly prioritize strong partnerships across mental and community health spaces, and this centralized department will help unify strategies and leadership across hospitals, improving care for children and families.

“Right now, children and adolescents are facing a nationwide mental health crisis. Children’s hospitals are often the most accessible support families can find when their child is in crisis, which is why it’s critical to build up programs that address the whole health of a child – including mental and behavioral health,” said Heidi Baskfield. “I am looking forward to supporting our members and their patients in accessing the care they need and building healthy communities along the way.”

Previously, Heidi Baskfield served as the Vice President of Population Health and Advocacy at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She will retain her current role as the Executive Director of Speak Our Minds, an organization focused on ending the youth mental health crisis.

“Children’s hospitals are pillars of the communities they serve, and the providers at our member hospitals have a unique insight into the needs of kids in their communities. No one knows this better than Heidi, who led population health and advocacy at Children’s Colorado. We are delighted to expand her role to support our goal of making children’s health a national priority and improve care for every child,” said CHA President Paul R. Haut, M.D.