Families and Children's Hospitals Urge Congressional Action on Pediatric Health Priorities
Family Advocacy Day brings families to Capitol Hill to highlight growing barriers to care, from Medicaid coverage to workforce shortages and youth mental health.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Children across the country struggle to access the care they need. This week, families are bringing that message directly to Congress. Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) brings young patients and their families from 54 children’s hospitals to Washington for its annual Family Advocacy Day, where they meet with lawmakers and share their experiences of a pediatric health care system that is increasingly difficult to navigate.
Families from across the country will highlight growing challenges, from recent cuts to the Medicaid program to traveling long distances for specialized care and navigating limited access to pediatric mental health services. Parents face longer wait times, greater travel burdens, and increasing uncertainty when trying to secure care for their children.
Among the patient advocates sharing their stories are:
- Caitlin, 15 years old, Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, West Virginia
- Ella, 7 years old, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, California
- Kyden, 7 years old, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa
- Kylie, 19 years old, Cincinnati Children’s, Ohio
- Lucie, 10 years old, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Their experiences reflect a broader reality: families across the country face growing barriers to pediatric care.
Their stories underscore three urgent priorities: protecting Medicaid coverage, strengthening the pediatric health care workforce, and addressing a youth mental health crisis that continues to escalate.
"Children deserve comprehensive, thoughtful care that addresses their health as a whole," said Dr. Paul R. Haut, President of Children’s Hospital Association. "These young advocates remind us why that matters. Their voices help shape solutions that will strengthen pediatric care and ensure children’s health is treated as a national priority."
Throughout the week families will meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and share their experiences directly, urging action to improve access to care for children across the country.
Additional quotes from our Family Advocacy Day partners:
"Healthy Humor (HH) is thrilled and honored to join the Children's Hospital Association (CHA) on Family Advocacy Day 2026 in support of children and families. Every year, through the transformative, healing power of healthcare clowning, HH brings joy, wonder, laughter, and comfort to more than 500,000 children and their caregivers across the country. Our programs help ease the stress, fear, and isolation that can be associated with the hospital environment and focus on what matters most: the child, not the illness." – Dina Paul-Parks, Co-Founder and CEO at Healthy Humor, Inc.
"We are delighted to support the Children’s Hospital Association and the families visiting Capitol Hill by offering a sensory room, activities, and staff to support this space. The sensory room offers respite and a place to reset if families need a break from their advocacy work. It’s important for us to support this effort, because it’s so meaningful when the greater community and decision-makers meet patients and their parents and hear firsthand about their experiences and challenges." – Dr. Brad Schlaggar, President and CEO at Kennedy Krieger Institute
"At Mattel, we believe play is a meaningful part of every child’s journey. Brave Barbie and Brave Ken were created to Play it Forward in an effort to help children experiencing illness-related hair loss see themselves reflected in the toys they love while encouraging confidence, comfort, and self-expression. We're honored to support Children’s Hospitals Association and the families participating in Family Advocacy Day as they champion better care and brighter futures for children everywhere." – Nancy Molenda, Vice President, Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy at Mattel, Inc.
"Healthcare teams recognize how critical play is to a child’s well-being. That’s why we offer our play-based programs free of charge to child life specialists and care providers to support pediatric patients throughout their medical journey. We’re honored to partner with Children’s Hospital Association for its Family Advocacy Day to help make a positive impact in the lives of children and families when they need it most." – Adam Garone, CEO at Starlight Children’s Foundation
"Team IMPACT is incredibly grateful to participate in Children’s Hospital Association’s Family Advocacy Day again and to continue our meaningful partnership with CHA in support of children and families nationwide. We share a deep belief that caring for a child means caring for the whole child, including their social, emotional, and mental well-being alongside their physical health. By coming together to elevate family voices and advocate for comprehensive, compassionate care, we can help ensure every child has the support, connection, and community they need to thrive." – Rachel Rogovin, MSW, LICSW, National Director of Psychosocial Services at Team IMPACT
"The Toy Foundation is dedicated to delivering the healing power of play to pediatric patients and their families when they need it most. We’re proud to partner with the Children's Hospital Association to support families and hospitals of greatest need and to help elevate the importance of play in a child’s care. Through year-round donations of new toys and play experiences, we aim to provide comfort, support mental wellness, and create moments of joy during challenging times." – Pamela Mastrota, Executive Director at The Toy Foundation
About Children's Hospital Association
Children’s Hospital Association is the national voice of more than 200 children’s hospitals, advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care.
