Children’s Health Working Group

The Children’s Health Working Group is a diverse set of subject matter experts committed to driving toward racial health equity around all issues impacting children’s health. The group originally gathered to produce a set of detailed recommendations for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5-11 years old. The recommendations were shared with leaders from a number of federal agencies to positive feedback, and are reflected in many places within the 5-11 year old rollout plan outlined by the White House in late October.

Advocacy Agenda

The top focus areas for the

The working group aims to improve access to comprehensive pediatric care for children of all races and backgrounds, including access to mental health services and developmental screening.

The group recognizes the importance of engaging parents and caregivers in their child's health and well-being. They are working to develop culturally appropriate resources and support networks for parents and caregivers, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

The working group is actively engaged in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels to promote health equity for children. They are advocating for policies that address the root causes of health disparities and support equitable access to healthcare and social services.

Resources

Learn about our top issues and help advocate for change

Webinar

Keeping Kids Healthy This School Year

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Media

Reducing the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases starts with kids

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Report

Advancing Children’s Health: Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination and Mitigation Measures

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Report

Critical Steps to Achieving Racial Equity in Children’s Vaccinations

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Working Group Members

Alexandra Quinn, MA, CHW

CEO, Health Leads

Bruce Lesley

President, First Focus on Children

Caroline Brunton, MPH, JD

Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Denise Octavia Smith, MBA, CHW, PN

Executive Director, National Association of Community Health Workers

Jann Jackson, MS

Senior Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation

Katherine A. Beckmann, PhD, MPH

Program Officer, Children, Families, and Communities, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Lauren A. Smith, MD, MPH

Chief Health Equity and Strategy Officer, CDC Foundation

Lisa Waddell, MD, MPH

Chief Medical Officer, CDC Foundation

Mark Del Monte, JD

CEO/Executive Vice President, American Academy of Pediatrics

Monica Valdes Lupi, JD, MPH

Managing Director, Kresge Foundation

Rhea Boyd, MD, MPH

Pediatrician and child and community health advocate and scholar

Robert Boyd, MDiv and MCRP

President/CEO, School-Based Health Alliance

Scott C. Ratzan, MD, MPA

Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Health Communication: International, Perspectives; Professor at CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Tufts University School of Medicine

Sean Yoo

Chief of Staff, Health Leads

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Children’s Health Working Group

Advocacy Agenda

Resources

Keeping Kids Healthy This School Year

Reducing the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases starts with kids

Advancing Children’s Health: Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination and Mitigation Measures

Critical Steps to Achieving Racial Equity in Children’s Vaccinations

Working Group Members

Join us

Stay up-to-date on the latest events, learnings and advocacy opportunities.