As I reflect on my term as your president, I want to thank you for a remarkable year of hard work, achievement and solidarity. Together, we prevented thousands of children from being disenrolled from Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage. We increased access to mental and behavioral health care. And we worked to transform child health financing to create a system that is equitable, value-based and, more importantly, values-based.
We promoted vaccine confidence and helped keep kids safe online. We spoke out in state capitols and courthouses to challenge bans on reproductive health services, gender-affirming care, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs at our medical schools.
We worked hard to protect the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship and our ability to provide the care our patients need. We supported the fundamental rights of our patients to thrive in safe communities, to be true to who they are, to love whom they love, and to ensure their right to make essential decisions about their bodies, their health and their well-being.
At our National Conference in Orlando, I paid tribute to our members who show up every day to do unimaginably hard work in difficult environments, so they can be the pediatricians children and families need. To these families — and to me — you truly are heroes.
As I write this, the results of the U.S. federal, state and local elections still are coming in. While some feel encouraged by the results, others are afraid and anxious about what comes next. What we do know is the AAP and our members will be working with both the next administration and with state and local lawmakers to help children and support pediatricians. We will find common ground where we can and defend science and our values where we must.
Our priorities do not rise and fall on political wins. The AAP is, and has always been, nonpartisan, while being unequivocally pro-child. No matter which party is in power or who is in office, children and families remain our North Star.
The Academy had many successes working with the previous Trump administration, including enacting major child welfare system reform with the Family First Prevention Services Act; increasing federal funding for research on gun violence prevention and the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program; achieving first-ever federal funding for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program; and serving as the primary voice for child health during the COVID-19 pandemic, securing support for nutrition programs, cash assistance for families, extended health care coverage and financial relief for practices and hospitals.
The AAP has a long history and a strong record of doing what’s best for children. Our reliance on evidence-based policy and commitment to our strategic priorities provide a clear way forward and will serve as our basis for discussion as our member leaders work with newly elected policymakers and the transition team for President-elect Trump.
Over the past nine decades, the Academy has accomplished big things against long odds. Our future will be no different.
The AAP is here to support you, to stand with you and to celebrate you. Thank you for your undying love for kids, your mastery of the art and science of pediatrics and your strength and fortitude in insisting children remain a top priority for policymakers.
I appreciate you and everything you bring to the community. Let us go forward together, strong and determined as we take care of the children and each other. We remain steadfastly committed to doing “What’s Best for Kids.”
