The Children's Hospital Association (CHA) Family Advocacy Day is a critical piece of CHA's year-round advocacy. It remains our marquee event for elevating patient stories and educating federal lawmakers and their staff on the unique role children’s hospitals play in the health and well-being of children.
This year, dozens of children and teen advocates and their families united in Washington, D.C., to call for improvements to our nation’s pediatric health care. Bringing these patient advocates and their families to Capitol Hill raises awareness about the ongoing and essential care children's hospitals provide.
Through this special event, advocates and their families meet with federal policymakers and staff to bring attention to and advance public policy priorities that address critical issues, including:
- The workforce shortage of health care professionals trained to meet the unique health care needs of children.
- The vital role Medicaid and CHIP play in families’ lives by providing health insurance to nearly half of all children.
- The mental, emotional, and behavioral health emergency that children and teens are facing.
The first day of the event included activities provided by the National Children’s Museum, a visit to the D.C. Public Library for story time, and sightseeing opportunities. The event also included a showcase on Capitol Hill highlighting the range of care our children’s hospitals provide to improve health outcomes.
Showcase exhibitions included Seattle Children’s therapeutic video games, Cohen Children’s Medical Center’s Bee Mindful program, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital’s child life program, and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s oncology prom. Several partner organizations also hosted exhibitions at the showcase, including Hope for Henry, Canine Companions, and Team Impact.
On the second day of the event, families heard from Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Rebecca Beard of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. They then headed to Capitol Hill where the Ways and Means Committee room was opened for a special advocacy event that encouraged children to play as members of Congress and witnesses during a mock hearing. Chairman Jason Smith gaveled in the mock hearing and kids engaged with congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and congresswoman Carol Miller.
The day concluded with a celebration dinner and a performance by the Purina Show Dogs. Paralympian gold medalist Tatyana McFadden, Olympian Julie Zetlin, and the Seacrest Studios Team at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital also made appearances during the event.
The final celebration also included a DJ, airbrush tattoos, face painting, balloon animals, friendship bracelets, and plenty of dancing.
You can learn more about Family Advocacy Day and meet some of children who attended on the event webpage, or experience highlights from the event on X, Facebook and Instagram.
