AAPCA Advocacy Priorities (2019)

Universal ACCESS to quality, comprehensive pediatric care in a medical home, including access to vaccines and behavioral and mental health treatment for every child in California, including vulnerable populations such as children with special health care needs, foster children, children of immigrant families, children who are homeless, children impacted by the criminal  justice system and LGBTQ youth. To make access a reality, ensure that state and commercial health care plan reimbursement fully supports quality primary and subspecialty pediatric care.

Reduce and prevent:

• Childhood poverty
• Childhood toxic stress and its causes, including violence, neglect and abuse, bullying, human trafficking, discrimination, criminal justice policies and anti-immigration policies
• Childhood obesity and food insecurity
• Youth marijuana use
• Vaping/e-cigarettes, nicotine & tobacco