Docs For Tots Washington State October Newsletter
From the Director
Dear Washington State Doctors,
There is a lot of activity around Docs For Tots and young children this fall! In this edition of the Docs For Tots Washington State newsletter we highlight the launch of Reach Out and Read Washington State; the release of our new advocacy toolkit, “Doctors Advocating for Early Learning in Washington State: Tips and Tools for Effective Action”, an advocacy event to attend, awards and updated “Docs in Action” profiles. We hope you will be inspired, and feel supported, to get involved! With significant health and early learning policy discussions taking place; communities developing local partnerships to support young children; and the legislative session approaching, doctors’ voices are needed. The presidential veto of SCHIP legislation is a call to action reminding us that advocates must continually speak up for children. You are a trusted messenger, and your voice matters with families, and in the broader community. Please let us know how we can help you be involved in ways that work for you, and encourage your colleagues to join us. Let’s gear up for another successful year for children in Washington state!
-Jill Sells, MD, Director, Docs For Tots Washington State
News and Updates
Celebrating a Century of Partnerships for Child Health On Oct. 31, 2007 at Seattle Children’s Hospital, this event will honor Children’s community partners and a century of advocacy, care and compassion. Three 30-minute panels will focus on primary areas of advocacy, recognizing successes and identifying current key issues. The panelists look terrific, and DFT Network Doctor Dr. Michelle Terry will present on “Building Services for the Very Young.” The schedule is: 7:30 – 8 a.m. Networking and Continental Breakfast; 8:00 – 10 a.m. Program – Advocacy in Action; 10:15–11 a.m. Tours. RSVP if possible to CelebrateCommunity@seattlechildrens.org.
Reach Out And Read Washington State
Docs For Tots is excited to announce its partnership with the Reach Out and Read (ROR) as it launches a Washington State ROR Coalition to expand and support programs across the state. Working together, Docs For Tots and Reach Out and Read will support early literacy investments, and ensure that all children enter school ready to learn and succeed. Building on the special relationship between parents and pediatricians, Reach Out and Read engages doctors in promoting early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud in pediatric exam rooms across the nation. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved! If you would like to start a Reach Out and Read program in your office, contact Dr. Sells at JSells@DocsForTots.org.
Washington Network Docs are doing great things!
Read our new and updated Profiles of Washington Docs in Action on the website.
Awards
Congratulations to Dr. Phyllis Campbell, Docs For Tots network member from Longview, Washington. On October 22, 2007 at the AAP National Convention in San Francisco, Dr. Cavens will receive a Local Hero award for her work around medical home, mental health and early learning in Cowlitz County, in addition to her service to children internationally. This is a tremendous tribute, as there are only three of these awards nationally. Thank you, Dr. Cavens, for your wonderful advocacy and actions for children!
Dr. Jill Sells received a Special Achievement Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for "distinguished service and dedication to the mission and goals of the Academy, for her involvement in the chapter's early learning activities, and for her continued support of community pediatrics while serving as the chapter's CATCH coordinator." The work of Docs For Tots Washington State helped inspire this award, so she shares it with you! The award was presented at the District VIII AAP meeting in Portland, Oregon on September 8, 2007.
New Resource Available Online
Hot Off the Press We are excited to announce a new resource specifically designed for Washington state doctors– “Doctors Advocating for Early Learning in Washington State: Tips and Tools for Effective Action”. Using real life examples from doctor advocacy experiences, the toolkit provides you with new ideas, insights, confidence, and motivation to extend your voice beyond the walls of your clinical practice. This toolkit is part of Docs For Tots’ commitment to providing information and support so that your voice on behalf of young children is heard in the most effective way. View the Advocacy Toolkit online and email us if you would like a printed copy. And please let us know how you use it to further your important work on behalf of young children. We want to share your stories!
Email DFTWA@docsfortots.org to request your copy today!
Help us grow the Docs For Tots Washington State Network. More doctors, more actions, better outcomes for kids!
Let your friends and colleagues know about Docs For Tots – our resources, opportunities, and support. Each new doctor added to the network creates more opportunities to positively impact the lives of young children. Forward this email, or send them the following link: https://www.docsfortots.org/network/signup.asp. By signing up, they can receive a copy of our new Advocacy Toolkit!
For the latest news, information and opportunities, visit Docs For Tots Washington State:
www.DocsForTots.org/DFTWA.asp
Docs For Tots
A Nationwide Network of Doctors
Advocating For Young Children! |
