From the Director

Welcome to Docs For Tots Florida!  Our mission is to build and support a network of Florida doctors who will collaborate in advocacy activities to support the health and well-being of young children.

Docs For Tots is expanding its presence in Florida and developing an affiliate to take on the responsibilities of a true statewide organization.  As the Director of Docs For Tots Florida, I’m looking forward to helping make this happen.

I am not a pediatrician, obstetrician, family physician or psychiatrist. I’m a rheumatologist and a strong child advocate---strong enough that I’m now Vice-Chair of the Children’s Trust in Miami-Dade, President of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health and a member of the Board of the Children’s Forum!-. Among things I’ve learned along the way is the impact doctors can have on the legislative process.

There are already more than 40 doctors in the Docs For Tots Florida network with energy, passion, and personal experiences in the field.  I encourage you to join us and become part of this exciting, growing movement. 

While Docs For Tots Florida will not limit its advocacy efforts to any one or two topics, there will be a special focus on infant mental health, which is synonymous with healthy social and emotional development. In addressing the development of thewhole child, this is an important part of health, and has often been overlooked. 

There is so much exciting research happening in the field; everyday we’re learning more about the incredible brain development in early childhood and the power of early interventions.  We are also learning the importance of appropriate early social and emotional development to the future of the child and the adult he will become. Young children exposed to severe stresses have effects on brain development which can lead to poor physical health as well as a reduced ability to learn or to function within society. 

It is the goal of Docs For Tots to provide free support which can make it easy for doctors to advocate for the policies and programs that will support children’s health development at both state and community levels.

Let us, through our advocacy efforts, give voice to those who are politically silent, young children.  Join us today - Doctors, please join our network. Advocacy groups, explore the site and contact us with your requests. Together we can be a strong voice for Florida’s children.

Wil Blechman, M.D.
Director, Docs For Tots Florida