Nation's Leader Says U.S. Does Not Value Children

Newswise — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) President Eileen Ouellette, MD, JD, FAAP, addressed 2,000 attendees today at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) in Atlanta, Ga. today. According to Dr. Ouellette, "In spite of the verbiage paid to 'family values,' it is clear children are not valued in this country."

Universal access to high quality, affordable health care for children has been the AAP's main goal since the Academy was founded in 1930. Unfortunately, with the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) this year, the United States has taken a giant sep backwards from achieving this goal. She said Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) " a hallmark of the Medicaid program " is being weakened by the DRA because it allows states to make significant changes to Medicaid benefits. Dr. Ouellette is hopeful that a new AAP initiative, a National Agenda for Children, will help resolve and alleviate some of the problems brought on by the DRA.

"We work in coalitions with over 300 groups but still haven't succeeded in energizing the American public about the harm that is being done to children in this country on a daily basis," said Dr. Ouellette. "We must expand the groups with whom we work."

Recent associations between pediatricians and judiciary are improving health care for foster children. Dr. Ouellette pointed out that business leaders are another potential ally. They have recognized that promoting early education has a return on investment of 16%, as children who attend preschool are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to spend time in prison. Children who aren't healthy can't learn. Investment in children is not only the right thing to do, but also the most economically beneficial for the nation's future.

Dr. Ouellette also touched on several programs within the Academy that address child health issues such as mental health, pediatric obesity, and immunizations. Two new initiatives that have been added to the 2006-2007 goals are oral health and disaster preparedness. There will also be a new focus on children in foster care in the coming year.