The resolution introduced on March 13, 2025, designates March 14, 2025, as West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day at the Legislature. The West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics (WV AAP) is a professional organization comprising 267 pediatric providers, residents, and affiliates committed to enhancing the health and well-being of children and adolescents in West Virginia. Established in 1957, the WV AAP serves as a vital resource for its members and advocates for children’s health issues that may otherwise go unaddressed.
The resolution highlights the critical role pediatricians play in addressing various health challenges faced by children, including chronic diseases, obesity, and mental health issues. It outlines the legislative priorities for 2025, which include maintaining strong immunization laws, improving access to care, promoting tobacco cessation, and addressing the substance use epidemic's impact on children. The resolution concludes by affirming the WV AAP's commitment to prioritizing children's health and serving as a voice for vulnerable families in West Virginia, and it directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to the WV AAP.