President’s Message

Dear MIAAP Members:

As I wind down the last 6 months of my term as President of the MIAAP, I am struck by how much things have changed since we started the process of establishing a permanent office and presence in Lansing to advocate for the health and well-being of children in Michigan and for our pediatric profession.

• The MIAAP has full-time staff now assisting members with CME, policy advocacy, membership issues, and communication.
• The MIAAP has increased its communication capacity and can now interact with you via this website and through our print and electronic newsletters on Constant Contact and on Facebook.
• The MIAAP has become the go-to source with state elected officials and the administration on child health. I personally have testified on a number of issues along with members of our Government Affairs Committee.
• The MIAAP is working with statewide stakeholders on Michigan’s HIT design and advocating for pediatric needs in EMR product development.
• The MIAAP has fought to keep Medicaid provider cuts at a minimum during the last 3 years of our state’s recession.
• The MIAAP has been a visible partner with other advocacy organizations on a wide range of issues including Healthy Weight, Electronic Medical Record, Pediatric Medical Home, Child Development Screening, Early Childhood Development, Oral Health, and Children’s Mental Health.
• The MIAAP has provided meaningful CME training on Childhood Obesity, Child Development Screening, and a diverse range of practices issues at our Annual Meeting.

I see on the horizon great opportunities for MIAAP and our members to be engaged in issues of quality improvement, Maintenance of Certification, and monitoring and advocating for pediatrics in the implementation of health care reform. We can't do it alone! That's why we need your help to advocate for children's health, the practice of pediatric medicine, well-being in your own communities, and be an active participant in the MIAAP. Please help us promote the MIAAP by inviting your peers to our events and encouraging them to join as a member.

Thank you for all you do for your patients and for our Chapter.

Together for Health —

Charles Barone II, M.D., FAAP
MIAAP Board President

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