SENATE RESOLUTION 31

(By Senators Takubo, Hamilton, and Caputo)

[Introduced February 7, 2024]

Designating February 8, 2024, as West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics (WV AAP) is a membership organization of 267 pediatric providers, residents, and affiliates who are dedicated to improving the health and lives of children and adolescents living in West Virginia. Formed in 1957, the chapter serves as a resource for its members, and a voice for children who may not otherwise be heard; and

Whereas, The mission of the West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain the optimal health and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults by uniting and educating pediatricians, and facilitating effective partnerships between pediatricians and other child experts and advocates; and

Whereas, Pediatricians play a critical role in improving the health of our citizens; and

Whereas, The prevention of major threats to children's health including the management of chronic diseases, obesity, injury, communicable diseases, and other child health problems cannot be managed solely in the pediatric office; and

Whereas, The 2024 legislative priorities of the West Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics are to maintain strong immunization laws, access to care; promoting tobacco cessation; obesity prevention and treatment; addressing ACEs and toxic stress; prioritize mental and behavioral health; addressing the substance use epidemic and its impact on children; and firearm injury prevention; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics will continue to strive to put childrens’ health first and be a voice for vulnerable children and families in West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 8, 2024, as West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.