AUGUST 2024, WEEK BEGINNING AUGUST 19
Exciting News: Introducing Our Ne
We’re thrilled to announce the Addressing Health in Pediatrics. This series will cover a diverse range of topics, including pain control in sickle cell patients, weight management medications, and how to get paid for obesity counseling in your practice.
A special thank you goes out to our Food Equity and EDI Committee Chairs for their invaluable contribution to kicking off this series As our committee chairs and champions continue to settle into their roles, we’re excited to expand our offerings Upcoming webinars will cover immunization in adolescents and management of allergic rhinitis, among other essential topics. We also want to give a huge shoutout to Amanda, our Executive Director, who has worked tirelessly to secure CME credits for all these webinars amid a mountain of paperwork.
Best of all, these webinars will be FREE for all Chapter members. As our chapter initiatives grow, we’re committed to providing more valuable benefits. If you’re not a member yet, or if your membership has lapsed, or if you want to invite friends and colleagues to join the chapter, it’s easy! Just reach out to Amanda Henry at ED@VAAAP.org.
I am incredibly excited about the growth of our chapter and can’t wait to see what new programs and ideas we’ll explore together. Stay tuned for more updates!
“Be the change you wish to see in this world.” ~Gandhi
Natasha K. Sriraman VA-AAP President
Meet Your Executive Committee
PRESIDENT
NATASHA K. SRIRAMAN, M.D.
Events
SEPT 27 - OCT 1
PERCITA ELLIS, M.D.
NCE/AAP National Meeting
NOV 8 - 9
Mohsen Ziai at INOVA
NOV 14
Board Meeting (Virtual)
Committees
ADVOCACY
CHILD SAFETY
FOOD EQUITY
IMMIGRANT HEALTH IMMUNIZATION
MENTAL HEALTH
PEDIATRIC COUNCIL
SCHOOL HEALTH
TREASURER
SUZANNE BRIXEY, M.D. KRISTINA POWELL, M.D.
JANUARY 23 , 2025
VA-AAP Advocacy Day
MARCH 21-23, 2025
Birdsong McLemore at UVA
APRIL 2025
Board Meeting (Virtual)
JUNE 12, 2025
Pediatric Sports Medicine
JULY 18, 2025
BOD Meeting & Dinner
JULY 18-20, 2025
Pediatrics at the Beach
Champions
We have a few committees & champions that are looking for Co-chairs. If you are interested in becoming a co-chair, or even a member of any of these committees, please click the Contact Us button below. Contact Us
ADOLESCENT MEDICINE BREASTFEEDING
EARLY CHILDHOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
GUN VIOLENCE
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
ORAL HEALTH
RURAL HEALTH
SPORTS MEDICINE
TELEHEALTH
Effective Communication Strategies for Physicians Guiding
Families Through Immunization Discussions
At the beginning of fall 2023, I took my two small children to work for their Influenza and Covid vaccine. As I carried my (then) 18 month old down the stairs to our back door, I turned around to encourage his older sister, then 3 years old, to see her limping down the stairs. “What’s wrong?” I asked her. “My leg hurts from the shots.” Trying not to laugh, I reminded her that they had not had their vaccines yet.
I explained to my daughter that, while I understand she doesn't like shots, they help us stay healthy and help us to not get others sick. She begrudgingly got the vaccines and was very happy with the stickers and slushie she got afterwards.
Unfortunately, across Virginia and the nation, many parents do not follow evidence based recommendations for yearly boosters and an alarming amount of parents are electing to opt out of well studied, “old” vaccinations. In rural southwest Virginia, where I currently practice, our numbers of fully vaccinated school age children have not recovered to pre-COVID This pattern is reflected across most of the state
Bribing a three year old with a slushie is different than discussing vaccines with hesitant parents. Parents are often hesitant about the same things: ingredients in the vaccine, “overwhelming” the immune system, vaccines causing autism, “we still get the flu even with the shot,” and vaccines being too new or, in the case of COVID, “changing my child’s DNA.” Beyond those, parents have many websites that are “anti-vax” and opinions of their culture around them as influences against vaccines.
of Pediatrics has continued to work on improving immunization rates and has continued to provide many resources for pediatricians to use. There are many other evidence-based resources for both providers to use and share with parents.
Taking the time to spend with families, whether hesitant or not, can help continue to help parents make a “yes” decision. The impact of vaccinations has been published as recently as this year . The financial impact alone of not vaccinations affects not only society but also individuals, payers, and pediatric offices. If we can stay positive, up to date on evidence, and remain firm in our commitment to vaccinating, we can continue to keep disease burden low and children healthy.
Fortunately, most families trust their pediatricians and are willing to have discussions with them on vaccines even if the answer is still no. We still should be having these conversations with our patients. Vaccinations are one of the single most important medical advances in the last 100 years of medicine Not having continued conversations leads to continued spread of diseases that can cause major community harm.
Techniques that help discuss vaccines include using “presumptive” statements and using motivational interviewing The American Academy
Thank you Dr. Erin Brickley, Chair of the VA-AAP Immunization Committee for the wonderful resources in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month 1 2 3
Thank you for all that you as pediatricians do for our children It is appreciated even if, at an individual level, you do not feel it. Keep fighting! And do not worry, despite continued conversations with my (now) four year old about her vaccines at her well check, she still tried to talk my partner into giving “one today and one tomorrow!”
References:
Common Immunization Questions from Parents. American Academy of Pediatrics. Last updated 05/11/2023.
Talking with Vaccine Hesitant Parents. American Academy of Pediatrics. Last updated 02/26/2024.
Sean T. O’Leary, Douglas J. Opel, Jessica R. Cataldi, Jesse M. Hackell, COMMITTEE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES, COMMITTEE ON PRACTICE AND AMBULATORY MEDICINE, COMMITTEE ON BIOETHICS; Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake. Pediatrics March 2024; 153 (3): e2023065483. 10.1542/peds.2023065483
Resources: AAP Immunizations
EQIPP: Immunizations - Strategies for Success. (Free for AAP members)
CDC Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents
BeyondtheExamRoom: BeyondtheExamRoom:
Stay ahead in pediatric care with our comprehensive CME learning series! Covering everything from pain management to weight management, this umbrella of topics ensures you’re equipped with the latest insights and skills to provide exceptional care at every stage of childhood. Expand your expertise under one umbrella and keep your practice at the forefront of pediatric healthcare! More topics to be announced soon!
Bi-mo
October Collaboration 10/2-Collaboration&Communicationwith Families
RavinderpalSingh,MD|Inova|Fairfax,VA 10/16-CollaborationwithPsychiatry KateLiebesny,MD|CarilionClinic| Roanoke,VA AmyKryder,MD|CarilionClinic|Roanoke,VA
Are you a Virginia PCP looking to gain professional education in pediatric mental health? Join us for a REACH PPP!
A dynamic 3-day, 16-hour in-person interactive course focused on building skills and confidence in diagnosing and treating pediatric mental & behavioral health problems led by Virginia faculty. Followed by a 6-month, case-based online program. Participants join 12 bi-monthly, 1-hour group conference calls with Virginia primary care and child psychiatry experts to learn how to manage pediatric mental health issues encountered in daily practices.. All participants will receive custom-designed toolkits with guides, assessment instruments, dosing and side effect charts, medication comparison tables, and handouts for patients and parents.
Participants will learn to: ntifyanddifferentiateamongpediatric health problems such as childhood DHD,bipolardisorder,anxietystates D),oppositionalandconductdisorders, manage psychopharmacology: selecting initiating and tapering dosages, improvements, and identifying and minimizingmedicationsideeffects. implementatreatmentplanbymobilizing urces like family members, school personnel,andotherprofessionalcaregivers.
LOOKING
EVERY RIDE SAFE RIDE:
VDH SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR CHILDREN WORK
ONE YEAR COMMITMENT
BEGINNING SEPT 1, ESTIMATE OF 15 HRS
STIPEND APPROXIMATION: $1500
ACTIVITIES PRIMARILY INCLUDE: PROVIDING INPUT ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING CONTENT AND PRACTICE TOOLS
ASSIST IN CONDUCTING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAININGS WITH SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (2, 2-HOUR SESSIONS, VIRTUAL)
TESTING TOOLS IN PRACTICE FOR FEEDBACK
For more information, or to express interest, please email Jane Chappell by clicking this image or scanning the QR Code.
RESOURCES & REQUESTS
RESOURCES & REQUESTS
Virginia is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a new program called Virginia SUN Bucks. Through Virginia SUN Bucks, some families will receive extra money to help with the costs of groceries that include fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT benefits.
Each school-age child that meets the program requirements will get a one-time payment of $120. Benefits will be issued either on your family's SNAP EBT card or a pre-loaded Virginia SUN Bucks card that looks just like a debit or credit card and can be used to purchase groceries.
The good news is many families automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to take any steps to receive this new benefit.
We estimate Virginia SUN Bucks will benefit more than 790,000 school-aged children in 2024, with more than 650,000 expected to be enrolled in the program automatically. That is to say, 4 out of 5 children will receive the benefit without having to apply.
If a child is eligible, but not automatically enrolled, VDSS asks that their parent or guardian apply for Virginia SUN Bucks by printing the application found at VirginiaSUNBucks.com/apply and mailing it to: Virginia SUN Bucks c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
CALL CENTER
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Virginia SUN Bucks call center.
The call center is being introduced as an additional support for those who need to apply, or require assistance, and will be available July 22 through August 30, 2024 by calling 866513-1414 (toll-free) or 804-294-1633 (local) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The call center is available to provide assistance with applying for the program and serves as an additional avenue through which applications can be submitted. All applications, whether submitted via mail or the call center, must be received by August 30, 2024.
Families and community partners are encouraged to visit VirginiaSUNBucks.com for more information about the program, including frequently asked questions. Customers can access a brief, interactive quiz to help determine their eligibility by clicking the ‘Do you need to apply for Virginia Sun Bucks?’ button on the Virginia SUN Bucks homepage.
The Virginia SUN Bucks website features downloadable resources that can be shared to help promote the new program. In particular, the Community Partner Resources page includes the program application along with instructions, infographics and flyers; all materials are available in multiple languages.
YOUR VOTE IS
TU VOTO TIENE PODER
Podermos influir directamente en estas politicas y ayudar a dar forma a la salud de nuestra comunidad para las generaciones venideras.
LATA DE VOTACION:
Los funcionarios que votamos para el cargo toman decisiones importantes como Cuánto cuestan los medicamentos recetados
Si tenemos acceso a frutas y verduras frescas...y más.
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to influence change at the local, state and national levels. There is a connection between voting and health equity.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5
Candidates elected to positions up and down the ballot will shape policies that directly impact the health of young people, families and communities.
AAP is leading a nonpartisan Get Out the Vote campaign to provide pediatricians with the tools they need to cast their ballot and share the importance of voting.
To access these resources, please click here or scan the QR Code
Voter Registration Badges
Thousands of health professionals across the country are using Vot-ER badges to give their patients an opportunity to access a nonpartisan voter registration platform in the hospital or clinic.
Get a free voter registration badge today and join the movement for a healthier democracy!
To request your badge, please click here or scan the QR Code
Children are counting on us; vote like their future depends on it.
NEWS FROM AAP
Join the Conversation!
Enhance digital screening and treatment tools that help manage suicide risk. Focus groups with teens, parents, & practice teams.
In search of: Primary care practices (one pediatrician/one staff) to:
Participate in a virtual focus group about a digital app-based teen suicide prevention intervention
Refer parents/adolescents who may be interested in participating in a virtual focus group about the app
Length of Focus Groups: About one hour Dates of Focus Groups: Spring 2024 - exact dates TBA
Practices that qualify: Primary care practices that do NOT have embedded/co-located mental health services
Each Focus Group Participant will receive a $50 gift CARD IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR EFFORTS AND EACH PARTICIPATING PRACTICE RECEIVES
$250
• Note that there will be separate focus groups for practices, parents, and teens, respectively
HEART+ STUDY RESPONSE FORM
click here or scan QR Code
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS) teams are currently recruiting clinicians/staff, parents, and teens to participate in focus groups as part of their HEART+ teen suicide prevention study. The purpose of the focus groups is to explore the use of a digital teen suicide intervention by pediatric primary care practices with no embedded mental health services –the idea is for this intervention, ideally shaped by those who would ultimately use it, to serve as a support bridge until a teen can secure comprehensive mental health services.
Below you will also find information about a new tool, launched by the Center of Excellence on Social Media and TheHelpAt-RiskTeensThrive(HEART+)studyneedsyourhelp!
This research opportunity is a collaboration between:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Pediatric Re-search in Office Settings (PRS) research network
University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)
Study Funder: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Principal Investigator: Stephanie Stepp, PhD, at Pitt
Research opportunity purpose:
Take part in refining digital suicide prevention screening and treatment tools that identify, triage, and manage teens with depression or at risk of suicide. Help design digital screening and treatment tools that are user-friendly for teens, parents, and practices!
This research opportunity is part of a larger study that will later pilot test these digital suicide prevention tools within pediatric primary care
What is involved for your practice?
Identify patients 12-17 years with a past history of depression or suicide behavior to invite to a 1-hour confidential focus group
Refer parents of patients 12-17 to PITT to learn more about the confidential focus group Parent permission is required for a teen to participate. Parents are invited to separate confidential focus groups too! Select practice team members (clinicians and staff) to participate in a 1-hour confidential focus groups.
To join the study:
Return the Study Participation Form via email (prosops.org) OR fax (847-434-8910)
Want to know more?
Please reach out to Donna Harris at dlharris@aap.org or 630-626-6362
September 27October 1, 2024
AAP/CDC Webinar: Prepare Your Clinics and Patients for Fall and Winter Respiratory Virus Season
NEWS FROM AAP Aug 27, 2024 12:00 PM
Moderator
Benjamin D. Hoffman, MD, FAAP President, American Academy of Pediatrics
Expert Panelists
Manisha Patel, MD, MS, MBA Chief Medical Officer, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), CDC
Katherine Fleming-Dutra, MD, FAAP
Lead, Vaccine Effectiveness and Policy Team NCIRD, Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division
Jennifer M. Nelson, MD, MPH, FAAP, DipABLM Sr Advisor for Health Equity, Immunization Services Division, NCIRD, CDC
Charlene Wong, MD, MSHP Sr Advisor for Health Strategy, Immediate Office of the Director, CDC
Sean T. O’Leary, MD, MPH, FAAP Chairperson, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases
To register for this free webinar, please click “Register Now” or scan the QR Code
The CDC has developed a Provider Toolkit in preparation of the fall and winter virus season.
Annually, in the US, flu, COVID-19, and RSV cause extreme numbers of hospitalizations and deaths. We now have more tools than ever before to help people protect themselves, their families, and communities!
To access the Toolkit, please click HERE or scan the QR Code
The American Academy of Pediatrics have developed a Reporting Form for RSV.
Please submit reporting, questions, success stories, and barriers related to the administration in inpatient and outpatient settings.
The form can be found here, or by scanning the QR Code
Benjamin Hoffman, MD, FAAP Manisha Patel, MD, MS, MBA Katherine Fleming-Dutra, MD, FAAP
Jennifer M. Nelson, MD, MPH, FAAP, DipABLM
Charlene Wong, MD, MSHP Sean T. O’Leary, MD, MPH, FAAP
Membership
We are pleased to announce AAP has introduced the option to auto-renew your membership for your convenience! This new option will allow you to enjoy uninterrupted membership, while avoiding the hassle of having to remember to pay monthly/annually. We do the work for you & your membership stays intact! If interested in enrolling in AutoPay, please click the button below or scan the QR code
Learning Update from Across the State
Children’s Hospital of Richmond Grand Rounds are one a break for the summer and will return in September 2024.
Grand Rounds are held Tuesdays from 12 noon - 1 pm.
No Grand Rounds scheduled for the week.
Learning Update from Across the State
No Grand Rounds scheduled for the week.
Learning Update from Across the State
Tanglewood Mill Mt. Conference Room 1701
Thursday, August 22, 2024 7:30 AM-8:30 AM
Dr. Camron Johnson-Privitera
Topic: Breastfeeding- New Protocols, Etc.
Meeting ID: 215 263 407 462
Passcode: mfgVkN
UPCOMING COURSES & CONFERENCES
