Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

We will always advocate for the health and safety of all children. Find resources at https://lnkd.in/gc95FZ8y

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We cannot wait to share more.

We were honored and proud to be a part of two important events today: 1.     The release of “Sleep-Related Infant Death in Cook County: A Five-Year Report (2019–2023)”, highlighting ongoing disparities and the urgent need for safe sleep education and prevention strategies – kicking off October’s Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gjj_PXBj ICAAP members Drs. Gina Lowell and Kyran Quinlan spoke, and ICAAP's Immediate Past President Dr. Margaret Scotellaro attended. Thank you to the Cook County Department of Public Health, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Department of Public Health, Kiran Joshi, and Cook County Health for your leadership. 2.   Governor JB Pritzker’s “Ask Your Doctor” event, reinforcing trust in vaccines and combating misinformation by encouraging families to turn to their doctor for guidance. Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/g9EXgtPm Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/gvq_UaNH ICAAP President Dr. Michelle M. Barnes and several ICAAP members attended. Jennifer Seo Marielle Fricchione Zachary Rubin Thank you, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), University of Illinois Chicago, Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA and Governor JB Pritzker for your leadership. Through these events, ICAAP continues to amplify the pediatric voice, advocate for health equity, and support evidence-based care for Illinois families. Jennie Pinkwater

We had an amazing few days at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition in Denver! Here are a few of the pictures we remembered to take from our time there. It was great to see so many of you Tamela Milan-Alexander, MPPA Jennie Pinkwater Nadia Qureshi Nina Alfieri, MD MS FAAP Lauren Erbach Barnfield Jennifer Seo K. Susan Haverkamp, MD, MSPH, FAAP Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, and many more, not tagged or pictured. 🫶

IDPH Issues Fall Vaccine Guidance and COVID-19 Standing Order to Ensure Access for Illinoisans https://lnkd.in/gC4CJFyq "For pediatricians and for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP), a child’s health and safety always come first. So, we are deeply grateful to the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Immunization Advisory Committee for their leadership, expertise and dedication to science-based recommendations,” said Michelle Barnes, MD, FAAP, President, ICAAP. “Today’s guidance not only provides answers during a confusing time but helps strengthen disease prevention and immunization practices across Illinois, which are vital components of pediatric health care." Jennie Pinkwater Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Chicago Department of Public Health JB Pritzker

Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals. We know autism is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. Individualized plans, often involving a combination of developmental, behavioral, educational and social-relational strategies, can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to individuals and families. We also need and welcome additional investments in federally funded research to better support families of autistic children. Families who have questions about their child’s medications, autism care plans or other health care should consult with their pediatrician or health care provider. https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc

ICAAP was incorporated in 1975. We are honored to celebrate these 50 years of supporting Illinois pediatricians and state-wide advocacy on behalf of children. We want to thank our members and partners for making this possible.

Join us tomorrow: https://lnkd.in/gDuDVfe4

Abby Creek, MPH K. Susan Haverkamp, MD, MSPH, FAAP Minal Giri American Academy of Pediatrics https://lnkd.in/gVQaZU5g