Putting Children’s Health on the Agenda at AAP

Each year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition brings together thousands of pediatric health care professionals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children.

For the Children’s Hospital Association, participating in AAP is about more than attending a conference. It is an opportunity to elevate the issues that matter most to children, connect with partners across the pediatric health ecosystem, and advance solutions that help children thrive.

This year, our presence at the annual event focused on three priorities that are central to our mission:

• Protecting and strengthening Medicaid
• Bolstering the pediatric workforce
• Addressing the youth mental health crisis

These issues affect children and families in every community and require continued collaboration among health care clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and researchers to ensure every child has the chance to thrive.

Advancing the conversation on Medicaid

Children's hospitals serve children with the most complex medical needs, and Medicaid plays a critical role in helping families access care.

At AAP, CHA engaged pediatricians, children’s hospital leaders, and other stakeholders in conversations about the importance of Medicaid as a foundation for children's health. The conference provided an opportunity to share why investments in Medicaid are essential to ensuring children can access the care they need today while building healthier futures for years to come.

Building the pediatric workforce

Children's hospitals and pediatric providers across the country continue to face workforce challenges that affect access to care.

Through discussions and thought leadership opportunities at AAP, CHA spotlighted the need for solutions that support recruitment, retention, and long-term sustainability of the pediatric workforce. The future of children's health depends on having enough trained professionals to meet growing demand. Conversations at the conference highlighted both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Keeping mental health a national priority

As demand for pediatric mental health services continues to grow, CHA used AAP as a platform to build momentum around mental health advocacy and raise awareness of the urgent need for action.

By connecting with pediatric leaders from across the country, CHA helped advance discussions about improving access to care, strengthening community-based supports, and ensuring children receive the mental health services they need.

Connecting through trusted partnerships

AAP also provided a valuable opportunity to collaborate with trusted partners who share CHA’s commitment to improving children’s health.

Through podcast conversations, media engagement, and meetings with pediatric leaders, CHA helped amplify key issues to audiences that extend well beyond the conference itself.

Putting kids first together

The challenges facing children are too complex for any one organization to solve alone. Events like AAP bring together people and organizations committed to finding solutions and advocating for policies that improve children’s health.

For CHA, participating in AAP is an investment in collaboration and a reflection of our commitment to ensure children’s unique health needs remain at the center of national conversations.

By engaging with pediatric leaders, strengthening partnerships, and elevating critical issues, we continue working toward a future where every child has access to the care and support they need.

At the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, the Children’s Hospital Association elevated issues that matter most to children.