The Link

5/6/2009
BLANK CHILDREN'S HOSP/SAFE KID

Blank Children's Hospital Raises Its Voice for Children in National Healthcare Reform Debate

Unique Online Campaign Urges Congress to Make Health Reform Work for Children

(Des Moines, IA) - Blank Children's Hospital joined the National Association of Children's Hospitals (N.A.C.H.) as it embarked today on a landmark mobilization campaign to urge Congress to ensure that the healthcare needs of children are adequately represented in the healthcare reform debate now underway in Washington, D.C.

"Children's hospitals play a significant role in the healthcare of all children," said N.A.C.H. President and CEO Lawrence McAndrews. "We know better than anyone that health reform impacts children differently than adults and that is why it is up to us to lift up adult voices and tell Congress that children's needs must not be overlooked."

The goal of the Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform campaign (www.SpeakNowforKids.org) is to gather as many voices as possible from across America to speak to lawmakers about the great need for health reform that works for children. In addition to garnering support from more than 100 organizations, the campaign has engaged the American Academy of Pediatrics, Children's Defense Fund, Children's Health Fund, First Focus and March of Dimes as national mobilization partners.

The interactive campaign model provides the online resources for anyone to share their personal stories with Congress.

"At Blank Children's Hospital, we believe in caring for all kids - regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. Each day we advocate for children and help care for their unique healthcare needs," says Steve Stephenson, MD, Chief Operating Officer, Blank Children's Hospital. "This campaign allows anyone who is passionate about children's healthcare needs to have a voice to Congress. We truly believe access to quality healthcare is an investment in children's futures."

Congressional leaders have set an ambitious timetable of May 22 for drafting healthcare reform legislation and are working at a fast pace to meet this goal. Blank Children's Hospital is urging its staff, volunteers, patient families and community partners to participate in Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform to ensure that lawmakers in the nation's capital do not leave children behind.

To learn more about Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform, visit www.SpeakNowforKids.org. The campaign will run through May.

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(Contact: Erin Wendt, Media Relations, 515-241-5315, 515-210-5971 cell)