January 12, 2009

Minnesota is home to many child health advocates. Yet, these advocates may be distanced either by geographic location or work affiliation even when a vision is shared. MN-AAP provides a central place for individuals – to communicate key issues, to collaborate toward shared goals to improve the health and well-being of all children and families, to commit to improved quality of care for children and to connect to a broader community of child advocates. With these concepts in mind and as MN-AAP celebrates its 75th anniversary, the MN-AAP recognized a need for an updated vision and goals.

Vision: The MN- AAP, a partnership of pediatricians, will lead to assure optimal health of all children in the state of Minnesota.

We will accomplish this by:

1) Advocating for all children and their families as the resource for child health policy makers so that children of Minnesota achieve maximum potential of physical, mental and social well-being.

2) Collaborating and networking with others with shared vision to guide ongoing improvement of children's health (by serving as the source of knowledge and information of pediatric healthcare)

3) Existing as the statewide resource to connect pediatric healthcare providers, to engage members’ talents and to increase the effectiveness of physicians and staff through advocacy, networking and educational opportunities

4) Guiding transformation of pediatric practice to a sustainable model that improves child health and thereby society.

In the coming weeks, look for updates on how the MN-AAP addresses this vision and goals. As always, please contact me with any questions or suggestions for MN-AAP.

Anne Edwards, M.D., F.A.A.P.
edwar046@tc.umn.edu