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Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

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Now Hiring: Communications Manager

We are Minnesota’s pediatricians and pediatric providers.

We are dedicated to protecting and advancing the health of every child and adolescent in Minnesota through advocacy, education, and special projects.
We embrace diversity and inclusivity, welcoming members from all backgrounds, skills, and experiences. We encourage pediatricians who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, LGBTQ+, or living with a disability to join us. We value multi-lingual speakers and those with extensive knowledge of serving diverse and underserved populations.
By building a diverse member base, we can better understand and serve the unique needs of every child and adolescent in Minnesota. Together, we strive to ensure equitable care for all. Join us in our mission to make a difference.

We are the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

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Casey Hokanson, BA, Zeinab Mohamud, BA, Janna Gewirtz O’Brien, MD, MPH



In Minnesota, nearly 6,000 youth experience homelessness each night. Trauma and marginalization are often causes of homelessness. Many have been harmed by systemic racism and identity-based oppression leading to stark disparities in the composition of youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) in Minnesota. 73% identify as BIPOC and 23% identify as LGBTQ+. Marginalization and oppression lead to health risks including trauma, injury, abuse, mental health risk, STIs, unplanned pregnancy, untreated medical conditions, substance use, and inadequate access to basic needs including housing, food, and healthcare access. Despite the many challenges YEH face, they display remarkable and inspiring resilience.



We would like to preface by emphasizing that housing is health. It is important for YEH’s basic needs to be met first before they access health. If you come into contact with a YEH who needs shelter, you can help them by bringing ysnmn.org to their attention. This resource that allows YEH to know which resources and shelters are in the community also comes as an app for easier access.



In our lab’s youth participatory action research, YEH identified barriers to navigating complex health systems. We offer some tips on how to overcome these barriers. Remember, although youth experiencing homelessness have a legal right to consent to their own healthcare, even as minors, when they are living apart from their legal guardian(s) and managing their own financial affairs, youth face many challenges accessing care. The last barrier encompasses supporting youth in owning their own healthcare. 



How can you as a healthcare provider do this?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Help them know their own medical conditions, medications, and allergies (use their phones, devices, or Health apps).</li>



<li>Encourage them to take pictures of their health insurance cards and vital documents so they have easier access to them.</li>



<li>Share employment opportunities, education and healthcare.</li>



<li>Know their healthcare team and how to reach them.</li>



<li>Ensure they have MyChart/electronic health record access.</li>



<li>Encourage regular checkups. Set up a follow-up before they leave the office or hospital.</li>



<li>Write down any questions or concerns they have between visits.</li>



<li>Help them understand their legal rights to accessing healthcare and shelter.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="387" src="https://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Teal-Peach-Lilac-Modern-Playful-Productivity-Tips-Infographic-Instagram-Post-2-1024x387.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4577" srcset="https://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Teal-Peach-Lilac-Modern-Playful-Productivity-Tips-Infographic-Instagram-Post-2-1024x387.png 1024w, https://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Teal-Peach-Lilac-Modern-Playful-Productivity-Tips-Infographic-Instagram-Post-2-300x113.png 300w, https://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Teal-Peach-Lilac-Modern-Playful-Productivity-Tips-Infographic-Instagram-Post-2-768x290.png 768w, https://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Teal-Peach-Lilac-Modern-Playful-Productivity-Tips-Infographic-Instagram-Post-2-1536x581.png 1536w, https://wp.mnaap.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Teal-Peach-Lilac-Modern-Playful-Productivity-Tips-Infographic-Instagram-Post-2.png 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As a healthcare provider, you are a leader in dismantling health inequities and forging positive relationships with youth. It takes a trauma-informed approach, cultural humility, and gentle patience to rebuild this bridge and trust between healthcare providers and youth experiencing homelessness.

Caring for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Minnesota’s newborn screening panel is expanding with the addition of guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency, Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), and Krabbe disease.



Following the recommendation of the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee, Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham has approved these conditions for routine screening of newborns in the state. 



Commissioner Cunningham has directed the Newborn Screening program to initiate the necessary steps for implementing screening protocols for GAMT deficiency, MPS II, and Krabbe disease, underscoring the commitment to early detection and intervention for these rare genetic disorders.



For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/newbornscreening/program/newbornscreeningpanel.html">https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/newbornscreening/program/newbornscreeningpanel.html</a>

Newborn Screening Panel Updates

Anti-Racism &amp; Health Equity



The Anti-racism and Health Equity workgroup is currently working on ways to connect with other state chapters who are doing work similar to ours, and networking with them to strengthen the goals we have.



We will also finalize work over the next few months with our YWCA equity consultant to review our chapter’s strategic planning for improved health equity in our chapter and across the state. Our next meeting is Monday, June 10, from 12:15 pm -1:00 pm.



If you are interested in joining the Anti-Racism &amp; Health Equity Work Group, email Jeff Bauer bauer@mnaap.org to be added to the group’s email list for upcoming meeting dates and activities.



Early Childhood



The Early Childhood Work Group has been meeting monthly and supporting lectures devoted to the topic of early childhood which are located on the AAP website. Our presenters have included Erin Bailey, Keriann Mahon, Andre Dukes, and Ariel Handevidt speaking on topics such as early relational health, the Northside Achievement Zone and the Children’s Cabinet. The work group is also tracking and supporting activities such as early literacy, the Early Childhood Family Education program, parent-child relational health, and infant mental health. 



Additionally, the work group’s recent activities include legislative tracking and advocacy. The primary early childhood initiatives this legislative session have been directed to supporting the changes and programs funded in the ‘23 budget session&#8211;with attention to thenestablishment of the new Executive Department of Children, Youth and Families.



We are hoping that other AAP fellows will join us in this work for the crucial birth to preschool children we care for. Please Contact Krish Subrahmanian at subrahm2003@gmail.com or Roger Sheldon at rogeugshe@gmail.com to join the group.

Work Group Updates | Spring 2024

Pat McKone, American Lung Association 



E-cigarettes are addicting a new generation to nicotine. Since 2014, e-cigarettes have been the #1 tobacco products used by youth. It’s a crisis of youth addiction that is a result of thousands of kid-friendly flavors and massive doses of nicotine.



The 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) reported over 2.1 million kids used these devices in 2023. It is estimated more than 4,300 kids (under 18) try e-cigarettes daily.



Scope of the problem:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Many youth are using these products most days or every day, a sign they are becoming addicted. More than 70 percent of youth who use e-cigarettes in MN show signs of nicotine dependence.</li>



<li>Flavors are at the core of this problem. Close to 90% of youth use flavored products – fruit, candy, sweet, mint and menthol among the most popular. In Minnesota, one in seven 11th graders uses e-cigarettes, and 88 percent of those students use flavored e-cigarettes.</li>



<li>Disposable and menthol e-cigarettes are on the rise, two categories of products that were left behind under current federal regulation.</li>
</ol>



Resources for youth, parents and educators:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>American Academy of Pediatrics &#8211; https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/tobacco-control-and-prevention/e-cigarettes-and-vaping/</li>



<li>American Lung Association – www.lung.org </li>



<li>My Life My Quit – www. mylifemyquit.com </li>



<li>Truth Initiative – This is Quitting www.truthinitiative.org/our-top-issues/vaping-issue</li>



<li>Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids –www.tobaccofreekids.org</li>
</ul>

What’s New With Vaping?

Anti-Racism & Health Equity

Behavioral Health

Early Childhood

Immunizations

Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is seeking a board certified/board eligible outpatient Pediatric Physician to join our busy and growing primary care clinic practice. Grand Itasca is a fully integrated multi-specialty clinic and hospital located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Pediatric Physician

Partners in Pediatrics, Ltd. is seeking a full time BC/BE Pediatrician. The standard work week for a full-time pediatrician is 4 days a week plus a rotation of nights and weekends. Night and weekend shifts are shared equally among all providers. The salary package is competitive. You will have paid time off (PTO) and be given a CME allowance as well as CME days to further your medical education. We offer health, dental, disability and life insurance. You will also be eligible for a lucrative profit sharing 401(k). For inquiries, please contact our recruiting leads, Dr. Lisa Irvin at lirvin@pipstop.com and Dr. Megan Camerino at mcarmerino@pipstop.com

BC/BE Pediatrician

We’re excited to announce an opening for a Communications Manager at the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP). This part-time, remote role is a unique opportunity for a communications professional with at least five years of experience, who is passionate about advancing child health through advocacy, education, and special projects.

We are the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

We are Minnesota’s pediatricians and pediatric providers.

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