October 2009 . . . Marian Wright-Edelman Inspires at the AAP NCE

The well-known attorney, civil rights leader, and founder of the Children's Defense Fund addressed the plenary session at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., stressing the importance of a "health and mental health system" designed to help the whole child . . . Read more »

September 2009 . . . Students Serve "Reach Out and Read"

In celebration of National Primary Care Week, UVA medical students escaped from their books for a bit to participate in "Reach Out and Read". They visited the public library and checked out their favorite books from childhood - ones that inspired imaginations and piqued curiosities - and then went to the UVA Primary Care Center and had a great time reading with the children there.

June 2009 . . . 2nd Annual Orange County Health Fair

Once again, the Orange Boys and Girls Club, Orange County Head Start, Orange County Office on Youth, Orange County Health Department, Culpeper Memorial Hospital, Blue Ridge Care Connection for Children, UVA Pediatrics at Orange, and other community leaders came together to plan this important community event. Volunteers from over 40 community agencies provided health screenings for children and adults including blood pressure, vision, hearing, and other services. The Orange County High School Field House was filled with families from Orange and surrounding communities who received health screenings and health information, and then enjoyed the moon bounce and door prizes. Plans are underway for the 2010 fair to be held June 17, 2010.

August 2009 . . . Annual Charlottesville Boys and Girls Club Health Fair

The Charlottesville Boys and Girls Club and the UVA Health System co-sponsored the 2009 Boys and Girls Club Health Fair. Free blood pressure checks, sports physicals, health tips, health information, and smoothies were available for free to everyone who attended. UVA pediatric residents and faculty were on hand to provide sports physicals so that everyone is ready for sports when school starts in the fall.

April 2009 . . . UVA Delegation Speaks Up for Children at AAP Legislative Conference

Drs. Ann Kellams, Hazel Garrish, Cara Haberman, and Ashley Logan attended the 2009 AAP Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. With over 100 pediatricians from across the country (including 30 residents), they took a crash course in current federal health issues and federal advocacy techniques. The conference culminated with all the pediatricians converging on Capitol Hill to talk with their legislators about the importance of remembering the unique needs of children as the health reform process moves forward . . . Read more »

March 2009 . . . Leonard P. Rome CATCH Visiting Professorship Advocacy Program

Dr. Barry Zuckerman, the Joel and Barbara Alpert Professor and Chair of Pediatrics at Boston Univeristy School of Medicine, came to Virginia for a 3-day visiting professorship around "A Culture of Advocacy", March 18-20, 2009. During his visit, Dr. Zuckerman presented Grand Rounds and met with residents, faculty, community leaders, students and others dedicated to child health at both UVA and MCV . . . Read more »

January 2009 . . . Pediatric Day at the 2009 General Assembly

Once again, child advocates from many disciplines came together in Richmond to meet with legislators about children's health issues. Sponsored by the VA Chapter AAP and the MSV, this annual event brings experienced and new child advocates together to speak up for children's health . . . Read more »

January 2009 . . . CHAP Welcomes Carolyn Pointer, New Program Attorney

The Betty Sams Christian Child Health Advocacy Program at the University of Virginia welcomes Carolyn Pointer, Esq. to our team! Ms. Pointer is the new program staff attorney and will be assisting patient families with legal needs including housing, public benefits, and special education. Ms. Pointer is from Boston, MA, where she has been actively involved in medical legal partnerships for several years. Ms. Pointer will provide direct legal services and ongoing medical staff education, and will facilitate growth and development of the newly formed VA MLP Network.

January 2009 . . . Dr. Diane Pappas Reappointed as Assistant National Medical Director with the National Center for Medical Legal Partnerships

Dr. Pappas has been reappointed as assistant national medical director with the National Center for Medical Legal Partnerships. In this role, she will continue working with the national center to further the development of medical-legal partnerships throughout the nation.

Burford Leimenstoll Foundation Donates $25,000 for Social Work Support

This generous donation to the Betty Sams Christian Child Health Advocacy Program at UVA will provide support for social work participation in the on-going operations and development of the program and the statewide network. With this support, social work champion Greg Nelsen will be able to attend the annual national medical-legal partnership summit and continue participating fully in the statewide network. Greg's plans for this year include participation at both state and national levels, and development of CHAP brochures and outreach materials to help reach even more families in need of services.