Given the significant challenges facing our state, nation, and world, kids need our advocacy now more than ever. Family Advocacy Week provides opportunities to learn more about how the decisions our government makes impacts kids and about how you can make a difference! We are excited for this year's family advocacy week and hope you are too! Sign up for one or all of these fantastic virtual opportunities.
A Conversation with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel
Monday, June 13, 2:30-3:00 PM
Connecticut Children's President and CEO Jim Shmerling will moderate a virtual conversation with Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The discussion will focus on the FCC's role in supporting children's health and wellbeing through its oversight of telemedicine, the rollout of the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline, and the relationship between broadband connectivity and health equity. We are very excited to have the Chairwoman participate in Family Week this year. Please join us for this important conversation and note that there will be time for audience Q&A.
Caffeinate & Advocate!
Tuesday, June 14, 9:00-10:00 AM
This event is for Connecticut Children's team members only. Grab a cup of coffee and drop in for virtual “office hours” with the Government Relations Team. Ask them your questions about advocacy, state and federal government, the legislative session, the November election, and more! They’ll even help you draft and send messages to your legislators! Join them for 5 minutes or the full hour.
Register here for Caffeinate & Advocate.
Exploring the Importance of Pediatric Research
Tuesday June 14, 1:00-2:00 PM
Join us for a virtual conversation focused on pediatric research moderated by Connecticut Children’s Senior Director of Academic Affairs, Research, and Sponsored Programs, Annamarie Beaulieu. Learn more about Connecticut Children's cutting-edge research, how research supports children's health and drives health equity, and how government leaders can support this critical work.
We are excited to be joined by:
- Christine Finck, MD, FACS- Surgeon-in-Chief, Division Chief of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Peter J. Deckers Endowed Chair of Pediatric Surgery, Connecticut Children's
- Melissa Santos, PhD- Division Head of Pediatric Psychology and Clinical Director of the Obesity Center, Connecticut Children's
- Rebecca Riba-Wolman, MD- Glycogen Storage Disease Progran & Disorders of Hypoglycemia, Connecticut Children's,
The 2022 Legislative Session & Kids Behavioral Health: What Did We Accomplish This Year and What Does it Mean for Kids and Families?
Wednesday, June 15, 9:00-10:00 AM
You may have heard that the Connecticut General Assembly passed some significant children's behavioral health legislation this year--but what does that mean for kids and families in our state? Our panelists will break down what passed this year, provide insights on the implications, and share their perspective on what work is still left to do.
We are pleased to be joined by:
- State Representative Liz Linehan- 103rd District (Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford), House Chair of the Children's Committee
- Steven Hernandez, Esq.- Executive Director for the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors and Equitable Access for All
- Howard Sovronsky, LCSW- Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Connecticut Children's
- Laine Taylor, DO, MBA- Medical Director for The Village for Families and Children
Supporting Children's Behavioral Health in Schools
Thursday, June 16, 3:00-4:00 PM
Children spend so much of their lives in school which provides an opportunity to integrate behavioral health supports in the classroom. Tune in to hear from some subject matter experts about ways schools can integrate emotional wellness in the classroom and how local, state and federal leaders can help support this work.
Panelists include:
- Melissa Santos, PhD (moderator)- Division Head of Pediatric Psychology and Clinical Director of the Obesity Center, Connecticut Children's
- Alice Forrester, PhD- CEO of Clifford Beers
- Scott Newgass, LCSW- Education Consultant, Connecticut State Department of Education
- Ann Smith, JD, MBA- Executive Director, AFCAMP
- Dr. Thomas McBryde, Jr- Deputy Superintendent of Excellence, Equity, and Inclusion, Norwalk Public Schools
