The daily swirl of life can make existence seem endlessly routine – same thing over and over. Finding time for daily reflection and thanksgiving is a way to shine the light on the good, the exciting, and the fulfillment of life.  I reflect and give thanks daily for my role as the Children’s National Hospital government and community engagement leader.  In that role, I use my time and talent working with a team of the most dedicated people to advance the hospital’s commitment to our community.  

When the leaders at Children’s National created the Child Health Advocacy Institute (CHAI), one of the first pediatric advocacy departments created by a children’s hospital in the country, they recognized the significant role of a pediatric hospital to be a champion for child health equity. Today, it is the goal of the CHAI to advance policy and systems change that will ensure equity and well-being for all children. I am thankful for the vision of the CHAI founders and grateful to help lead at a time when equity is more critical than ever. 

In 2023, we start implementation of the 2022 Children’s National Hospital Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The focus is on four priority areas that are not traditional clinical community health needs, but on social factors that have far greater impact on health outcomes. The priority areas are food insecurity, health insurance, early childhood education, and employment. I am grateful to work for an organization that both recognizes and is willing to invest in tackling issues that are not its primary function but critical to the overall outcomes of its work. 

In the CHAI, we leverage the talents of the public health and clinical experts, data analytics, advocacy education and public policy advocacy to create change in four priority areas.  For example, CHAI team leaders worked with the District of Columbia Health Benefits Exchange to make access to mental health care more affordable. Families who get their health insurance coverage on the Exchange will no longer experience financial barriers to access necessary mental and behavioral health care for their children. Instead of $40-$45 copays for these visits, children will now be able to access this care for $5 per visit. The change also includes cost sharing for medically necessary mental health drugs. 

The work began when I served as a member of the Exchange’s Social Justice and Health Disparities Working Group. I educated the working group on the vast disparities in the access to and affordability of mental health care for Black and Brown children. CHAI team members provided clinical, data and policy analysis to support changing mental health co-pays. The Exchange Board approved the change and will monitor the impacts of this change on eliminating disparities in accessing mental health care.  

The pediatric mental health co-pay cut is one of many policies and systems changes advanced by the work I have the privilege to be a part of.  We will post a blog in January about this big win for our children!  

When I take the time to reflect and give thanks, I am freed from the mundane and uplifted with fulfillment.  On behalf of the CHAI, I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.