Advocacy Events

January 10: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Legislative Overview

On Monday, January 10, advocates participated in a lunch and learn featuring Children’s lobbyists, Ruth Aponte and Sara Odendahl.  They provided their perspectives on the 2011 legislative session, discussed issues Children’s is currently monitoring, and shared their views on the state political landscape.

November 8, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Health Care Reform in Colorado

As you know, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- the federal health care reform bill -- into law on March 23, 2010. Will this Act provide an opportunity for Colorado to deliver better value for each health care dollar, to create a culture of health with a focus on healthy living and wellness, and to expand access to health care that is affordable? Interested in learning more about the federal health care reform implementation? On November 8th, Lorez Meinhold, Director of Health Reform Implementation and Senior Policy Analyst with the Office of Governor Ritter, spoke to advocates and community members so that they could better understand how this piece of legislation affects Colorado's children and families. Please click here for Meinhold's presentation.

September 27, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in Colorado

On September 27, adovacates learned more about racial and ethnic health disparities. In Colorado, there are differences between racial and ethnic groups in the incidence and prevalence of chronic health conditions, behavioral health, injury and rates of death. This presentation illustrated the racial and ethnic health disparities in Colorado. Participants learned how many factors combine together to affect the health of individuals and communities.

September 14, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Initiatives on November's Ballot and their Impacts on Coloradans

There are measures on this year's ballot that could have negative impacts on Colorado kids and families. If approved by voters, these measures could cost Colorado tens of thousands of jobs and force painful cuts in services, such as health care, child care, K-12 education, colleges and universities, child protective services and public safety. Colorado State Treasurer Cary Kennedy and Tyler Chafee, Senior Associate with RBI Strategies, dicussed the implications of some of these measures.

August 25, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Learning About 22q 

Advocates learned more and spread awareness about 22q, during Colorado's first official 22q Awareness Week.  Colorado is one of the leading states to research, treat and spread the word about this common, but often overlooked syndrome.  Experts Dr. Anne Tsai (Children's Hospital Colorado), Brenda Finucane (Executive Director at Elwyn) and Donna McDonald-McGinn (Children's Hospital Colorado of Philadelphia) presented on 22q and what it is, how to identify this syndrome and how to better help children who struggle with this genetic-based syndrome.

June 16, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

2010 State Legislative Wrap-Up

Children's Hospital Colorado's lobbyist Ruth Aponte shared her perspective on the 2010 state legislative session and discussed some of the legislative outcomes that will impact Children's Hospital Colorado and kids throughout Colorado. Aponte is a Principal with Aponte & Busam: Public Affairs Consultants and has been lobbying in Colorado for more than a decade.

May 27, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

2010 Legislative Overview

Children's Hospital Colorado’s lobbyist Billy Wynne as he shared his perspective on federal health care reform and some of the legislative outcomes that will impact Children's Hospital Colorado, kids throughout Colorado and children across the country. Wynne is a Senior Vice President at the Health Policy Source.

May 21, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Topic: Colorado Child Health Trends

Participants learned about well-being of Colorado’s children and trends that are impacting their lives. While unmatched as a place to live and raise a family, Colorado is also the state with the largest increase in the percentage of children living in poverty. Impacting everything from health, education, earning potential and victimization rates, the effects of poverty are devastating. Dr. Lisa Piscopo, Senior Research Director for the Colorado Children’s Campaign and Deb Federspiel, Director of the Children’s Health Advocacy Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado presented to advocates and community members. Piscopo discussed the 2010 KidsCount in Colorado! report, particularly the trends related to children’s health. KidsCount in Colorado! is a data initiative designed to assess the well-being of Colorado’s children.  Federspiel provided an overview of CHAI, whose mission is to positively impact the health and safety of children by engaging the public and community partners in creating a thriving community. Advocates learned how these child health trends impact everyone who lives in Colorado, and how we can work together to promote action in key areas.

May 11, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Topic: Immunizations, The Best Choice to Protect your Child’s Health

Getting your child up-to-date on their immunizations can be a confusing and daunting process. All parents just want to do what is best for their child and some parents have valid concerns about certain vaccines. What facts should parents believe? What is the best thing to do for your child? During this Lunch and Learn, participants had their questions answered about childhood vaccines from a pediatrician. They listened to a mom who had questions about vaccines but found the information she needed to make the choice to fully vaccinate her children. Finally, they learned how to talk to their friends about their vaccine concerns to spread the good word about protecting children's health. If you were unable to join us for this event, please visit the Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition's website at www.childrensimmunization.org.

April 6, 2010: Child Abuse Prevention

Learn about what we are doing to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome and how you can help!

Child abuse is a leading cause of trauma death for Colorado children under the age of two, and in many cases the infant or young child was shaken. Children's Hospital Colorado, along with Kohl's Department Stores and The Kempe Center, have led a statewide Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention effort aimed at educating parents and caregivers about infant crying and how to cope with it.  Danielle Goldyn from the Children's Health Advocacy Institute and a panel of experts provided an overview of this major advocacy initiative, new components currently in development, and provided information on how to get involved. If you'd like additional information on SBS, please visit www.calmacryingbaby.com.

January 12, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Topic: Special Education - Knowing Your Rights!
Advocates learned about legal rights to advocate for yourself, your patients, your children and your friends. Thom Miller, Director of the Special Education Program at The Legal Center, and Ian Watlington, family advocate with Arc of Denver, provided insight, tools and tips to help parents better understand their children’s rights and responsibilities with regard to special education.

January 5, 2010: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Topic: 2010 Legislative Overview
Children's Hospital Colorado’s lobbyists, Ruth Aponte and Billy Wynne shared their perspectives on the 2010 legislative session, discussed some of the issues Children's Hospital Colorado is currently monitoring, and gave their takes on the state and federal political landscapes. Aponte is a Principal with Aponte & Busam: Public Affairs Consultants and has been lobbying in Colorado for more than a decade.  Wynne is a Senior Vice President at the Health Policy Source.

December 11, 2009: Interested in learning more about the Colorado State Legislature? Join Us at the State Capitol!

A surprisingly well kept secret in downtown Denver is the Capitol’s free guided tour. This 45 minute ramble through history is available year round: Monday through Friday, from 9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. September through May, and 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. June through August. Tours usually include early Colorado history, Capitol construction, information on the lawmaking process, details about the gold dome, several stained glass windows, and a visit outside the Senate and House of Representatives' chambers. On Friday, December 11, we have organized a customized tour of the Capitol for GAN members, Children’s staff and community members so that advocates can better familiarize themselves with the Capitol and learn more about the legislative process!

Getting To Know Your Capitol

What: Customized Capitol Tour: Getting To Know Your Capitol
A behind-the-scenes tour which will include:

• House Committee Meeting Room
• Senate Committee Meeting Room
• Bill Room
• JBC Meeting Room
• Old Supreme Court
• Legislative Services Building
• Legislative Council Library

Where: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax, Denver , CO
When: Friday, December 11
Time: 12pm – 1pm
RSVP:  Limited to 20 people, RSVP required. Click here to reserve your space!
For questions, please contact the Public Affairs Team at Children’s at advocacy@tchden.org.

December 17, 2009: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Autism in Colorado : Recommendations for Moving Colorado Forward

In 2008, Children's Hospital Colorado and our advocates actively supported SB08-163, in which the Colorado General Assembly created the Colorado Autism Commission.  The Commission was developed in order to obtain additional information on people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the State. The group was tasked with identifying existing services and the gaps in these services as experienced by the Autism Spectrum Disorders community and determining appropriate actions to remedy these shortcomings through the preparation of a Ten-Year Strategic Plan for the State of Colorado . Betty Lehman, Chair of the Autism Commission, and several fellow Commission members shared the Commission’s recommendations for moving Colorado forward.

November 18, 2009: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Budget 101: Understanding the State Budget & How it Affects Kids

The downturn in the economy has created extreme pressures on the state budget, including many health care programs funded with state dollars.  Advocates learned more about the state budget and what Coloradans can expect in the coming year. Panelists Rich Jones, Director of Policy and Research at The Bell Policy Center, Lorez Meinhold, Senior Healthcare Policy Analyst for Governor Ritter and Heidi Van Huysen, Director of Public Affairs at Children's Hospital Colorado explained how budget implications affect Colorado 's children and identifed opportunities to address the long-term fiscal needs of the state.

Speak UP for Kids!

The 2009 parenting seminars are one way to share our expertise with community members, parents, employees and patient families.  New this year, this seminar provided parents with information, examples and necessary tools to speak up on behalf of children. Because advocacy is a key part of the mission at Children's Hospital Colorado, we look to parents to partner with us in making a difference on issues that matter. This event, held on October 14th, was very impactful and provided many different parents with resources and tools!

Tours of the Colorado State Capitol

Do you think you’ve seen it all in Denver? Interested in learning more about the Colorado State Legislature? Visit Our State Capitol!

A surprisingly well kept secret in downtown Denver is the Capitol’s free guided tour. This 45 minute ramble through history is available year round: Monday through Friday, from 9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. September through May, and 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. June through August. Tours usually include early Colorado history, Capitol construction, information on the lawmaking process, details about the gold dome, several stained glass windows, and a visit outside the Senate and House of Representatives' chambers. The Capitol Building is located at 200 E. Colfax Ave. Denver , CO   80203 . All Historic Tours are 45 minutes in length and begin at the tour desk located on the east side of the north (Colfax Avenue ) entrance on the first floor. These tours are complimentary and no reservations are necessary. For more information, please click here . If you and your family, friends and/or colleagues are interested in arranging a group tour, please feel free to contact the Public Affairs Team at advocacy@childrenscolorado.org.

May 13, 2009: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Topic: 2009 Legislative Wrap-Up   
On May 13, Children's Hospital Colorado’s lobbyist, Ruth Aponte shared her perspective on the 2009 state legislative session and discussed some of the legislative outcomes that will impact Children's Hospital Colorado and kids throughout Colorado. Aponte is a Principal with Aponte & Busam: Public Affairs Consultants and has been lobbying in Colorado for more than a decade. 

Safe Kids Week!

Representative Su Ryden, members of the Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition and community advocates celebrated the Governor’s Proclamation that the week of April 26^th was Safe Kids Week in Colorado! Support was also generated for Senate Bill 296: Primary Enforcement of Safety Belt Laws, which a key advocacy priority for Safe Kids.

What:   Safe Kids Week Public Awareness Event
When:  11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28
Where: Lincoln Park , across from the Capitol (park is bordered by Lincoln and Broadway – on block between 14^th Ave and Colfax)
Who:    Senator Betty Boyd, Representative Su Ryden, and Safe Kids Denver Metro (SKDM), a coalition comprised of more than 50 organizations committed to promoting childhood safety and led by Children's Hospital Colorado  
Questions? Please contact advocacy@childrenscolorado.org
For more information on Safe Kids, please visit www.safekidsdenvermetro.org

April 13, 2009: Advocacy Lunch & Learn

Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome- what we are doing, and how you can help!

Sadly, child abuse is a leading cause of trauma death for Colorado children, and in many cases the infant or young child was shaken.  For the past three years, Children's Hospital Colorado, along with Kohl’s Department Stores and The Kempe Center, have led a statewide Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention effort aimed at educating parents and caregivers about infant crying and how to cope with it.  Public Affairs/Advocacy staff members Deb Federspiel and Danielle Goldyn provided an overview of this major advocacy initiative, new components currently in development, and how you can get involved.  For more information, please visit calmacryingbaby.org .

March 31, 2009: Advocacy Lunch and Learn

Topic: Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act - what it means for Colorado kids and what it means for you!  

During these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever that we invest in health care for children and families across Colorado. Joan Henneberry, Executive Director of HCPF and Senior Health Policy Advisor for Governor Ritter, and Tom Nash, Vice-President of Financial Policy for the Colorado Hospital Association, discussed the Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act, an innovative legislative effort designed to expand health care coverage to more Coloradans while strengthening the hospital provider network that cares for them.  Additionally, they discussed the implications of the recently passed federal stimulus package on Colorado ’s health care system.

March 18, 2009: Advocacy Training, for People on the Go!

Kids don’t know politics, but every day they are affected by public policies and laws.  It’s up to grown-ups to speak 

up and make sure those policies and laws are good for kids’ health and well-being.  On March 18, Children's Hospital Colorado  offered two seminars for people who want to stand up for kids’ health and well-being through public policy advocacy.  All were welcome to attend these sessions led by famed advocacy leader Nancy Amidei.  Amidei shared tips, resources, and strategies for influencing public policy.   Because we know that people are busy, scheduled two different advocacy sessions in two different locations to reach as many advocates as possible! Interested in learning more about advocacy but unable to make the trainings? Click here for Nancy's tools and tips!

 

Colorado Can Cover All Kids Summit

We were thrilled that one of our valued partners, 2010 All Kids Covered, hosted this dynamic day and all advocates were encouraged to attend! The summit inspired innovation among policy makers, agency staff and health care advocates to make Colorado ’s public health insurance system work better for kids and families.The event  featured a keynote address by Lt. Governor O’Brien, presentations by national and state experts and afternoon workshops. 

Presidential Inauguration Watch Party

Hundreds of advocates watched this historic occasion at Children's Hospital Colorado! On January 20, the oath of office was administered to the President-elect and the Vice President-elect on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.  We were pleased to host a watch party at Children’s where interested individuals stopped by for any or all of the scheduled broadcast.

 

 

Advocacy Lunch & Learn: Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Children's Hospital Colorado’s lobbyist, Ruth Aponte shared her perspective on the 2009 legislative session, discussed some of the issues Children's Hospital Colorado is currently monitoring, and provided her take on the Colorado political landscape after the 2008 elections. Aponte is a Principal with Aponte & Busam and has been lobbying in Colorado for more than a decade.  Due to an overwhelming interest for this event, we reached capacity for this event and had over 100 advocates in attendance! If you were unable to attend the event, but are still interested in learning more about what Aponte discussed, please click here .

 

View Past Advocacy Events