Suicide Prevention - Saving Lives

As pediatricians are well aware, many teens present with physical manifestations of emotional distress, such as headaches, chest pain and abdominal pain. Yet many pediatricians do not know how to initiate the process of uncovering the underlying mental health issues that precipitate the physical symptoms. For this reason, the AAP recommends using validated screening tools which allow the teen to disclose their concerns more easily, and serve as a way of starting the conversation. This is especially important since suicidal ideation is increasingly more common among teens, and death by suicide is the second leading cause of mortality among youth ages 10-19.

One place where suicide screening is especially beneficial is the Pediatric Emergency Room (ER), and not only when the presenting issues are behavioral and psychiatric problems. In a New York City Pediatric ER (DeVylder et al. JAMA Open 2019) study of 15,003 youths, they compared selectively screening for suicidal risk only in teens with behavioral and psychiatric problems to universal screening of all teens attending the ER. They found that positive results in both selective and universal screening for suicide risk were associated with subsequent suicidal behavior, and that universal screening uncovered more teens with high risk scores. They used the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool, which nurses administered and took only 2 minutes to administer.

Pediatricians who work in ERs especially, and all pediatricians when seeing teens, should consider using this free screening tool available.

JOIN US!!

If you are interested in suicide prevention, please join our team. We are planning a Suicide Prevention Summit in March 2025, and would welcome your participation. Contact Dr. Renee Wachtel at info@aapca1.org.

Renee Wachtel MD, FAAP

Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committee, AAPCA1

Join The California Water Safety Coalition!

The California Water Safety Coalition (CWSC) is seeking a passionate Northern California pediatrician to join its board and champion drowning prevention. As the backbone organization for water safety across the state, CWSC aims to reduce the burden of drowning through collaboration and action. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of creating "A California where everyone is safe in and around the water." If you’re committed to making a meaningful impact in your community and beyond, we’d love to hear from you. Interested candidates can reach out to Mark Simonian, MD, at info@aapca1.org for more information.

Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Member of COVIPP; Member of the Google developer community; Chair of the Water Safety Council of Fresno County; Member of the Board of the California Water Safety Coalition, AAPCA1

Join the Steering Committee and Help Lead the Path to Clean Air!

The Path to Clean Air Community Plan focuses on creating a just transition framework for the local economy, addressing fuel refinery issues, and ensuring community-led decisions on how penalties and fines benefit residents.

The Steering Committee is actively recruiting new members, including health professionals, who live or work in Richmond, San Pablo, or unincorporated areas of West Contra Costa County.

The application period will remain open from Jan. 6, 2025 and close on Jan. 27, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to join our community and engage with a network of like-minded members committed to making a difference.

Ready to get involved? Contact us for more details: info@aapca1.org

Access the Recruitment Flyer Here

Niyi Omotoso, MD, FAAP, MPH

Co-lead AB617 Richmond-San Pablo-North Richmond Community Steering Committee, AAPCA1

Application

President's Column

Happy New Year, AAPCA1! I know this is a very busy time of year and I hope you’ve had some time to pause, reflect, reconnect with loved ones, and breathe during this season. I know I find that challenging, and as I write this I’m looking forward to some time with my kids, in our PJs, drinking cocoa, building Legos and playing games.

December is also a busy time for our chapter, and we closed out 2024 with 2 wonderful events: our 9th Annual Puzzles CME Conference, and our annual AAPCA1 Chapter Leadership Retreat. Each year our wonderful AAPCA1 CME Committee puts together an amazing conference for our membership, and this year was no exception. The theme was “Breath, Borders and Belonging” and we came together to learn about everything from current best practices in asthma and allergy management to reflecting on the experiences, challenges and strengths of our large immigrant and refugee community both within our chapter’s region and nationally. It was a wonderful day of learning, focused on health equity through both a clinical and an advocacy lens. For more information about the topics and our amazing speakers, all of whom we highly recommend, check out the website here. In addition to many of our seasoned chapter member pediatricians, we were delighted to see several pediatric residents in attendance.

The following day, we gathered as a chapter leadership for our annual retreat, to continue our strategic plan and ensure we are prepared to meet your needs in the coming years. It was a productive and fulfilling time of connection and shared purpose. We continue to focus on ways to enhance the work of our chapter through a 3-pronged lens: child health, member health, and chapter health. We will share more in the coming months and, as always, we welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas as we all work together to serve you, our patients, and our communities.

On that note, I want to acknowledge that many of you are likely exhausted, overextended, and overwhelmed. For a lot of us, contemplation of this new year brings trepidation as we consider the magnitude of the challenges facing kids and those who care for them. Indeed, 2025 will almost certainly bring many challenges, as policymakers continue to make decisions with very serious impacts to child health. That is why it is critical that we all continue to do what we do best, which is showing up for kids in all the ways—from exam rooms to legislative chambers and everywhere in between.

Advocacy is a marathon, and just as we should celebrate all the successes, we also need to take breaks to recharge our batteries and fill our cups. I hope you’re all able to do that. Whenever I become discouraged by the magnitude of the disparities in child health, equity, and justice in our country and our state, I think of all of you and feel renewed. Even in darkness there is always light, and for me you—and the AAP—are that.

I look forward to continuing to work with all of you toward a more just and equitable reality for kids in 2025. They’re counting on us, and I know we won’t let them down.

With deep gratitude and respect,

Nikki

Nikki Webb, MD, FAAP

President, AAPCA1

AAPCA1 President Dr. Nikki Webb attended the 9th Annual Pediatric Puzzles CME Conference in December 2024 at the Oakland Museum of California. The event featured expert discussions on Pulmonology, Allergy, Refugee Experience, Immigrant Health, and Ableism, offering attendees valuable insights through lectures, Q&As, and a networking lunch.

Readers Tip!

Save the Date for the upcoming Chapter Chat on Feb. 18: The Current Landscape for Children's Health @7:00-8:00pm!

Save the Date for the upcoming Climate Change and Child Health Committee Meeting on Feb. 6 @12:00-1:00pm!

The following are just a few of the key bills of interest to AAP-CA (our California AAP District advocacy group). Visit the AAP-CA website’s Advocacy page at https://aap-ca.org/legislative-bills/ to see the entire list of AAP-CA tracked bills that made it to the Governor’s desk where you can read the outcome of each bill and an in-depth analysis. AAPCA1 has recently supported several significant advocacy efforts. Here’s what we signed on to:

Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act,This bill would expand by $10 million annually the Court Improvement Program, which is the only direct child welfare-related federal funding that state and tribal courts receive to manage nearly 600,000 children’s cases in court each year. The bill would also expand by $10 million annually the Regional Partnership Grants, which address the intersection of parental substance use and child welfare involvement. The bill also allocates more IV-B funding for tribes, reduces barriers to tribal participation in IV-B, and supports oversight of implementation of the Indian

Child Welfare Act.

If you are interested in knowing more about certain legislation, reach out to our State Government Affairs Chapter Representative Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP and Anna Kaplan, MD, FAAP, at info@aapca1.org.

AAP-CA Bill Tracker

Chapter Events

Committee Meeting: Climate Change and Child Health Committee Meeting

We would like to invite you to join our next (virtual) Climate Change and Child Health Committee meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6. from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

In this meeting, in which we will gather as a larger committee, we will outline our goals for 2025, review the projects we have underway, and share opportunities for you -- our committee members -- to get involved. We'd love to hear your feedback and ideas, and we hope you'll join us!

Date: Thursday, Feb. 6

Time: 12:00-1:00pm PDT

Location: via Zoom

Event Page

Chapter Chat: The Current Landscape for Children's Health in 2025

AAPCA1's Advocacy Committee would like to invite you to join our next (virtual) Chapter Chat on the Current Landscape for Children's Health on Tuesday, Feb. 18. from 7:00-8:00pm.

Join us for an insightful presentation on the evolving landscape of children's health in 2025. Mike Odeh, Senior Director of Health at Children Now, will share expert perspectives on emerging challenges, and opportunities that will shape children's health policy and outcomes in the coming years.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 18

Time: 7:00-8:00pm PDT

Location: via Zoom

Event Page

CPTI Awardees!

Congratulations to Hailey Nelson and Enjuli Chhaniara!

Dr. Hailey Nelson and Dr. Enjuli Chhaniara have been named awardees of the CPTI Advocacy Grant! Their project, in partnership with Safe Kids Central California, focuses on injury prevention and equips residents with vital communication skills for clinics, community engagement, and legislative advocacy.

Chapter Leadership Positions

Seeking Volunteer Monterey Bay Area Director Applications!

As an Area Director, you'll be part of a dynamic team representing one of our 11 diverse geographic areas. You'll become a voting member of our chapter board and engage with local pediatric providers to advocate for children's health through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Volunteer alongside a supportive leadership team dedicated to shaping the future of pediatric care.

Apply Here

Role Description

Seeking Volunteer CATCH Facilitator Applications!

The AAP Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program is seeking applicants for the volunteer position of Chapter CATCH Facilitator (CCF). CCFs are appointed by their state Chapter to serve a renewable three-year term. CATCH’s mission is to support pediatricians to collaborate within their communities to advance the health of all children. Our vision is that every child in every community reach optimal health and well-being.

To apply send CV to info@aapca1.org.

Role Description

Chapter Care & Connect Microgrants

Apply for the Care & Connect Microgrant for Up to $2,000!

AAPCA1 is excited to offer its members the opportunity to apply for a chapter microgrant. The Care & Connect Microgrant Project, offers microgrants valued at up to $2,000 (no amount is too small) which can be utilized in one of two impactful ways. The first option supports innovative community-based child health initiatives. The second option is to host member gatherings and meetings within your local area.

Along with the grant, you will have the full support of our AAPCA1 staff to carry out your grant goals. We encourage all members to take advantage of this chance to either drive community health improvements or enhance pediatric connections!

Complete Survey Form

Becoming a Credible Messenger for Firearm Safety!

A growing sense of potential value in firearms safety messaging by health professionals does not immediately translate into patient acceptance. Many firearms owners remain skeptical about health practitioners as trustworthy sources of gun knowledge. A primary source of gun education in the U.S. is entertainment media, which contains a lot of misinformation.

Michael Victoroff, MD, a family medicine doctor with 20 years of experience, a Clinical Professor at the CU School of Medicine, and a certified firearms instructor, will provide the facts on firearms design, function, handling, and ballistics. He will address technical and strategic counseling questions while clarifying common misconceptions about firearms.

CME Credit is available. This webinar will be recorded. CME credit will only be provided to individuals who attend the live webinar event.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 16

Time: 12:00-1:00pm PST

Location: via Zoom

Empowering Tomorrow: Transforming Pediatric Care for Equitable Futures

Join this half-day virtual symposium to learn tools and strategies for clinical practice to improve healthcare disparities. Hear from practicing clinicians in busy pediatric clinics with diverse patients sharing best practices and recommendations for addressing health inequities. Attendees may receive 3.5 hours of CME.

REGISTRATION: Register by email to HHS-LEADERSHIPPOWER@hhs.sccgov.org.

Please include your name, degree, position/institutional affiliation and contact information. Registration confirmation will include log in information to attend the conference.

Cost: Free!

Location: Virtual

Date: Friday, Mar. 21

Time: 8:30 - 12:30pm PST

If you would like to support Pedi POWER (Pediatricians Organizing and Working to End Racism) and its efforts to promote equity, please consider making a voluntary contribution through the Valley Health Foundation.

Our EDI champion Dr. Amna Khan is leading one of the lectures and co-leads this health equity working group, Pedi POWER!

Learn More

ACES Health Champions Gathering Webinar!

This gathering will focus on highly relevant issues in the context of the ongoing children’s mental health crisis that is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the legacy of persistent structural and systemic racism. Join the free virtual webinar!

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 15

Time: 12:00-1:00pm PST

Location: via Zoom

Pediatric Careers in California!

Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.

Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.

Take the next step in your pediatric career today!

Job Board

Resources

Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources

Cal-MAP’s team of mental health specialists supports primary care providers (PCPs) treating youth with mental health needs through education, consultation, and resource navigation.

Phone:

800-253-2103

Email: info@cal-map.org

Request a Consultation

Books and Podcasts Recommendations

Best Winner Books for children:

Bright Baby Touch and Feel Winter

Planting a Rainbow

Who Likes Rain?

Suicide Prevention Resources

This guide provides practical strategies for healthcare providers to help people understand when to

use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for behavioral health support and 911 for physical emergencies.

Recommended by Dr. Renee Wachtel Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committee

Learn More

Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and causes the highest number of deaths in infants younger than 1 year due to congenital malformations...

Learn More

Common Cold

A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (also called an upper respiratory infection or URI). Colds usually last less than a week and are caused by different respiratory viruses..

Continue reading...

Learn More

ADHD: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians

These tools help you prepare for that encounter and beyond: readying your staff, screening, diagnosis, treatment, ongoing follow-up, and negotiating insurance payments for every step your patients need...

Learn More

Add our social media accounts to get the latest chapter updates!

Twitter: @AAPCA1

Instagram: @AAPCA1

Facebook: California Chapter 1, American Academy of Pediatrics

Linkedin: American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 1

Website: https://aapca1.org/

Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!

The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.

Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and

adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.

Executive Committee:

President: Nicole Webb • Vice President: Neel Patel

• Secretary: Resham Kaur • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nelson Branco

Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz

Area Directors:

North Valley : Aishwarya Taneja • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley : Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: VACANT • Santa Clara: Bindya Singh • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: Jeffrey Ribordy • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano : Jennifer Anne Miller

Pediatric Insider News Editors:

Christy Capestany • Deborah Shassetz • Nicole Anderson

Staff:

Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •

Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo