Statement from California Surgeon General Diana Ramos! | | |
In a recent statement, California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos, MD, MPH, MBA, said that too many young people in California are “struggling with mental health concerns and toxic stress caused by ACEs,” but emphasized that “healing is possible.”
The Live Beyond campaign equips providers and families with tools to help youth manage stress and build resilience.
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Diana Ramos, MD, MPH, MBA
California Surgeon General
| | Saving a Life: Youth Suicide Prevention | | |
Pediatricians who attended AAPCA1 Youth Suicide Prevention Virtual Summit on March 29 told us loud and clear. They are concerned about “not knowing the best questions to ask and how to ask them”, not having “enough time and knowledge of resources”, and facing “a complex system of care and referral pathways." Attendees wanted to know “what are the early indicators of suicide risk?” and “what are the local and state resources available”? Suicide prevention is an essential topic for pediatricians, since suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents.
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The Summit was attended by 31 professionals, mostly pediatricians, however, before the Summit, less than 40% were very or extremely familiar with the available mental health resources for youth at risk of suicide. Less than 60% of the pediatricians universally screened for suicide risk, despite the recommendations from the AAP to screen all youth starting at age 12 years.
Summit attendees were presented with a wealth of information about screening options, responding to a positive screen including developing a safety plan, and suicide prevention resources available both to physicians and their patients. A special focus of the Summit was high risk populations, especially LBGTQ youth and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
National data from 2023 shows that 25.9% of transgender students and 25.8% of questioning students in grades 9–12 had a past-year suicide attempt. Recent studies also show an elevated suicide risk for youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum.
What did the attendees think about the Summit?
We asked them to complete a post Summit survey. Fortunately, 100% of the attendees responded that the Summit’s learning objectives were achieved, and 65% were planned to change their suicide screening practices. 80% stated that they were likely to implement the strategies and resources in their practice that were discussed in the Summit. More than 80% felt that participating in the Summit produced a high return on their time and effort in attending.
What if you missed the Summit?
You can watch the recorded video of the Summit on the AAPCA1 website. It is well worth your time, and includes many resources for you to use in your practice.
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Renee Wachtel MD, FAAP
Chair, Committee on Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and School Health Committee, AAPCA1
Area Director, Alameda County, AAPCA1
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Spring 2025 AAP Advocacy Report
This report summarizes the AAP’s recent federal and state activities all in one place. We hope that these reports will be done quarterly.
The report features various AAP Priorities including:
- Medicaid and CHIP Funding
- Immigration
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mental Health
- Vaccines
- and more...
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California Advocacy
AAP-CA (our California AAP District advocacy group) follows California-specific bills of related to child health. 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.
If you are interested in knowing more about certain legislation, reach out to our State Government Affairs Chapter Representative Anna Kaplan, MD, FAAP, and Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP at info@aapca1.org.
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Committee Meeting: Climate Change and Child Health Committee
We would like to invite you to join our next Climate Change and Child Health Committee meeting virtually on Thursday, May 8 from 12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M! Join us virtually as we dive into how climate change continues to impact children’s health. We’ll share updates on our current projects, discuss emerging priorities, and explore meaningful ways for you to get involved in our collective efforts. We look forward to hearing your ideas and working together to drive change!
Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M PDT
Location: via Zoom
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Navigating Compassion & Fatigue in an Uncertain World - Complimentary Dinner & Workshop for Pediatricians!
AAP California Chapter 1 is partnering with CeraVe and La Roche Posay to invite you to a special evening of learning, connection, and restoration. This complimentary dinner event is an opportunity to step away from daily demands, enjoy a night off, and engage in meaningful discussions on how to navigate burnout and compassion fatigue while staying aligned with core values.
Below are some of the available locations you may choose from to register:
Modesto Region - RSVP Here
Location: The Century, 927 10th St, Modesto, CA 95354
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 20 from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
San Jose Region - RSVP Here
Location: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 2762 Augustine Dr Suite 110, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21 from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Palo Alto Region - RSVP Here
Location: Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel, 625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Date & Time: Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
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Nature and Pediatric Mental Health Chapter Chat
In this chapter chat, co-hosted by the Mental Health Committee, pediatricians will learn about mental health resources and strategies for both patients and providers. We’ll discuss ways to better support individuals facing mental health challenges, highlight available community resources, and explore opportunities to strengthen care in your practice. Join us May 21 from 07:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M!
Date: Wednesday, May 21
Time: 07:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. PDT
Location: via Zoom
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EveryoneBelongsHere Series: Talking to Families about Deportation
AAPCA1's Immigrant Child Health Committee is partnering with EveryoneBelongsHere to bring you the "Immigrant Health in the Bay Area Learning Series."
This talk presents how immigration-related fear—especially fear of deportation—impacts the mental health of children ages 6 and up, as well as their families. Grounded in research, lived realities, and trauma-informed practice, it offers concrete tools for caregivers, educators, and healthcare providers to recognize signs of distress, validate emotions, and respond in ways that support healing. With a special focus on the power of trusted adults—including clinicians—this session shares scripts, somatic strategies, and culturally rooted approaches to help families navigate fear with dignity and care. Participants will walk away with practical resources, language for hard conversations, and strategies to center safety, connection, and resilience.
Date: Thursday, May 22
Time: 12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M PDT
Location: via Zoom
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EveryoneBelongsHere Series: Family Preparedness Plans
AAPCA1's Immigrant Child Health Committee is partnering with EveryoneBelongsHere to bring you the "Immigrant Health in the Bay Area Learning Series." This talk focuses on helping families facing immigration-related uncertainty create developmentally appropriate, compassionate preparedness plans. We’ll explore how to talk with children about potential separations, identify trusted adults and safe contacts, and build family-centered rituals that offer security and hope. Designed for healthcare providers, this session includes practical tools and emphasizes dignity, empowerment, and cultural grounding throughout the planning process.
Date: Thursday, May 29
Time: 12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M PDT
Location: via Zoom
| | Chapter Care & Connect Microgrants | | |
Still Accepting Rolling Applications 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!
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Cal-MAP Pediatric Mental Health Bootcamp for Primary Care Providers
Learn the basics of childhood and adolescent mental health—including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism—as well as more advanced topics such as high-risk youth with disruptive behaviors, eating disorders, complex psychiatric co-morbidities, and managing treatment-resistant cases.
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 08:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. PST
Location: Virtual
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ACEs Health Champions Gathering
This presentation explores the legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the United States. It delves into current legislation, challenges in enforcement, and the evolving landscape of digital content regulation, offering insights into how legal systems can adapt to new technological realities while safeguarding children.
Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. PST
Location: Virtual
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AAP-CA2 36th Annual Advances in Pediatric Symposium
Registration for the 36th Annual Advances in Pediatrics Symposium is now open! This year's event, hosted at the Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, is bigger and better than ever! Attendees can expect:
- Lectures with exceptional speakers and panels
- Network with fellow pediatricians
- State of the art conference center/Free Wi-Fi/Great food
- Live recording of the Peds Rap Podcast
- Industry exhibitors and product demonstrations
- In-person event with Zoom option
Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 08:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. PST
Location: Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602
Please note: Early Bird Registration deadline is May 4.
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42nd Annual Conference on Pediatric Infectious Diseases
We are excited to return to Vail, Colorado for the 42nd Annual Conference on Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Vail is a small community nestled in the mountains and a short, beautiful drive from Denver, Colorado.
We will be holding a hybrid conference. You can choose to come in-person (Live Attendance) or to attend virtually (Virtual Attendance). The in-person conference will take place at The Lodge at Vail located in the heart of Vail Village.
Date: July 27 - August 1
Time: 07:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. PST
Location: 174 E. Gore Greek Dr. Vail, CO 81657 (virtual and in-person)
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AAP-CA's 46th Annual Las Vegas Seminars
We personally invite you to attend this year’s Annual Las Vegas Seminars at the beautiful Caesars Palace Las Vegas! This meeting is the largest regional Pediatric Conference in the country, thanks to the continued support and participation of individuals like you.
Date: November 14-16
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Chapter Members receive a discount!
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Pediatric Careers in California!
Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.
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Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
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Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.
Take the next step in your pediatric career today!
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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.
Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org
Contact Us:
Phone:
800-253-2103
Email: info@cal-map.org
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Pediatrics on Call: A Podcast on Children's Health from the AAP
4/22 - Disclosure of Adverse Events, Trends in Adolescent Risky Behavior
| California Pediatrics Podcast | | |
Resources to Help Youth Heal from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
Looking for ways to better support young patients facing trauma or toxic stress?
The Live Beyond campaign offers tools to help youth and families understand Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), build resilience, and begin healing.
Recommended by Live Beyond
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Rural Youth Mental Health ECHO
This ECHO aims to support primary care providers and other health professionals in rural and underserved areas with identifying and treating mental health concerns among children and adolescents.
Recommended by AAP
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New Syphilis Screening Recommendations
According to the new ACOG Practice Advisory, obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals should screen all pregnant individuals serologically for syphilis at the first prenatal care visit, followed by universal rescreening during the third trimester and again at birth.
Recommended by ACOG
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Everyone BelongsHere: Resources for Providers
Everyone—regardless of immigration status—has the right to health care in the U.S. Find resources to help you make your health care setting more welcoming, inclusive, and safe for immigrants and refugees.
Resources:
Inclusive communications
Provider Resources
Rapid Response & Warrants
Resources for the Comunity
Advocacy
Recommended by AAPCA1 Immigrant Child Health Committee
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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.
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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.
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Executive Committee:
President: Nicole Webb • Vice President: Neel Patel
• Secretary: Resham Kaur • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nelson Branco
Area Directors:
North Valley: Aishwarya Taneja • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley: Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: Ryan Alanzalon • Santa Clara: Bindya Singh • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: VACANT • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Anne Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
Christy Capestany • Nicole Anderson
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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