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An Amazing Day Advocating for Children Together (ACT) 2026
Please allow me to recap a magical day.
The Advocating for Children Together (ACT) Conference brought together pediatric professionals from across our state for a full day of learning and connection at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Oakland. We are deeply grateful to the Advocacy Committee Co-chairs, Planning Committee, and Chapter 1 Staff, who meticulously planned out the day.
The day opened with powerful keynote remarks from Mark del Monte, CEO of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Attendees then had the opportunity to hear from a lineup of expert advocacy speakers, including Eli Cahan on storytelling, Grace Lee on immunization advocacy, Zea Malawa on racial justice in health care, Tristan Nichols on AI equity, and Brady Seals on the intersection of climate change and health. The morning concluded with a fireside chat with Dr. René Bravo, President of the California Medical Association; and Colleen Kraft, 2018 Past President of the AAP, whose experiences advocating on the national stage set an inspiring tone for the day.
The afternoon shifted into hands-on skill-building, with workshops led by Nina Agrawal on CATCH grant writing, Lauren Gray on media training, Robyn Huey on turning an idea into a bill, Morissa Ladinsky on combating political interference, Morgan Leighton on building a community advocacy roadmap, Lena van der List on op-ed writing, and Nikki Webb on AAP resolution writing.
The ACT Conference is a shining example of what we can do together to fill our cups and continue the fight for child health.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Please join us at our next chapter wide event, our 11th Annual Pediatric Puzzles Conference on February 27, 2027 at the San Francisco Zoo. Register here.
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Neel Patel, MD, FAAP
President, AAP-CA1
| A Strong Start to Respiratory Virus Season: RSV and Influenza Prevention for Children | |
As we enter the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season, influenza and RSV remain two of the most important causes of respiratory illness in children. The burden is substantial: during the 2025-2026 influenza season, the AAP reported that pediatric influenza activity reached peak severity, with 90 pediatric influenza deaths reported by early March 2026. CDC surveillance also continues to show that RSV disproportionately affects young children; during the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, RSV-associated hospitalization rates were highest among infants younger than 12 months, at approximately 1,117 hospitalizations per 100,000 infants. These data reinforce why prevention needs to begin before peak respiratory virus activity, rather than waiting until children are already sick.
Influenza vaccination remains one of our most effective tools for preventing serious disease. The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination for all children 6 months and older without contraindications, and the 2026 AAP recommendations continue to emphasize making vaccination readily available and convenient for families.
RSV prevention has also changed the landscape of infant respiratory disease. AAP and CDC recommend protecting infants entering their first RSV season through either maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy or a long-acting infant monoclonal antibody - nirsevimab or clesrovimab - when indicated. CDC reports that early data show nirsevimab was at least 70% effective against RSV hospitalization in infants. In addition, emerging real-world evidence has demonstrated substantial reductions in RSV-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations following infant nirsevimab programs..continue reading
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Vaishali Benaka Hebbar, MD, FAAP, CLC
Vice Chair, Obesity Prevention Committee, AAPCA1
| | Rebuilding the Village: Reflections of an Immigrant Pediatrician | |
There is an unspoken connection I sometimes feel with immigrant families in my pediatric practice. We may come from different countries and speak different languages, yet there is a shared vulnerability in building a life far from the people who once formed our village.
Recently, that feeling became deeply personal.
My younger sister in India was having her first baby. I had always imagined I would be there—not primarily as a pediatrician, but as her older sister. I wanted to hold my niece while she slept, make sure my sister ate, answer her newborn questions, and simply help her through those exhausting first weeks.
But for many immigrants working in the United States, leaving the country is not simple. Green-card backlogs and uncertainty surrounding visa stamping can make international travel difficult. Despite desperately wanting to go, I stayed...continue reading
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Sireesha Palkamsetti, MD, FAAP
South Valley Area Director, AAP-CA1
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Developing Concerns: Advocacy Needed
Help Foster Kids Get Early Intervention Services
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As pediatricians, we have seen the beneficial effects of early intervention services (EIS) upon the developmental trajectory of our patients with developmental delays or risk factors for delay. California’s Early Start Program, as administered by the Regional Centers, provides a wide array of EIS for children birth to 3 years who are eligible, based upon an assessment of developmental skills, the presence of medical conditions with a high probability of delay and the presence of risk factors for developmental delay. However, foster care is not an eligible condition for EIS in CA.
A new policy statement by the AAP (July 2026) urges states to include foster care as an eligible condition for EIS for children under 3 years of age...continue reading
Read a Parents Companion: Exploring Childhood with a Pediatrician book here.
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Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committees, AAPCA1
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Scaling Dyadic Care Grant Office Hours
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 12:30 p.m - 1:30 p.m | Virtual
The California Department of Health Care Services has recently released a new grant opportunity offering funding and technical assistance to primary care providers interested in implementing Dyadic care for families and children 0-5 years of age. Medi-Cal health care systems receiving this grant would be given up to $700,000 over two years and receive technical assistance and training to offer parents/caregivers enriched preventive care and support for children and caregivers during well child visits. The deadline for application to the program is October 26, 2026.
AAP California Chapter 1 is hosting Office Hours on Thursday, October 8 from 12:30–1:30 p.m to support pediatric providers with pursuing this grant. RSVP here.
For further information, consider:
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Chapter Chat the Mystique of the Frenulum: Cutting through the Confusion
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Starts at 5:30pm | Virtual
Join us on a Chapter Chat discussion on Tuesday, October 20 @5:30PM with David L. Rothman, DDS and the AAP-CA1! Airways and infant feeding difficulties have taken center stage in the dental network. This course looks at the current controversy about the effects of a tethered tongue in the newborn and discusses the evidence based literature for the pros and cons. We will look at the grading systems, the function of the tongue and the frenulum and alternative therapies to surgical release.
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Chapter Chat Fluoride Facts and Fallacies: What You Need to Know to Talk with Families
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 6 p.m - 7:30 p.m | Virtual
Co-hosted by San Mateo County OralHealth Coalition & First 5 SMC
This chapter chat co-sponsors is the San Mateo County Oral Health Coalition, funded by their County’s Measure K, a half-cent countywide sales tax approved by local voters to support essential County services, such as and including access to health information about evidence-based public health interventions, including fluoride. Join AAP California Chapter 1, the San Mateo County Oral Health Coalition, and First 5 San Mateo County for a free webinar, “Chapter Chat: Fluoride Facts and Fallacies: What You Need to Know to Talk with Families.” Featuring Dr. Susan Fisher-Owens, host Dr. Neel Patel, and moderator Dr. Jonathon Lee on Wednesday, October 21, from 6–7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and School Health Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7 p.m - 8 p.m | Virtual | RSVP Here
Pediatric Practice Support Office Hours
Tuesday, Nov. 3 |6 p.m - 7 p.m | Virtual | Register Here
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Apply for the Care & Connect Microgrants 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. We encourage all members to take advantage of this member benefit!
Applications will continue to be received and reviewed until funds are allocated.
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ACEs Health Champions Gathering
Friday, Oct. 23 | 12:00 p.m - 1 p.m | Virtual
Join the ACEs Health Champions Gathering on Friday, October 23, from 12–1 p.m. PT via Zoom for a free virtual workshop, “Is Sharenting an Emerging Form of Psychological Maltreatment?” Explore the potential harms of sharing children’s images and information online and learn how professionals can support families in protecting children’s privacy and well-being.
FREE registration - Up to 3 CME credits!
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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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Pediatric Jobs Available!
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Advocate for Vaccines and Make a Difference
In this climate of growing misinformation, it is more important than ever for pediatricians to advocate for vaccines both inside and outside of the clinic. Learn more about vaccines and how to protect your children from measles outbreaks!
Recommended by AAP News
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Measles Outbreaks: Common Questions & How to Protect Your Child
Ongoing measles outbreaks have many families concerned. Most people who have gotten sick were not vaccinated against measles.
Recommended by
Healthy Children
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Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources
Cal-MAP helps primary care providers support youth with mental health needs. Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here.
Recommended by AAP-CA1, Mental Health Committee
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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: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez
• Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb
Area Directors:
North Valley: VACANT • Sacramento Valley: Jihey Yuk • Central Valley: VACANT • South Valley: Nadeem Mousa • San Francisco: Aishwarya Taneja • Santa Clara: Swetang Shah • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett Lee • North Coastal: Ozlem Equils • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Nicole Anderson • Dipti Kamath
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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