Felicia K. Taylor, MBA, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
After over a year of navigating the pandemic, pediatricians now have direction about how to secure COVID-19 vaccines for their offices and guidance for administering it to children ages 12 and above. NJAAP is partnering with the Department of Health to bring you resources and guidance as more children are authorized to be vaccinated for COVID-19. For those of you who are considering administering the vaccine in your office, please email COVID19.Provider@doh.nj.gov.
If you plan to administer the COVID vaccine in your practice, please tell us how the process is working.We would like to know of any challenges at covid@njaap.org as you roll out the COVID vaccine to your patients and families.
New Website Unveiled
NJAAP recently launched its new website with a new look and feel.The new site provides improved navigation to allow for easy access to information such as upcoming educational events, resources for clinicians, families and more. Please take a few moments to visit the new site, sign up for a committee or register for an upcoming event.The new site will allow you to easily find information with a new and improved search feature, resources on child health related topics and supporting program information. Visit www.njaap.org.
Clinicians for Climate Action New Jersey
On April 8, 2021 NJAAP announced the formation of a new group, Clinicians for Climate Action New Jersey, to address climate health in New Jersey. Its founding members are the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, New Jersey Public Health Association, New Jersey State Nurses Association, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium and Health Care Without Harm.This inter-disciplinary group of health care professionals will serve as a channel for advocacy, education, collaborative learning, and information for anyone interested in changing the narrative on climate change and carbon pollution in New Jersey.To join us sign up at https://states.ms2ch.org/nj/ nj-join-us/.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update
Thank you to everyone who voted to approve the recent bylaw revisions to include a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer on the Executive Council. This position will
ensure the chapter takes an inclusive approach to developing NJAAP policies, programs and activities as we plan our work and implement our programs and initiatives.The DEI Committee along with the DEI Officer will ensure our work reflects the true principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.The Pediatric Council on Research and Education (PCORE) is also reviewing ways to expand its membership to be more inclusive of subspecialty groups, educators, the community and other related disciplines with an interest in child health. NJAAP’s hiring policies are in the process of being updated in response to the chapter wide effort to broaden the pool of candidates seeking employment in the non- profit sector. Stay tuned for additional updates as we continue on the journey of creating a culture shift at NJAAP.