The NJAAP relies on donor support, above and beyond membership, to fund its mission. Your support is more critical now than ever because of the very real challenges that are facing New Jersey’s youth and teens, and the resources needed that support our pediatricians caring for our state’s children. We must continue our life-changing and life-saving work.
As a member of the NJ Chapter of American Association of Pediatrics (NJAAP), you understand how important our education, programmatic and advocacy efforts are to the children in our state. In a time when more than two-thirds of New Jersey’s children are living in low-income families, with rates of suicide, bullying, and food insecurity on the rise, and NJ’s immunization rates below the level where they need to be to assure herd immunity, our children are facing incredible significant physical and mental health challenges.
Because of you and your support, the NJAAP is in a position to provide support assistance to the pediatricians that care for our state’s children. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in children and youth ages 10 – 24 nationwide. In New Jersey, the rates of suicide among our youth and teens is also on the rise, having increased by over 19% in . In the last two decades, we have seen rates rise nearly 64%; but because of you, we have the power to change that trend.
Because of you, we are growing our mental health work by training and supporting to help pediatricians in identifying and treating common behavioral health issues, and making sure they have the resources needed to make timely, effective, and quality referrals for youth and teens who are at risk.
Because of you, we are able to advocate. We are influencing leaders in the legislative and executive branches, informing the debate on policies that makes sense for kids – and the doctors who provide their care. From school start times that are aligned with adolescents’ sleep cycles and mental health concerns, to the feasibility of mental health screening in schools, we are at the table with state leaders, ensuring the voices of children and pediatricians are represented.