POLICY ADVOCACY
Across the six identified priority areas , CHCO will continuously work to support local , state , and federal policy advocacy efforts aimed at improving child health . As policy opportunities arise , CHCO may also launch or lead new policy efforts within one or more of the priority areas .
This policy advocacy work will integrate the following component parts :
Direct advocacy with policymakers : CHCO will continue to meet with a wide variety of policymakers — state and federal lawmakers , local government officials , and regulatory staff — to directly support ( or oppose ) proposed public policies that will positively ( or negatively ) impact child health .
Grassroots capacity-building and coalition work : CHCO will continue to cultivate a statewide network of advocates , the Child Health Champions , to support and encourage Coloradans to raise their voice with their elected officials about the importance of child health in public policy . CHCO will also actively work to train and mobilize youth , healthcare providers , and parents to engage in policy advocacy , through programs like Advocacy Boot Camp , and Speak Up For Kids day at the Capitol . In addition , CHCO will join with a rich array of allied advocacy organizations , non-profit groups , and the business sector to support shared kids ’ health priorities .
Public will-building : CHCO will utilize traditional media outlets and leverage social media to educate members of the community , inform opinion leaders throughout Colorado , and ultimately build public support for key child health policies and initiatives .
SCOPE
The work to address each of the health priority areas will take place in targeted communities identified by the Child Health Severity Index and corresponding community capacity assessments still under development .
EVALUATION MEASURES
Metrics used to evaluate whether programs are successful in achieving the desired impacts will be developed based on individual community needs .
Further , tactics and external partners will be even further developed to reflect the targeted community needs and dynamics .
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