2019 POLICY AND ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO
Grow the Ranks of Advocates
Who Speak Up for Child Health
Influencing public policy takes the diverse efforts of dedicated,
passionate individuals and organizations coming together to
make a difference.
As Colorado’s new governor and legislature begin work, and as federal changes continue to
develop, 2019 will require an expanded advocacy effort to successfully craft the policies we’ve
outlined above. When we all come together to send emails, make phone calls, write postcards,
tweet at legislators and show up at the State Capitol to tell our stories of how real kids in
our community experience these issues, we will witness our power to shape the future for
Colorado’s youth.
In the year ahead, our advocacy priorities will include:
• Strengthen and grow the Child Health Champions network: Our grassroots advocacy
network, Child Health Champions, harnesses the power of over 8,000 members across
Colorado and Wyoming. In 2019, we will recruit new advocates to join the network, keep
members engaged on key policy priorities and provide opportunities to be a champ for kids
by influencing elected officials at key points in the policymaking process.
• Train new advocates: We will host the eighth annual Speak Up for Kids Day at the Capitol,
in partnership with the Colorado Children’s Campaign and Clayton Early Learning Center.
Over the course of the day, Speak Up For Kids gives child health advocates an intensive,
inspiring and hands-on training that connects them with their local legislators for
conversations about pending kids’ health legislation.
• Build capacity and awareness through advocacy opportunities: We will engage
healthcare providers, pediatric residents, pediatricians across the state and Children’s
Colorado team members by offering advocacy opportunities on the Anschutz Medical
Campus and at the State Capitol. Sessions include education about kids’ health policy
and advocacy, trainings on how to testify before the legislature and options for getting
involved to influence child health policy.
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