KAAP Statement to Kansas School Districts Regarding Safe Return to School

The Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (KAAP) urges all school districts in Kansas to implement a universal mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors before the 2021-2022 school year begins.  It is critical to use science and data to guide decisions about safely returning children to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that if we follow good public health precautions there is very low spread of COVID-19 in schools. The CDC, AAP, and the Kansas COVID Workgroup for Kids agree on the following ways to safely keep children in school:  Vaccinations – students and staff should be strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccination when it is available to them. COVID-19 vaccinations have been shown to...

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UPDATE: PIP Fall 2021 will be online

Fall 2021 Progress in Pediatrics will be held online on Friday, September 24. We are disappointed that we cannot see you in person but due to the recent surge in COVID-19 infections in Kansas from the delta variant, KAAP leadership determined that this was the best way to protect the health of children and the pediatric community who cares for them. The date is the same and will still include hot topics such as trauma-informed care, medication management/ exercise therapy, asthma and allergy guidelines, gynecology/contraception, and more. Click here for more information and to register now!

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KAAP applauds Governor Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 55

The Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (KAAP) applauds Governor Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 55 that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports according to their gender identity.  The pandemic has led to a staggering rise in mental health concerns, suicidality, and untimely death among children and teens. Transgender children had statistically higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation before the pandemic: around half of transgender youth consider suicide, and a third attempt it.  School environments play a significant role in the social and emotional development of children. Every child has a right to feel safe and respected at school, but for youth who identify as transgender, this can be challenging. Nearly every aspect of school life may...

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Earn MOC Part 2, 4, and PI CME While Increasing Adolescent Immunization Rates

The Kansas and Missouri Chapters are teaming up on a national quality improvement (QI) project aimed to increase adolescent immunization rates from June 2021 – June 2022.  Practices will have access to subject matter experts, QI coaching, monthly data reports, data collection tool, and resources. Project incentives will include a practice stipend, MOC Part 2 and 4,and PI CME. Enrollment Survey

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Progress in Pediatrics Spring 2021

Register now for our virtual CME meeting! Join us online for seven presentations on Friday, May 7, 2021. The wide range of topics includes pediatric mental health during COVID-19 and assisting adolescent e-cigarette users. CME for these webinars will only available to live attendees. Click here for details and registration!

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Participate in Telehealth ECHO and Earn Free CMEs!

Due to the increased numbers in telemedicine throughout the state, KAAP is developing a Telehealth ECHO project to assist members. The trainings will be offered twice a month from February through April on Tuesdays (12 to 1 p.m. CT). These six trainings will offer free CME hours. Participating in this new ECHO project is a great opportunity to improve the utilization of telehealth in your practice. Feb. 16 - Workflow Best Practices/IntegrationFeb. 23 - Quality CareMarch 23 - Platforms for Telemedicine (and Technical Issues)March 30 - Billing, Coding, Reimbursement & DocumentationApril 6 - Confidentiality, Privacy & EtiquetteApril 20 - Practice Management Side (Forms) Register Here This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Kansas Medical Society. Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics is...

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Does Your T-Shirt Promote Hand-washing?

Promote reading or hand-washing or both with these exclusive, high-quality, Bella-Canvas shirts. They are $25 each (includes tax and shipping) with all proceeds benefiting the Kansas Pediatric Foundation.  If ordering more than one, enjoy quantity discounts! 2 shirts = $20 ea3 shirts =$19 ea4 shirts = $18 ea5-10 shirts = $17 ea Click here to order

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AdventHealth Ottawa Pediatrics Earns Breastfeeding Designation

Congratulations to AdventHealth Ottawa Pediatrics for earning a 5 Star Kansas Breastfeeding Friendly Practice Designation!  While earning the designation the clinic worked to make policies and environmental changes supportive of breastfeeding. Staff was educated on how to best encourage mothers to reach their breastfeeding goals, and what kind of community support is available when experts are needed. Congratulation also to Kaleigh Hobbs, RN, for earning the IBCLC!

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KAAP Statement in Support of Teachers and Schools

The Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (KAAP), represents more than 425 pediatric health care providers. With support from the state’s largest professional association of educators, Kansas NEA, we urge state officials in Kansas to prioritize children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we recommend providing access to the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations to teachers and support professionals who work most closely with students. Further, as we wait for a vaccine and to support a safe return to in-person learning, teachers and staff should have access to state-provided personal protective equipment that is medical-grade. Like healthcare workers and first-responders, dedicated education professionals are working on the frontlines of our collective battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping our education institutions safe...

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