February 27, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, I issued a media statement that I hoped I would never have to make as AAP president: decrying the death of a child from measles. As I told reporters, “one death from a preventable disease is one too many.” Our hearts go out to the families who are sick and suffering, and to our colleagues in states dealing with these outbreaks.

The current measles outbreak, coupled with recent cancellations of federal meetings at the CDC and FDA to plan for next year's influenza season and other critical immunization matters, increases our alarm and resolve.

We know that vaccines are an American success story. As pediatricians, we have an obligation to stand up for this public health intervention with all decision-makers at every level. And every day, we talk with families to dispel misinformation and reinforce the role vaccines play in helping children stay healthy and thrive. We know that the best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine, and we will be sharing that message far and wide.

Also, this week, we saw Congress take a first step towards cuts in the Medicaid program. I spoke out swiftly and strongly in opposition. We will fight to protect Medicaid. While our DC staff have been meeting with key Congressional offices and coordinating with other partners, we are also speaking out publicly and urging Congress to reject Medicaid cuts. Last week, our state chapters began coordinated outreach to their governors expressing the importance of Medicaid in their states and urging governors to oppose cuts to Medicaid. We are advocating at every level.

This weekend, nearly 400 pediatricians from 43 states, DC and Puerto Rico will head to Washington, DC for the 2025 Advocacy Conference. This conference marks the launch of our campaign to protect Medicaid for children. While conference attendees will be visiting their legislators in person, I ask each of you to contact your senators and representatives to express the vital importance of the Medicaid program for children. Be watching for an email with contact information early next week.

This is only the first step. There will be much more for our chapters and each of us to do to protect this critical program for children. We will need every pediatrician, pediatric medical subspecialist and pediatric surgical specialist in every community to join our efforts! My challenge to each of you is to bring three colleagues along as well. To sign up for AAP advocacy alerts, please fill out this form.

Thank you for all you do. Every day you show up is a better day for kids. We must keep showing up. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP

AAP President