Newswise — The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) can offer pediatricians from across the country with diverse expertise to discuss the impact of the government shutdown on children. Pediatricians can speak to the on-the-ground impact of the shutdown on federally funded programs such as WIC and Head Start; can contextualize the national position of the AAP to Congress; and can provide local perspectives on why the shutdown is especially harmful to vulnerable children and families.

In addition, more than a dozen pediatrician leaders, including AAP President Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, and other federal child health policy experts, will convene in Washington, DC Oct. 5-6 and go up to Capitol Hill on Oct. 7 to urge Congress to find a new way forward for children in the budget process. In-person interviews and photo opportunities are possible with this group of pediatricians during this time period, in addition to the ongoing availability of spokespeople to discuss the shutdown.

To request an interview, please contact Jamie Poslosky in the AAP Department of Public Affairs at [email protected] or 202-347-8600.