Children's Health and Safety First! Wednesday

Confession: I recently declined to host a discussion on H.R. 676 for a local union of which I am the Health and Welfare Trustee, sighting conflict of interest. My resignation is pending a review of the executive board. Why would I take a stance in protest of a bill that would benefit all US citizens offering comprehensive health insurance coverage . . . especially when the union plan currently offered to our members many of whom cannot afford it, continues to increase in price but dwindles in coverage?

Because I'm a parent who believes more can be accomplished with the passing of H.R. 2055 and/or H.R. 3162 ACT of 2007: "To improve children's access to health care coverage under the Medicaid Program and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)" (also see CHAMP Act). Maria Cantwell's recent efforts in the Senate finance committee to pass the reauthorization plus an additional $35 billion over the next five years of federal support to fund children's health insurance will directly benefit Washington as well as other states. In 2010 we may see health care for all Washington children.

Are these opposing views? Not necessarily, according to The Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Editorial Board's Opinion: Insuring All Children, The People Want It. (Seattle P-I, 7/20/07)Insuring children is the first step in changing the system. "Insurance for all kids is the first place to loosen the partisan knots holding America back from better access to health care."

Is SCHIP just a baby step in US health care reform? Maybe.
In my opinion it's the step in the right direction.

For more information on SCHIP and children's health care and advocacy visit Children's Alliance
http://www.childrensalliance.org/

Confession: Permanently placed on our refrigerator: Buckle up. It's the law. The recently published, easy to read, and colorfully illustrated pamphlet provided by the Washington State Booster Seat Coalition included in all CHILD PROFILE mailings. . . consider sharing it with family, friends and those who care for your child.

It's most important message is delivered in simple terms: Beginning in 2007, the law will require children to ride in a booster seat up to the age 8, or until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall. Seat belts are required by law for everyone in the car.

Three wonderful illustrations demonstrate car seat scenarios:
Infant's Rear facing, birth-1 year.
Toddler's Forward facing seat, 1-4 years, and
Children's Booster Seat, 4-8 years. Additional info is provided on the reverse side of the pamphlet regarding weight and size restrictions in the form of a helpful checklist.

Thanks to King County and the Safety Restraint Coalition mailings, everyone receiving the CHILD PROFILE mailings will know that starting in 2007: infants, toddlers and children under 8 years old and 4'9" riding in a vehicle without the benefit of a car seat is against the law.

Buckle up. It's the law*.
'Nuff said?

*To get your copy of this wonderful pamphlet to share with family, friends and caregivers, visit www. booster.org or call 1-800-BUCK-L-UP