American Academy of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Chapter

06/25/2025

Whooping cough cases are rising fast, with more than 8,000 reported in 2025--doubling last year’s numbers (and it’s only June). The whooping cough vaccine remains highly effective, especially in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations in infants, and boosters help extend that protection over time. Given the current rise in cases, it's important that you and your family are up to date with vaccinations. When more of us are vaccinated, we help build a healthier, safer community for everyone. Talk with your pediatrician about staying current with your whooping cough vaccinations. Learn more:

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by bacteria that attack the lining of the breathing passages. Severe coughing with a "whooping" sound is one of the major symptoms.​

06/25/2025

R.I. drops to 19th place in national rankings of child wellbeing

Rhode Island now trails behind every other New England state in the latest national ranking of children’s wellbeing, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT Data Book. The Ocean State slid from 12th place to 19th. New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts placed first, second and third ...

06/25/2025

Physician leaders have a message for Congress: keep Medicaid strong. Right now, lawmakers are considering massive cuts to the vital program that ensures access to health care for millions of people across the country – including more than 37 million children. In this video, AAP President Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP, joined with leaders from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - ACOG, and the American College of Physicians (ACP) to urge Congress to reject any cuts to the program and protect Medicaid.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1YMJUnbwnV/

06/25/2025

Older adults, infants and young children, people with underlying medical conditions, people who work outside, people who live in neighborhoods without many trees, people who live in buildings without air conditioning, and athletes are all more at risk for heat-related illness. Make sure you know the signs of heat-related illness and how you can help: tinyurl.com/45zxm756

06/25/2025

06/25/2025

Over the next week or two, we’ll be celebrating victories for kids & families and thanking those who helped make them happen! Next month, we’ll release our annual Legislative Wrap Up, so keep your eyes peeled👀

Here's another legislative victory! This year’s budget requires a comprehensive pediatric primary health care rate review in 2026, an important first step toward addressing the statewide shortage of pediatric health care providers so that that every baby and child in Rhode Island can have access to quality health care.

RIght from the Start American Academy of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Chapter RI State Representative Teresa Tanzi Ryan Pearson Pam Lauria, RI Senator D32 Rep. Kathy Fogarty Val Lawson for State Senate - District 14 East Providence Speaker Joseph Shekarchi

05/28/2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health recently launched a series of brief videos, based on concepts from the 5 Cs of Media Use, offering healthcare providers guidance on using motivational interviewing (MI) as a tool to engage in meaningful conversations with families about their child or teen's media use. Led by Pam Pietruszewski, a MI trainer, the series demonstrates how MI techniques can be used to build trust, encourage reflection, and guide families toward healthier media habits.

Check them out here:

This series of brief videos offers healthcare providers guidance on using motivational interviewing (MI) as a tool to engage in meaningful conversations with families about their child or teen’s media use.

05/28/2025

AAP Center of Excellence Youth Advisory Panel: Now Accepting Applications!

We are so excited to announce that the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health is recruiting new members for the 2025 Youth Advisory Panel (YAP)!

The YAP brings together teens, ages 14-17, from across the country to share their perspectives on social and digital media use, mental health, and youth well-being. Panelists will guide the Center's work by sharing their lived experiences, giving feedback on new resources, and participating in projects that promote healthier social media environments.

Key details:
Ages 14-17
Term: October 2025-September 2026
Commitment: Monthly virtual meetings (about 1.5 hours each)
Compensation: $1,800 annual stipend
Application Deadline: Friday, June 13, 2025
Teens can submit written OR video responses!
Interested youth can learn more and apply at

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05/28/2025

Upcoming Event: Navigating Social Media with Youth ECHO
Are you curious about how digital media is impacting your child? You're not alone! Join this free 4-session virtual learning collaborative designed for parents and caregivers of youth.

Each session is 1 hour long and includes guidance from experts, real-life discussions, and opportunities to ask questions. We'll explore hot topics like how to manage device settings, how to spot good and bad online content, and learn how to navigate tricky conversations about media. We'll also discuss when digital media can become a concern and share helpful tips and resources.

Sessions are held once a month on Wednesday at 10am Central/11am Eastern. Save these dates: June 18, July 16, August 20, and September 17.

Register at

04/28/2025

HAVE YOU HAD A HARD TIME FINDING A PEDIATRICIAN IN RHODE ISLAND?

If so, you aren't alone. Rhode Island is struggling to recruit and retain pediatricians, pediatric specialists, and pediatric psychiatrists to care for our kids.

Why?

Rhode Island insurance companies, including Medicaid, pay a lower rate for pediatric services than they do for adult services, and up to 25% less than insurance companies in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Our practices, and our children, just can afford for this to continue!

What are we doing to try to fix the situation?

The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with some key allies, has written a bill, H5988, which will increase payments to pediatric providers in Rhode Island. We know that this alone won't fix our workforce problem, but it's a great start.

What can you do?

Testimony for this bill will be heard in the House Finance Committee this Wednesday, April 30th. We're looking for Rhode Islanders like you who have struggled to find a pediatrician, pediatric specialist, or pediatric psychiatrist to reach out to your legislators in one of 3 ways:

1. You could write a letter to Chairman Abney and the Finance committee. Just send an email with a PDF attachment to HouseFinance@rilegislature.gov by 1:00 on Wednesday.

2. You could call or email your local representative.
Use this link https://vote.sos.ri.gov to find out who your representative is, then this link https://www.rilegislature.gov/representatives/default.aspx to find the best email and phone number to use to reach them.

3. You could come to the RI State House on Wednesday to testify. The hearing starts at 4:00 in room 35. Come join us as we promote this important bill and let key decision makers hear your story.

If you have any questions or need our help in reaching out to your representative, contact us by clicking here https://riaap.org/key-contacts/

Thank you!