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Arizona's Pediatricians Reinforce Need for Health Care in light of Pending Supreme Court Ruling this Week


Contact: Rhonda Bannard or 602.370.3560 

(June 27, 2012 - Phoenix, AZ) The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics stands with the American Academy of Pediatrics in support of benefits for children through healthcare reform. Whatever the Supreme Court decides, the Chapter endorses as imperatives:   

  1. Better access to health care for all children
  2. Allowing children to remain on their parents' health insurance until age 26
  3. Children's health conditions never considered as pre-existing by insurance companies
  4. Providing "Bright Futures" as standard preventive and well-child health care for all children with no copay.

This is particularly important for children in Arizona where a quarter million children have no health insurance coverage. Considering poor children as a group, nearly one in four children is uninsured in Arizona.

 

For comment, the following Arizona Pediatricians and leadership of the board of the Arizona Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics are available:

  • Dr. Arturo Gonzalez M.D., FAAP, Board chair, Scottsdale Pediatrician, (480) 694-9525
  • Dr. Dale Guthrie M.D., FAAP, Board chair-elect (Effective July), East Valley Pediatrician, (480) 892-3880
  • Dr. Delphis Richardson M.D., FAAP, Board vice president, Tempe Pediatrician,
    (480) 695-6251
  • Dr. Mary Ellen Rimsza M.D., FAAP, Board member and chairman of Advocacy Committee, Tucson Pediatrician, (520) 743-3650 or (602) 738-3623
  • Dr. Robert Cannell M.D., FAAP, Board member, Yuma Pediatrician, (928) 344-4800 or
    (928) 210-2480

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About the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP)

  

The Arizona Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) is committed to improving the health of Arizona children and supporting the pediatric professionals who care for them. AzAAP is the state's leading professional pediatric organization dedicated to promoting the physical, mental and social health and well-being of every Arizona child. Representing more than 900 health care professionals - including pediatricians, nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, hospital administrators and other allied health practitioners - AzAAP aspires to the highest standards in providing the latest evidence-based and current recommended guidelines to its members. The Chapter also works year-round to educate and engage lawmakers, parents, school professionals, community caregivers and all who impact the lives of children with the goal of fostering a statewide focus on promoting child health preventive care and wellness. For more information, call 602.532.0137 or visit www.azaap.org.