Immigrant Health Special Interest Group

The Immigrant Health Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses on advancing pediatric practice and advocacy to support immigrant child health. The SIG provides a network of support and communication for pediatricians who serve immigrant children in small communities, rural areas, and metropolitan cities.

RECENT NEWS AAP News Highlights Immigrant Health Best Practices Fernando Mendoza MD, MPH provides five tips for practicing pediatricians to care and advocate for immigrant children. View Article View Dr. Mendoza's slides from the 2012 AAP National Conference and Exhibition session "New American Children."   SIG Comments on Proposed Immigration Rule New rules announced by the Department of Homeland Security Secretary will create a waiver that reduces the time that families are separated when applying for legal documents. View Announcement View AAP Comment Letter   SIG Hosts Webinar The Immigrant SIG hosted the webinar: Medical-Legal Strategies to Improve Immigrant Child Health to address how pediatricians can leverage legal partnerships when caring for children and families impacted by immigration.

RESOURCES The Future of Children. Immigrant Children. Vol 21 (1) Spring 2011 Children of Immigrants: Growing National and State Diversity. Urban Institute. October 2011 Providing Care for Immigrant, Homeless, and Migrant Children, Pediatrics Vol 115 (4) April 2005

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

Storybank Project The Immigrant Health SIG is collecting stories of challenge and success in immigrant child health. The storybank will help influence the SIG's advocacy and educational projects. Contact COCP Staff to participate.

Practice Toolkit The Immigrant Health SIG is developing an immigrant health toolkit for practicing pediatricians. The toolkit will provide best practices and resources to meet the needs of immigrant children and address challenges. Contact COCP Staff to participate.

SIG GOALS

1. Practice: Develop and disseminate strategies, tools, and resources to support pediatricians who care for immigrant children.
2. Education: Provide timely immigrant child health data and policy information.
3. Advocacy: Identify and advocate for policies that support the health and well being of immigrant children.
4. Support: Develop a network of communication and support for practicing pediatricians who care for immigrant children.

HOW TO JOIN

Current members of the Council on Community Pediatrics can join the SIG at no additional cost. Please e-mail to COCP Staff to join the Immigrant Health SIG.

To become a Council on Community Pediatrics member, email the COCP Staff or visit the COCP membership page.