FAMILY VOICES Platform on Health Care Reform
President Obama has made health care reform a priority and we believe it is critical to include the needs of families of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities in shaping new policies and programs. The Family Voices' Platform on Health Care Reform identifies our position on affordable care, comprehensive benefits, and family-centered health systems that must be included in health care reform to meet the needs of families.

Put the Voice of Families into Health Care Reform!
Share your experiences, your opinions, your suggestions, YOUR STORY with Congress and the White House by visiting two online sites now available to the public. At HealthReform.gov you can learn about the impact of health care on the lives of Americans and the economy and how President Obama's Health Care Reform proposal will address this. You can also share your story with the Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Speak Now for Kids in Health Care Reform is a national campaign specifically focused on the needs of children, youth, and families, and is sponsored by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals (N.A.C.H.) and other national partners and supporting organizations, including Family Voices. You can share your stories, photos and videos with thousands of other families who have contributed. NACH has compiled these stories into a powerful message for Congress. Learn what other families in your state are saying and add your voice.

Family Voices National Conference - A SUCCESS!!!
Thanks to all the sponsors, presenters, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees for making the Family Voices 2009 National Conference a great success! Please visit the conference section to access the conference presentations, photos, and more.

Growing Your Capacity to Engage Diverse Communities by working with Community Liaisons and Cultural Brokers
Learn more about building relationships with community liaisons and cultural brokers to reach families of CYSHCN, particularly members of underserved groups, in this new 19-page publication. Visit our online catalog to order your hardcopy or download it here.

Family-Centered Care Tools
These newly-published Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Tools are designed as an opportunity for health care practices and families to assess current areas of strength and identify areas for growth, plan future efforts, and track progress toward family-centered care. These tools include a Family Tool, a Provider Tool, and a Users Guide. Please feel free to download and use these or order them as a set from our online catalog.

KASA Pocket Guide
Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) has published a new pocket guide, How to be Involved in a Board or Council: Roles & Responsibilities. This booklet is written by youth for youth and contains tips and advice on being an effective member of a board or council. Visit our online catalog to order. For more information about KASA, please visit the KASA website.

Families Speaking Out on Health Care Reform
Responding to President Obama's request to share experiences and insights into our nation's health care systems, family leaders have been meeting with families across the country. President Obama believes that modernizing the American health care system must improve health care quality, and cut costs, expand coverage and access, and increase the emphasis on primary care and prevention. Read more about the activities in DC, FL, MA, NC, NJ, and UT to share family stories. If you have something you'd like to share, please contact a Family Voices member in your state or a Family-to-Family Health Information Center.