Raise Public Awareness
The council supported our signature initiative with the annual Childhood Chronic Condition Awareness Week, which Governor Maggie Hassan declared the second week in November in New Hampshire. Fifteen children were awarded a Champion for Children advocacy award to kick off the week. In addition, the council hosted an essay contest about children with chronic health conditions. Three students were awarded a $150 prize.
Improve Public Policy
Our council was established to advise policy makers on issues important to families with special health care needs. Our legislative members – Senator Andrew Hosmer, of Laconia and Representative Stephan Schimdt, of Wolfboro have been strong supporters and very helpful to us. We provided information to support funding for the re-establishment of the School Nurse Consultant position, which provides vital information and best practices to the school nurses around the state.
Support Local Initiatives and Pilot Programs
We supported local summer camps with financial assistance that allows children with special health care needs to attend fun activities. This included Camp Sno Mo, Joni and Friends Family Retreat and Camp Spinnaker. Funding also supported Zebra Crossings, which brought programming to the Seacoast Partners in Health organization.