Advocates speak up for kids’ health

About 70 parents and child advocates gathered at the state Capitol on Feb. 9 to take part in the the Speak Up for Kids’ Health rally.

The focus of the event was to bring to the attention of legislators the concerns parents, caregivers, health care professionals and others have about the health and well-being of Colorado children.

The program was hosted by Colorado Children’s Campaign and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Those attending the event took part in a training session to learn about how to lobby legislators and to be advocates for child safety and well-being.

In a news release, it was noted there are about 124,000 Colorado children who have no health coverage. Those attending the rally sought to bring attention to the voices, stories and health care needs of children. Many participants took part in the rally in order to take action because of health challenges their children have faced.

State Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and State Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, were the guest speakers at the training event.

Newell said she urged those attending the Speak Up for Kid’s Health Rally to step up and volunteer to lobby legislators on issues concerning the health and safety of children.

“I told them there are about 1,100 individuals at the state Capitol who are there to lobby for support of specific issues and few, if any, speak up for children health and safety issues,” she said. “ So, I told them it is up to concerned citizens to volunteer to lobby legislators on issues dealing with the health and well-being of children.”

After the session with the two state senators, those taking part in the rally went to the state Capitol to meet with their legislators in order to discuss ways to improve access to children’s health care in Colorado.

The news release quoted attendee Fiona Blasius, who said she came to the event with butterflies in her stomach and feeling insecure. She said, after the hands-on training and support, she is fearless and no longer intimidated about approaching a politician.