Sherrill Leads Efforts to Expand Access to Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Washington, D.C. – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F HICs) program. These family-staffed centers help connect peer families of children with special health care needs to resources and services throughout the community.
“I hear time and again from New Jerseyans about the challenges they face finding high-quality, affordable health care. For families with children who have special health needs, the task is often even more daunting. That’s why I am once again fighting for Family-to-Family Information Centers, which are crucial in connecting community members with resources that can improve health care outcomes and quality of life for children and families” said Rep. Sherrill.
“I am proud to co-lead the reauthorization of funding for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers. These centers are critical to parents of children with special health needs and provide essential resources for families navigating the healthcare system. This will ensure that families in Texas won’t have to face these challenges alone." said Rep. De La Cruz.
“Family-to-Family Health Information Centers provide a vital lifeline to families of children with disabilities and special health care needs in every state, territory, and three tribal nations,” said Allysa Ware, executive director of Family Voices. “We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) in introducing legislation to reauthorize this critical program and look forward to working with Congress to provide additional funding to support unmet need – including ensuring that our statewide centers can reach rural families in need, provide translation services, and help connect children with mental health care.”
“Children's Hospital Association strongly supports the Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act, which would extend funding for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers. This vital program provides critical support to children with complex needs and their families by providing educational resources and a network of peer support within their communities,” said Matthew Cook, CEO of Children’s Hospital Association. “The five-year extension of funds would strengthen children’s hospitals’ ability to collaborate with families and community partners, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, both medically and socially.”
The F2F HICs program has helped families across New Jersey obtain health resources and coordinate health care providers to get care for their children. F2F HICs are staffed by highly-skilled, knowledgeable caregivers who have first-hand experience and understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with complex health needs. The uniquely qualified staff of these centers provide critical support to families caring for children with special health needs, particularly families from diverse communities. F2F HICs provide families with the information, skills, and confidence they need to support and advocate for their children. In 2020, F2F HICs, which are in every state and the District of Columbia, provided peer-to-peer support to one million families and technical assistance to more than 300,000 providers and government staff.
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