Obesity, asthma, autism spectrum disorders, childhood diabetes. These and other chronic conditions are at an all-time high. By partnering with pediatricians, state health officials and community health organizations, the Minnesota Academy of Pediatrics Foundation is working to improve the health of every child in Minnesota.

Some of our current priorities focus ways to increase immunization rates, reduce pediatric obesity, assist in the continued development of health care homes, and increase awareness of the importance of early brain development. We are also supporting initiatives that promote universal health insurance for children, universal newborn screening and universal immunizations for children.

You can help by supporting one or all of our initiatives to improve child health in Minnesota:

• Reducing Pediatric Obesity -- Providing pediatricians with practical tools and resources they can use in their clinics as well as in the community to help assess, prevent and treat pediatric obesity. Developing a series of educational webinars; planning a statewide conference for 2012.

• Increasing Immunization Rates -- Working to increase Minnesota's infant, child and teen immunization rates and decrease obstacles for clinics to provide CDC recommended vaccines and reimbursement. Exploring a universal vaccine purchase program.

• Increasing Awareness of Early Brain Development -- Piloting the ASQ screening tool in languages for new immigrant populations at different clinics in Minnesota.

Learn more about our Foundation and ongoing projects at www.mnaap.org

Read about our recent accomplishments at http://www.mnaap.org/accomplishments.htm

Thanks in advance for your support and committment to the health of Minnesota's children.