The Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MN-AAP) will present Dr. Edward Ehlinger with the 2012 Child Advocacy Award at its annual dinner tonight.
MN-AAP's Child Advocacy Award is presented each year to one individual from the community who goes above and beyond his or her everyday routine to advocate for the health and welfare of children in Minnesota.
As Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Dr. Ehlinger has taken an active role in issues involving newborn screening, immunizations, lead poisoning, tuberculosis, teen pregnancy prevention, and health care homes all in the face of a state budget crisis, government shutdown and divided Legislature.
Over 35 years he has led efforts to improve health care for college students, lower infant death rates in the metro area, create and sustain school-based clinics to increase access to care, and provide services to meet the needs of newly arrived Southeast Asian immigrants.
Dr. Ehlinger's nomination was supported by Dr. Robert Jacobson, incoming president of the MN-AAP, as well as Governor Dayton, the Commissioners of Education and Human Services, and numerous colleagues at MDH.
"Health professionals in the private and public sector agree that Dr. Ehlinger has been an extraordinary advocate for children, especially the poor and marginalized," Dr. Jacobson said. "We are fortunate to have a commissioner who demonstrates his commitment to keeping children and their families healthy on a daily basis, despite countless challenges."
With nearly 1,000 pediatrician members, MN-AAP is committed to improving the health of all children and teens in Minnesota. For more information about the award, Dr. Ehlinger or MN-AAP, visit www.mnaap.org.
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