Forum
On the heels of a pandemic, we reengaged our local and national partners.
Propelling Forward Innovative Solutions at PolicyLab Forum 2022
On May 9–10, we hosted PolicyLab Forum 2022, “Bridging New Partnerships, Creating Change,” at the world-renowned Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
Over a day and a half, leaders in children’s health gathered for solutions-focused conversations addressing the most pressing issues facing children, teens and families. An interdisciplinary lineup of speakers included the CEO and President of March of Dimes, Stacey D. Stewart, whose organization supports the health of moms and babies, superintendents from Philadelphia and Guilford County, North Carolina, experts such as Dr. Lee Beers who are focused on integration of pediatric behavioral and physical health services, Pennsylvania State Rep. Morgan Cephas who is writing and championing policies to address maternal mental health, and our very own researchers like Doug Strane who is leading efforts to better understand underinsurance among families.
We displayed the work of PolicyLab researchers through “Meet the Researcher” posters, presented three inspiring youth with Outstanding Youth Awards, and organized a “Bridging New Partners Showcase” highlighting community-focused programs and projects. This opportunity to come together in person was re-energizing, and it is our hope that the forum sparked new projects and collaborations to support the well-being of children and families.
"Every day I'm doing my own regular day job, working in policy, working on the Hill; but to hear what people are doing in schools, what people who are running school districts or state education systems are doing, or people in the health sector, really is inspiring and it’s giving me ideas about what to work on next and new partnerships..."
Angela Kimball
Event Highlights
Attendees included policymakers, program developers, child health advocates, researchers, public health professionals, providers and education leaders
8 undergraduate and graduate students received scholarships
8 supporter organizations helped make the event successful
PolicyLab’s Outstanding Youth Awards
We were honored to award three Philadelphia-area youth with PolicyLab Outstanding Youth Awards at PolicyLab Forum 2022! These awards recognize exceptional children and teens in the region who contribute to improving the health and well-being of their peers and community through engagement in community-serving initiatives, research and/or policy. Nominated by peers, mentors, collaborators, and family members, the pool of nominees was incredible, but we could only select three winners. They were:
Alis Palillero (20) from Philadelphia, the survivor consultant for the Adolescent Protection Collaborative, CHOP’s specialized medical home for sex-trafficked youth. She also serves on the city of Philadelphia’s Juvenile Anti-Trafficking Coalition.
Phillip Collier (15) from Philadelphia, the junior coach intern in the University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center’s Cross-Grade Sports Leaders of Change Program. He and his peers deliver sports programming to K–8 students.
Rylie Brown (20) from Williamstown, NJ, an active participant in the “Get Connected” and “Mapping Perceptions of PrEP Use in Trans Women” research studies at CHOP. Rylie also mentors other young transgender women involved in the studies.
