VITALS / FAMILY ADVOCACY DAY 1 DAY 2 2 The second day was packed with legislator meetings and events. Families shared their health care journeys with federal lawmakers and discussed how investments in children's health, like enhancing support for Medicaid, improve their lives. In one-on-one meetings with members of Congress and staff, I echoed those sentiments and stressed the importance of strengthening and protecting the pediatric workforce and addressing the mental health crisis facing our youth. A Ways and Means Committee mock hearing in the Longworth Office Building allowed kids to join in the legislative process and helped members of Congress understand the spectrum of patients treated at childrenʼs hospitals and health systems. Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) gaveled in the hearing, and kids posed questions to Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Rep. Carol Miller (R-W.Va). Nine-year-old Amelia van der Merwe joined me for a radio interview about 5 24 CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS TODAY Summer 2024 6 3 4