WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/08/2010) - Childrens Hospital and Health System has launched the Wisconsin Childrens Advocacy Network to help Wisconsin residents advocate for children in public policy. Through C.A.N., families, business leaders, employees and others can help ensure and improve the health and well-being of all children. By joining C.A.N., members will receive updates on activities, learn about opportunities to contact legislators or be asked to participate in community events.

Through the program, advocates receive action alerts and learn how to act quickly on key issues.

“Children cannot represent themselves on issues that directly impact their care,” said Peggy Troy, RN, MSN, president and CEO of the health system.

“C.A.N. gives the people who want to advocate for children – parents, community members, family members – the tools needed to advocate on behalf of children,” Troy added.

Children and families face many issues throughout life that are influenced by local, state and federal policies. Many confront laws regarding abuse, neglect, chronic illness or disability during times of stress and need the assistance of organizations like the health system to help them voice their concerns.

Advocacy efforts rely on the strength and action of volunteers who care about kids and want to make a difference. To sign up for C.A.N., visit chw.org/can.

Children’s Hospital and Health System is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system’s flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report.

Other health system entities include Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children’s Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children’s Health Education Center, Children’s Medical Group, and Children’s Physician Group.

Additional health system entities involved are Children’s Specialty Group, Surgicenter of Greater Milwaukee, Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s Community Health Plan, Seeger Health Resources and National Outcomes Center.

In 2008, the health system invested more than $114 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research.

For more information visit the organization's web site on the internet at chw.org.