WIAAP Selects Jackie Baldwin of Wisconsin Family Ties for 2010 Community Service Award

KIMBERLY, WI, July 14, 2010 – The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WIAAP) recently awarded Jackie Baldwin, Family Advocate for Wisconsin Family Ties, the 2010 Community Service Award. Ms. Baldwin is a long-time advocate for children and families coping with mental health disorders, supporting northern Wisconsin counties including Oneida, Vilas and Forest. Her interest in pediatric behavioral health stems from personal experience assisting family members deal with mental health issues such as autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder.

Her activities and appointments include:

1.         Governor's appointed member (and current chair) of the Wisconsin Council on Mental Health (WCMH) since 2004, and Chair of the Children & Youth Committee of the WCMH.

 2.        Consultant with the Waisman Center and Children & Youth with Special Needs, Northern Region, to coordinate resource mapping for the Wisconsin Connections Initiative on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

3.         President of the Northwoods Disability Coalition.

4.         Consultant to families regarding the Tri-County Human Services and County Budget process.

5.         Parent representative and advocate for in-school therapy programs.

6.         Implementation Team, Managed Care Demonstration Project (Oneida, Vilas and Forest).

7.         Northern Region Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs providing information and

referral to local families who have children with emotional/behavioral disorders.

8.         Organizer and fund raiser for Family Fun Day, which provides respite, water park activities, lunch

and trainings for families.

9.              Promoter and participant in the Oneida County Coordinated Services Team (CST) Project

Pediatrician Paul Wegehaupt, MD, FAAP, of Rhinelander, nominated Ms. Baldwin. "Jackie works tirelessly to reduce the stigma attached to mental health disorders and support families and friends dealing with the challenges of living in rural communities with behavioral health issues." Dr. Wegehaupt continued, "I am proud to know Jackie Baldwin. She inspires me and others to continue to work in this chronically misunderstood, under-resourced, and stigmatized field of child health care."

WIAAP's Community Service Award is presented to a state resident who has demonstrated service to a project or cause on behalf of the health of children, has established community involvement to effect change in public health systems, and is a committed champion of causes affecting children.

Comprised of nearly 1,000 members and a part of the American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP"), WIAAP works to assure optimal health and safety for Wisconsin's children and their families through advocacy and collaboration with child interest groups. WIAAP supports Wisconsin pediatricians, enabling them to continue to be the most effective providers of health care to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics is committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

AWARDS / **CALL FOR NOMINATIONS**