It’s something to cheer about: nearly 97 percent of children in Massachusetts currently have health insurance, a major increase from 10 years prior. This wouldn’t have been possible without many voices such as ours coming together to push for change.

Children’s Hospital Boston is an influential and outspoken advocate for children in Boston and Massachusetts. We are a founding member and the primary hospital funder of the Children’s Health Access Coalition, which has worked during the past decade to improve insurance coverage for children, assure affordability and broaden the health services available in local communities.

On Beacon Hill, our voice is heard loud and clear on several matters that affect children’s health, such as improving asthma care, promoting proper school nutrition and making quality mental health care more available. We’re frequently asked by legislators and policymakers to provide testimony on a host of public health issues affecting children. We also serve on numerous statewide committees, including those for the Department of Public Health, the Department of Social Services and the Attorney General.

Children’s strongly believes that the more voices urging change, the better the chances are of being heard. Our partnerships with coalitions such as the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition and the Seatbelts Are For Everyone Coalition have sparked a wide range of initiatives to keep children safe and healthy.

Looking ahead is an important part of being an effective advocate. We formed the Advocacy Clinic Training program as part of our mission of being the leading pediatric training program for the next generation of physicians. The program gives medical residents the opportunity to gain valuable experience by meeting with legislators, conducting home visits for children with special needs and volunteering in community-based organizations.