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Curriculum for Advocacy in Resident Education (CARE)

Our social determinants of health curriculum is a longitudinal, multi-disciplinary curriculum embedded in the Y week and the noon conference lectures. Through this approach residents are able to enjoy training both within the university and community settings, learning the principles of social justice and equitable care for children and their families.

 

Advocacy Week during PGY-1

This weeklong rotation explores a range of advocacy topics through interactive seminars and guided visits to local community organizations, offering a firsthand look at advocacy in action.

  • Legislation 101
  • Social Determinants of Health, Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Session on communicating with elected officials
  • Workshop on crafting op-eds and newsletters

Advocacy Committee

A resident-led committee dedicated to planning and coordinating community events, sharing timely advocacy opportunities, and working closely with the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The committee also develops communication guides for engaging with legislators on key topics affecting Oklahoma's children and healthcare.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Legislative Advocacy Conference

Residents have the opportunity to participate in the AAP Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. This national event provides instruction on building relationships with legislators and communicating key messages on diverse medical topics. Participants visit Capitol Hill to advocate for funding pediatric coverage and services.

Y-Week Longitudinal Community Partnership

Yearlong collaboration with a community partner to develop and implement a meaningful community impact project, culminating in a presentation at the annual Oklahoma Chapter of the AAP conference.
Our community parterships include:

CARE Center

The CARE Center is Oklahoma County's child advocacy center, providing child abuse prevention education and services that support children recovering from abuse. Residents help identify experiences that match their interests, such as interacting with children or assisting with educational programs.

Infant Crisis Center

Infant Crisis Services provides emergency food, formula, and diapers for children from birth to age 3, serving over 25,000 families annually through its pantry and BabyMobiles. Residents tour the facility and volunteer by answering caregiver questions about child health and development and sharing educational resources.

 

Jubilee Partners

Jubilee Partners provides educational, mentoring, and life skills programs for youth facing social, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Residents teach basic health topics, tutor students, and build relationships with children, teens, and families in both urban and rural settings.

Latino Community Development Agency

LCDA is a community-based organization serving Oklahoma's Hispanic community through a variety of family support programs. Residents learn about these services and may help families enroll in SNAP and SoonerCare, with bilingual residents having additional opportunities.

Metro Library

The Metropolitan Library System provides educational resources and community programs for Oklahoma County residents. Residents answer families' questions about child development, health, and behavior during informal library Q&A sessions.

Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO)

NSO provides housing, dental care, WIC services, and other support programs for at-risk and homeless individuals and families in Oklahoma City. Residents learn about these services and may interact with families while discussing general health topics.

Oklahoma Association for Infant Mental Health (OK-AIMH)

OK-AIMH promotes infant and early childhood mental health through education, workforce development, collaboration, and advocacy. Residents prepare and present three educational lectures on infant and toddler care for organization members.

Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (OKAAP)

The Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics supports pediatricians through advocacy, education, and professional collaboration. Residents participate in chapter activities, advocacy efforts, legislative visits, and resident leadership opportunities.

Oklahoma Family Network and Family Support 360

Oklahoma Family Network supports families of children with special health care needs through education, mentorship, and resource navigation, while Family Support 360° provides culturally responsive support to Medicaid-eligible families with developmental disabilities. Residents gain experience working with families and learning about individualized, family-centered care.

Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and Families

Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and Families provides legal advocacy for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Residents collaborate with attorneys by interpreting medical information, discussing trauma, and optionally observing court proceedings.

Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OSPR)

OPSR coordinates services and policies that support early childhood development, health, and school readiness across Oklahoma. Residents learn about public policy, child development, family support, and the state's early childhood systems through a variety of organizational activities.

Palomar

Palomar provides coordinated services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, and human trafficking through its Family Justice Center model. Residents gain exposure to multidisciplinary, wraparound services for survivors.

Pivot

Pivot provides crisis intervention, shelter, counseling, education, and life skills programs for youth. Residents work with teens across various programs and may also provide staff education on health-related topics.

Sooner SUCCESS

Sooner SUCCESS coordinates health, educational, and social services for children and youth with special health care needs throughout Oklahoma. Residents learn about care coordination, navigation, and systems that improve continuity of care for families.

Sunbeam

Sunbeam supports children and families through early childhood education, mental health services, and programs for foster and kinship families. Residents learn about its services while working with families and health advocates in Early Head Start programs.

Rainbow Fleet

Rainbow Fleet improves child development through programs supporting children, families, and child care professionals. Residents help train child care providers on developmental screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and may discuss additional health topics.

Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read Oklahoma promotes early literacy by integrating books and reading guidance into pediatric well-child visits. Residents gain hands-on experience through clinic visits, program development, advocacy, grants, and statewide outreach efforts.

Regional Food Bank

The Regional Food Bank educates participants about hunger, nutrition, and food insecurity while promoting advocacy for lasting solutions. Residents participate in simulations, volunteer activities, policy advocacy, and community education related to child nutrition and food access.

YMCA

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City strengthens communities through youth, family, and wellness programs that adapt to local needs. Residents can participate in a variety of community experiences depending on available YMCA opportunities.