| Family Voices, Inc. National |
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| Family involvement is a core value and principle of systems of care for children with special health care needs. Family Voices has, over the last decade, transformed that vision into concrete action at the service, management, and policy-making levels. The leadership, wisdom, and warmth of the Family Voices organization has served as a beacon for those striving to build meaningful partnerships with families. |
Before 1992
Family leaders work individually on health issues in their states. Surgeon General Koop introduces
idea of family-centered care. Federal Division of Services for Children with Special Health Care
information about children with special health care needs is available; certainly no definition or
data.
Family leaders work individually on health issues in their states. Surgeon General Koop introduces
idea of family-centered care. Federal Division of Services for Children with Special Health Care
information about children with special health care needs is available; certainly no definition or
data.
December 6, 1992
Close to 20 family leaders meet in Washington, DC. Agree to: Establish national grassroots network of families and friends speaking on
behalf of children with special health care needs; base it in the states; let everyone volunteer; delay incorporation; have office in New
Mexico. CALL IT FAMILY VOICES! All accomplished in less than one day.
1995
FV incorporates as nonprofit with national Board of Directors. Volunteer dad sets up books, database, writes grants. Part-time staff
handles phone calls, information flow. One-pagers: Title V, managed care, Medicaid, SSI. Successful second FV conference was held in
DC. Families serve on national task forces, including first definition of children with special health care needs. Arango volunteers as
Executive Director. 5,000 members
2004
By 2004, Family to Family Health Information Centers are funded in 25 states, helping families to make informed decisions and to
assure family-centered, community-based, culturally competent care for their children.
2008
Family Voices is represented in every state, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Family to Family Health
Information Centers funded in 40 states. This network of families and friends is over 50,000 and growing.
2009
Family To Family Health Information Centers funded in all 50 states of US.
Close to 20 family leaders meet in Washington, DC. Agree to: Establish national grassroots network of families and friends speaking on
behalf of children with special health care needs; base it in the states; let everyone volunteer; delay incorporation; have office in New
Mexico. CALL IT FAMILY VOICES! All accomplished in less than one day.
1995
FV incorporates as nonprofit with national Board of Directors. Volunteer dad sets up books, database, writes grants. Part-time staff
handles phone calls, information flow. One-pagers: Title V, managed care, Medicaid, SSI. Successful second FV conference was held in
DC. Families serve on national task forces, including first definition of children with special health care needs. Arango volunteers as
Executive Director. 5,000 members
2004
By 2004, Family to Family Health Information Centers are funded in 25 states, helping families to make informed decisions and to
assure family-centered, community-based, culturally competent care for their children.
2008
Family Voices is represented in every state, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Family to Family Health
Information Centers funded in 40 states. This network of families and friends is over 50,000 and growing.
2009
Family To Family Health Information Centers funded in all 50 states of US.
| Let your congressmen know how you feel about healthcare for your child. |
The Clinton/Bush Presidential Campaign focus: national health care reform. Throughout the fall,
Polly Arango, Julie Beckett, and Josie Woll explore possibility of national family-run organization
about children with special health care needs, plan gathering of family leaders in DC.
Polly Arango, Julie Beckett, and Josie Woll explore possibility of national family-run organization
about children with special health care needs, plan gathering of family leaders in DC.
Family Voices has developed a number or resources to help you communicate the needs of families to your
representatives, senators, and other advocates about health care reform for children and youth with special
health care needs. Critical to reform is the re-funding of Family-to-Family Health Information Centers
(F2F HICs). Currently, these centers, which have been very successful in helping families navigate and
understand health care systems/supports for their children/youth with special health care needs and/or
disabilities, are in jeopardy. Without a re-funding, these centers will no longer exist. Check out the tips
and resources developed by the Family Voices Policy Team to help you add your voice to health care reform.
Please visit our Take Action for Health Care Reform page.
