The AAP and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.HISTORY - The American Academy of Pediatrics was founded in June 1930 in response to the need for an independent pediatric forum to address children's needs. Preventive health practices now associated with child care - such as immunizations and regular health exams - were only just beginning to change the custom of treating children as "miniature adults."
MISSION STATEMENT - The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
The AAP is a not-for-profit Illinois corporation organized for scientific and educational purposes.
ACTIVITIES - One of the AAP's major activities is to further the professional education of its members. Continuing education courses, annual scientific meetings, seminars, publications and statements from committees and sections form the basis of a continuing postgraduate educational program.
More than 30 committees develop many of the AAP's positions and programs. Committees have interests as varied as injury and poison prevention, disabled children, sports medicine, nutrition and child health financing.
The AAP publishes Pediatrics, its monthly scientific journal; Pediatrics in Review, its continuing education journal; and its membership newspaper AAP News. It also publishes manuals on such topics as infectious diseases and school health. In its public education efforts, the AAP produces patient education brochures and a series of child care books written by AAP members.
The AAP executes original research in social, economic and behavioral areas and promotes funding of research. The AAP's state advocacy staff provides assistance to chapters, promoting issues such as child safety legislation and Medicaid policies that increase access to care for low-income children.
