As lawmakers inch closer to landmark health care reform, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals, in coordination with the Congressional Children’s Health Care Caucus, hosted a Capitol Hill briefing today featuring leaders of Tampa Bay area hospitals. The briefing, “Chronic Conditions: The Differences and Challenges for Children,” examined children’s health matters. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor co-chairs the Congressional Children’s Health Care Caucus.

Representatives from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa and All Children’s Hospital of St. Petersburg were included in today’s briefing. Dr. Daniel Plasencia represented St. Joseph’s, and Dr. Michael Epstein represented All Children’s.

“Doctors from Tampa Bay area hospitals are nationally renowned experts,” Castor said. “Their insights will serve America well as we strive for affordable health care solutions for families.

“Children require unique treatment for physical, mental and developmental conditions,” Castor continued. “Families of children with chronic conditions often struggle to find quality, coordinated care to comprehensively address their children’s needs. Ensuring that kids have a good team of doctors to address chronic conditions and to make sure that such care is more accessible is our ultimate goal.”

The Congressional Children’s Health Caucus has worked on issues including childhood obesity, food allergies, asthma and health care reform. Castor co-chairs the bipartisan Children’s Health Care Caucus with Dave Reichert of Washington State.

“We will make substantial progress on children’s health through health legislation,” Castor said. “I am glad we had an opportunity today to bring concerns about children’s medical care to the forefront.”