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Our ongoing partnership with the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) is dedicated to increasing awareness among pediatricians about the many ways Help Me Grow Washington supports healthcare providers and the families they serve. An initiative of WithinReach, Help Me Grow Washington is a free service that connects parents and caregivers to essential resources in their communities. From understanding a child’s development to accessing food assistance, Help Me Grow is here to support families across Washington. 

After 15 years as a primary care pediatrician, Dr. Lelach Rave transitioned to policy and systems-level healthcare transformation work. As co-chair of the WCAAP Legislative Committee, Dr. Rave is committed to fostering a strong partnership between healthcare providers and Help Me Grow, ensuring families receive the support they need when they need it most. 

Over the summer, Dr. Lelach Rave shared her passion for integrating healthcare and early childhood systems during a Lunch & Learn about Help Me Grow Washington. She highlighted the transformative power of this partnership to create equitable, family-centered care for young children and their caregivers.
 

Challenges Faced by Pediatricians 
Our partnership with WCAAP and doctors like Dr. Rave has helped us to better understand the challenges pediatricians face. Many pediatricians and family practice physicians working with young families increasingly find themselves in healthcare settings where they feel financial considerations often take precedence over patient-centered care. This can lead to burnout and demoralization among physicians, who frequently feel unable to meet the complex needs of families. “The families who come to us every day need so much more than medical care,” Dr. Rave explains. “They need support from social workers, psychologists, and navigators—roles we as physicians aren’t trained to fulfill. Seeing those needs go unmet can be incredibly disheartening.” 

How Help Me Grow Washington Provides Support
Help Me Grow WA offers a solution by serving as a Coordinated Access Point, connecting pediatricians to a network of resources that meet the needs of families beyond what the healthcare system alone can provide. ”Help Me Grow is the perfect antidote to the feelings of demoralization pediatricians experience when we can’t meet all the needs of the families we serve,” Dr. Rave says. “It’s a resource that helps us provide holistic support and gives families access to the care and assistance they need to thrive.” Pediatricians have found this service invaluable, as it allows them to refer families to a one-stop-shop that can connect them to a variety of programs and services that address the unique challenges they are facing, from healthcare to childcare to basic needs support. Nearly all families with young children interact with the healthcare system, making it a natural gateway for connecting them to additional services through Help Me Grow WA. 

The Growth of This Partnership
Our collaboration with the WCAAP highlights the powerful impact of connecting medical and social services to better support families. While Dr. Rave acknowledges that building these relationships takes time, she is confident in their potential. Strong connections between Help Me Grow staff and healthcare providers within WCAAP will strengthen this partnership, allowing it to continue to evolve while fostering trust and deeper collaboration. 

Through initiatives like Help Me Grow WA, WithinReach is committed to serving as a key connector and advocate for families, particularly those impacted by systemic inequities. By partnering with communities to co-design solutions, connect families to vital resources, and advocate for equitable systems, we work to ensure that every child and caregiver has access to the support they need to thrive.  

Together, we can reimagine a future where families are empowered, and care is truly family centered.