Advocating for children's health at the state level - Lessons learned

This article documents the successful creation and promotion of a bill to f und a nurse home visitation program for high-risk mothers in Arkansas. It i llustrates several key factors in successful advocacy by pediatricians work ing in an academic setting: a realistic time commitment; a community needs assessment, data assimilation, and review of existing resources; the identi fication and incorporation of stakeholders; a narrow focus on the area of g reatest need; the backing of political partners; and favorable opportunitie s to advance child health issues.