During the Fall of 2022 Polk County Human and Health Services Agency (Polk County HHSA) launched its Innovative Approaches program which seeks to connect with and support families with children with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN).  The program is now looking to enhance its connections efforts by organizing a Parent Advisory Council (PAC).  The council will consist of parents and legal guardians and will be encouraged to share thoughts on improving services and resources for families and providers in Polk County.

The PAC’s goal is to learn what the needs are in Polk County for families and providers who serve CYSHCN. The PAC should comprise a diverse group of parents/guardians and is committed to advocating and educating other parents, agencies, and healthcare professionals on issues that affect CYSHCN.

The Polk County Human and Health Services has partnered with the North Carolina Division of Public Heath’s Children and Youth Branch on an innovative approach initiative (IA). IA is working to improve the service systems for children and youth with special healthcare needs from birth to 21. The program defines children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) that may require more medical, mental health, or educational services.

Interested? Join us! Dinner, child care for in-person meetings, and gift card incentives for parents and legal guardians’ participation. For more information or to submit a self-nomination application, please get in touch with Parent Outreach Coordinator Rosanna Kingston at rkingston@polknc.org or 828-899-0025.