Ep. 35: Championing Child Advocacy Together (Y) Connect Podcast

When it comes to supporting the needs of children and families throughout metro Atlanta, the Y considers Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta one of its most essential partners. Together, we provide communities greater access to swim lessons and water safety, behavioral and mental healthcare services to youth, and the Y leans on Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide Y staff the essential skills & training to better support children. Joining us to share more about this partnership is the Vice President of Child Advocacy and Chief Diversity Officer of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Marc Welsh. 
IN THIS EPISODE:
[3:25] Marc describes the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's advocacy strategy and the Strong for Life Campaign 
[6:02] Marc discusses children's mental health, and he explains the impact of the Atlanta Raising Resilience Campaign
[11:02] How the Y has provided safety and a nurturing space to support and equip children 
[15:24] Marc shares some of the outcomes of the Raising Resilience Campaign
[19:56] Marc explains how the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has philanthropically supported the Y by providing grant funding for swim lessons 
[26:12] Discussion of the Early Learning Nurse Navigation Program 
[31:05] Ito Smith, former Atlanta Falcons running back, shined a light on the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition by learning how to swim at the Y
[35:54] Marc describes his Pathway to the Y
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[3:20] Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's advocacy strategy and the Strong for Life Campaign is designed to keep Atlanta's children well and prepared for life. They provide hospitalization, a wellness program for overweight children, and mental health support. 
[6:48]  Raising Resilience is a labor of love to destigmatize mental health issues among families in the greater Atlanta area.  The conversation surrounding mental health has made great strides since 2019.
[31:21] Historically, the black and brown community has had limited access to swimming pools. Therefore, many people haven’t learned to swim. The Atlanta Water Safety Coalition is meeting this need by providing swim lessons at the YMCA.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta
Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Volunteer at the YMCA
Strong 4 Life - Website
BIOGRAPHY: Marc Welsh 
In his role as Vice President of Child Advocacy, Marc leads Children’s state-wide community efforts focused on obesity prevention, behavioral and mental health, injury and illness prevention, and child protection. Marc’s multi-disciplinary team implements evidence-based programs focused on helping families raise healthy, safe, resilient kids. Marc is also responsible for Children’s employee and physician wellness programs, which promote health and wellness initiatives to the organization’s 13,000+ employees. 
In 2021, in addition to his role as Vice President of Child Advocacy, Marc was named Children’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, his team is responsible for leading the System Diversity & Inclusion strategy with a focus on initiatives related to the health system’s employees, patients and community. 
Marc also serves on the Boards of Voices for Georgia’s Children and Soccer in the Streets, furthering work focused on impacting the lives of children in the community. 
Previously, Marc held leadership roles at Jackson Health System and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in Biology and Religious Study and his Masters in Public Health from Florida International University.