Community Health Improvement Week
Mark your calendars for our annual Community Health Improvement Week (CHIW) – a nationally recognized time of year to raise awareness of programs, professionals and partnerships dedicated to improving community health and to celebrate all we do in the community to build healthier lives for children and families.
Our 2026 theme honors our core mission – Kids Are Our Everything. This year, each day of CHIW will focus on a key initiative within Community Engagement & Impact, shining a spotlight on the incredible work being done with community at Children’s National. More information coming soon.
Questions?
For additional questions or information, please email the Community Affairs team.
Schedule of Events
June 1, 2026
9 - 11 a.m. (Invite Only)
Walking Through Our Patients' Journeys: Poverty Simulation
An interactive simulation that immerses participants in the financial and social realities many families face when navigating daily life and accessing healthcare. The experience highlights structural barriers affecting child health and underscores the role of advocacy education in preparing residents to address social drivers of health.
Location: Children's National Main Campus at the
Mini Atrium located in West Building on Floor 1.5
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Open to All Staff)
CHAI Affiliate Faculty Project Showcase and Recognition Roundtable
A virtual roundtable highlighting innovative projects led by CHAI Affiliate Faculty. Selected faculty will present brief overviews of their initiatives, emphasizing community impact, research and systems change. The session will also include recognition of the CHAI Champion Award and Advocacy All-Star Award recipients.
2 - 3 p.m. (Open to All Staff)
From Community Voices to Action: Our Community Health Needs Assessment & Community Health Improvement Plan - Centered on Child Opportunity
A virtual session highlighting key findings from our hospital's Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and the priorities guiding our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The session will explore how community input and local data are informing action to improve child opportunity.
5:30 - 8 p.m. (Invite Only)
Catalyzing Community Health Impact: An Evening Networking Event
An evening networking reception bringing together CHAI Affiliate Faculty, community partners and potential funders to build connections and explore opportunities for collaboration and support. Faculty initiatives will be highlighted through portfolio displays showcasing current programs, research and advocacy work.
Location: Children's National Research Institute
June 2, 2026
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Open to All Staff & Community)
Community Innovation Day
The Early Childhood Innovation Network (ECIN) Community Innovation Day brings our community together at The Well at Oxon Run for a joyful day of networking, nature walks, collaborative learning and interactive activities. Come connect, explore and celebrate innovation in the heart of nature.
Location: The Well at Oxon Run
*No registration required.
3 - 5 p.m. (Invite Only)
Helping Our Community Stay Insured: A Partnership Dialogue on Navigating Medicaid Changes
An invitation‑only partnership event bringing together hospitals and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to align on Medicaid and other health insurance changes that are anticipated to pose challenges for our community to stay insured. The session will focus on how health care organizations can support one another and work collaboratively to help our community stay insured during a period of transition.
Location: CN-RIC (Collaboratory)
June 3, 2026
8 - 9 a.m. (Open to All Staff)
Kovler Grand Rounds
Dr. Sonny Patel and Dr. Christopher King will be engaging in a fireside chat regarding policy services and policies at the intersection of children's mental health and health equity.
Location(s): Children's National Main Campus in the auditorium
*No registration required
9 - 10:30 a.m. (Invite Only)
Kovler Reception & Roundtable
Reception and Roundtable with Kovler Community Health Grand Rounds Speaker.
Location: Children's National Main Campus (Vision Center)
12 - 1 p.m. (Open to All Staff)
Practical Strategies to Support Family Wellbeing during Stressful Times
Webinar for parents and caregivers on navigating behavioral health resources and addressing stressors.
12 - 1 p.m. (Invite Only)
Community Engaged Research SIG Event
Community Engaged Research SIG- highlighting Community Healthcare Bridging Project with Community Partners.
Location: Children's National Main Campus at the Vision Center
12 - 2 p.m. (Open to All Staff & Community)
Children's Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day
Children's National will participate in the Children's Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day, a marquee event to advocate for strong pediatric health care.
Location: Rayburn House Office Building on the 2nd Floor Foyer
*No registration required
1 - 3 p.m. (Open to All Staff & Community)
Mental Wellbeing Activities and Information for Families
Mental wellbeing demonstrations, activities and giveaways for families and providers.
Location(s): Children's National Main Campus in Main Atrium and Children's National Anacostia
*No registration required
June 4, 2026
8 - 9 a.m. (Open to All Staff)
Food as Medicine Roundtable with Dr. Kofi Essel
Hosted at Children's National, this roundtable led by Dr. Kofi Essel will bring together experts in the Food Access field on current efforts, challenges and emerging opportunities at Children's National.
2 - 4 p.m. (Invite Only)
Live Cooking Class Demonstration
An interactive, child-led cooking class that highlights the importance of food and nutrition in health and wellbeing.
Location: Children's National Main Campus at 5th Floor Research Atrium
3 - 4 p.m. (Open to All Staff)
How to Be a DC Community Food Resource Navigator
An in-depth session that guides audience members on learning more about high-yield food-related resources that can be shared with families in a pinch.
June 5, 2026
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Open to All Staff & Community)
Injury and Violence Prevention Pop-Up Stations
This multi-station event will highlight the depth and breadth of the injury and violence prevention portfolio at Children's National. We will deliver developmentally tailored safety guidance, provide safety devices and hands-on education centered around kids at home, at school, at play and on the way.
Location: Children's National Main Campus in the Main Atrium
*No registration required
Starts at 10:30 a.m. (Open to All Staff & Community)
Clifford Book Reading at Seacrest Studios
A live reading of the Clifford Takes a Swim book at Seacrest Studios.
Location: Children's National Main Campus in the Main Atrium
*No registration required
12 - 1 p.m. (Open to All Staff)
Health Policy SIG Event
The Health Policy SIG will host Dr. Lois Lee, a firearm injury prevention researcher, pediatrician and health policy advocate to present her research.
