“Invisible Population” of Young Adults with Health Challenges Emerge To Enjoy the Spotlight with Special Day

Event Launches Campaign for Quality Health Care for Children and Young Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions and Disabilities

ROCKVILLE, MD – A population too often overlooked by our nation’s health care and social services systems – teens and emerging adults with serious health challenges – had their day in the spotlight on Monday, July 19th, at Ilo Salon, a local Georgetown spa, enjoying a day of makeovers while working to make over society’s attitudes.

The day of pampering helped kick off Emerge, a campaign organized by the Physician-Parent Caregivers (www.physicianparent.org) organization to call attention to the needs of young adults with chronic medical conditions and disabilities.

When it comes to health care, children with chronic medical conditions and disabilities enter a kind of no man’s land when they turn 18,” said Santi Bhagat, M.D., founder and president of Physician-Parent Caregivers.  “They can no longer access the system of services that exist for minors.  Often, they have trouble finding an adult doctor to care for their child-onset conditions.  And, if they want to strive for independence, where are the systems and supports to help them master management of their health care needs?”

Dr. Bhagat said the salon event was intended to be a day of pampering for the young adults participating, and to make over society’s perceptions regarding this population

“No one really knows the potential these young people have to succeed and to make meaningful contributions to society,” said Dr. Bhagat.  “We don’t have data on these young adults, the obstacles that keep these young adults from working or going to college, and how those barriers can be overcome.  We don’t know how many are having their health care needs adequately met.  Each of these young men and women face obstacles that most Americans never have to consider, and yet they can succeed and thrive despite their health challenges.  We just need to invest in helping them navigate a path forward.”

For more information please contact Joy Burwell at jburwell@amplifypublicaffairs.net or 202.263.2900.