Presidential Message from Dr. Merritt
 On this 23rd anniversary of the founding of NASPAG, I would like to recognize how our organization has grown forged by a small group of dedicated leaders in this field, and numbering 418 members in 2008.
Our members serve in their local communities, and tackle the medical and unique psychosocial comprehensive health care needs of children and young women, many of whom are underserved. Our members hold leadership positions at their academic institutions, in government, and many are productive researchers. Both nationally and internationally, NASPAG speaks out on behalf of the population we serve; against the sexual and physical abuse of children and women, and in favor of quality educational opportunities for youth, screening and vaccination programs, protection of future fertility, and programs that inform families about adolescent risks of STI and teen pregnancy, as well as treatment and prevention. The urgent needs of our young people are being addressed, but we could always benefit from the support of more providers to serve this ever-growing need, and recognition of the value of these services by insurance companies and funding agencies.
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support that ACOG has afforded our organization this year making major upgrades in our website, enhancing our ability to electronically register for meetings and pay dues on line, and "e-blast" urgent messages and queries to our members. The offices of ACOG have help organize and update our membership enrollment procedure, and helped in the organization of our 2009 meeting.
I would like to personally invite you to attend the Annual Clinical Meeting of NASPAG to be held this year in San Antonio Texas April 23-25. Our Program Chair, Dr. Yolanda Smith and her committee have prepared a fabulous meeting that you may preview and register for at www.naspag.org. See you in San Antonio soon!
Diane F. Merritt, M.D.
President of NASPAG
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