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COAT (Community Oriented Advocacy Training)

(315) 464-5800

The COAT program was developed in response to the belief that pediatricians have responsibilities to children which go beyond the traditional doctor-patient relationship. This unique program offers pediatric residents a practical approach to advocacy training while addressing the problems of local children.

COAT provides hands-on advocacy experience and teaches residents how to assess community needs and develop relationships with community agencies. All pediatric residents are assigned to one of three teams, each with a pediatric faculty mentor. There is a nine-member advisory board of faculty and community professionals.

COAT projects have included:

• prevention of handgun injury and death in children (see Gun Safety Program)
• risk reduction for in-home accidents
• self-help programs for adolescents to address concerns such as violence in schools
• teen pregnancy and drug use
• smoking prevention;
• nutrition education for day care workers
• prevention program for shaken baby head injuries