Special Health Services Poster Child Named

A Wichita child is the 1997 Poster Child for the state's Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (SHS).

Emily Nicole Hipp, 8, met with Governor Bill Graves recently as the Governor declared November 9-15, 1997, as Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs Week. Emily is the daughter of Mark and Kelly Hipp.

Emily has scoliosis, a condition characterized by curvature of the spine. She was diagnosed in December 1996. Emily's parents called the SHS program "a blessing in every way," and said that their daughter wouldn't be able to get the medical attention she needs if not for the SHS program.

"Emily is a typical yet special eight-year-old," said Mrs. Hipp. "We're teaching her that she's not handicapped; just physically challenged."

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) administers the SHS program. SHS provides financial assistance for diagnosis, treatment, outreach, and case management services for youth with disabilities or chronic diseases.