Dr. Simms exemplifies the true meaning of being a Champion for Children. She is an advocate for child abuse prevention and intervention and a trusted voice for children. Her career as a child abuse pediatrician is highly specialized, and Michigan is fortunate to have her contributions to keeping kids safe.
Her experience and expertise are critically important on several statewide committees where she contributes her time and consistent engagement in the discussions where child safety is the focus. Dr. Simms can always be counted on to ask a thought-provoking question and assist in getting the conversation going. Her passion for children is demonstrated in her willingness to sit on various subcommittees, multiple Child Death Review teams on the west side of the state, a longtime member of Michigan’s Citizen Review Panel on Child Fatalities, and an esteemed member of Michigan’s Child Death Review State Advisory team.
The purpose of these teams is to determine what could have been done to prevent child abuse and fatalities. Her commitment to maintaining her expertise is evident because she regularly attends national conferences and is always eager to learn and share techniques and policies changing how child abuse and neglect are examined. Every step of the way, Dr. Simms goes the extra mile! There is no doubt that Michigan’s system for child well-being is improved because of her dedication and passion for the mission. Children Trust Michigan is honored to award Dr. N. Debra Simms the 2024 Champion for Children!
