When children lack adequate health care, the problems compound. Disadvantaged children are more frequently affected by asthma. They are more likely to be overweight and at risk for type 2 diabetes. Hearing loss is less likely to be detected early, contributing to learning problems. Medically underserved children are less likely to have the specialist care they need.
For each of these problems, and others too, The Children’s Health Fund has developed innovative health care interventions. Many of our special initiatives are unique collaborations with private-sector partners. Through these programs, we find solutions to dire problems of children we serve.
Equally important, we share what works. At national conferences and through professional papers, CHF disseminates information on new tools and procedures for conditions that compromise children’s health or interfere with school success. Our special initiatives broaden knowledge within the medical and educational fields about conditions that disproportionally affect underserved children. Outreach components also increase public awareness of these issues and promote parent education to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Here is a brief introduction to CHF’s special health initiatives and programs.
Partner: The Picower Foundation
Provides comprehensive asthma services for patients of the New York City flagship programs and Washington, D.C.
Partner: GlaxoSmithKline’s Community Partnership Program
Ensures continuity of care by facilitating appointments with medical specialists and extended treatment by these providers.
Partner: The Picower Foundation
Addresses weight-management problems for children and adolescents, including creating new protocols for identifying children and youth at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
The Electronic Health Record Initiative provides electronic medical records, accessed using wireless technology by the mobile medical units, to ensure current, accurate information on homeless and other hard-to-reach patients and families.
Partner: United Health Foundation
Increases access to care, comprehensive services, and improves and documents quality outcomes.
Leadership Funder: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Addresses the difficulty many poor and isolated families face in reaching health care facilities.
Partner: sanofi-aventis
Addresses the particular needs of children and families living in medically underserved rural areas across the country.
Partner: Wyeth
Addresses the particular needs of children and families living in medically underserved urban areas across the country.
Supports expanded outreach by bilingual social workers and medical providers to ensure that children in Spanish-speaking communities have access to comprehensive health care.
Partner: Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund
Provides primary care services and health education at schools in
Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Partner: The Picower Foundation
Distributes books to children and parents throughout the NYC flagship programs
Introduces pediatric residents and public health students to CHF’s community-based programs and advocacy activities.
