Community health initiatives play an important role in positive child health outcomes.
But as children's hospitals address COVID-19, gear up for vaccinating the pediatric population and improve inequities in care delivery for some kids, community partnerships are more important than ever.
"Children's hospitals are driven to improve the health of all children and this mission extends beyond patients seen inside the hospital walls," says Amy Knight, president of Children's Hospital Association. "Partnering with schools, public health and community-based organizations, children's hospitals contribute to the health and safety of their communities."
Children's hospitals are working within their communities to improve child health by:
• Addressing social determinants of health, which have been exacerbated during the pandemic. Children's hospitals pivoted to address numerous enhanced needs in their communities including food insecurity, legal needs and child health care access.
• Partnering with existing trusted organizations in the community, bringing added resources to further the capacity of local groups.
• Introducing students from diverse backgrounds to the many career opportunities health care can provide. These programs help ensure the pipeline of future hospital employees better represents the neighborhoods where children's hospitals are located.
Children's Hospital Association joined the American Hospital Association in support of Community Health Improvement Week, June 6-12, to highlight the work of communities and population health leaders across the country. See what children's hospitals are doing by searching #CHIweek on Facebook and Twitter.
