Saving Babies Takes a Community American Indian, Alaskan Native and non-Hispanic black babies are most likely to die from sleep-related causes, and face the highest rates of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID). By partnering with communities of color, public health initiatives can give families opportunities to learn about safe sleep from trusted members of their community who share their lived experience. Here, find six strategies for engaging community partners and collaborating to raise awareness.
Well-Child Visits Can Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships Strong parent-child relationships during the early years of life not only foster healthy brain development, but also protect the brain against the harmful effects of toxic stress that might arise from adverse childhood experiences. Learn about a program that pediatric health professionals can integrate into their visits to enhance healthy parent-child relationships, and support children’s cognitive and social and emotional development.
Health Professionals Need to Talk to Families About Swaddling Swaddling babies snuggly in a blanket mimics the confines of the womb and can comfort babies and promote sleep. However, when families don’t swaddle properly, it has the potential to become risky and result in injury and possible death. By improving conversations with caregivers, health professionals can help reduce risks and support tired parents. Here, find four points to cover in your conversations.
Providing Developmental Screenings and Services in Rural Communities Families in rural communities across the country face unique barriers to supporting their children’s developmental health and well-being. In this article, learn how community coalitions in Alaska are connecting families to needed supports and services so more rural children can start school ready to succeed.
How can we improve children's health outcomes? By developing comprehensive systems that can better support the health and well-being of children and families. Systems that encourage collaboration and communication between different sectors and stakeholders. Systems that account for the many social determinants that affect children’s health—housing, food insecurity, and racism, to name just a few.
This from NICHQ CEO Scott D. Berns, MD, MPH, FAAP, in a recent NICHQ video. Watch it here and learn what drives our work to improve health outcomes for all children across the country.
In Case You Missed It
Employee Spotlight: In recognition of 20 yearsof work fueled by incredible people, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee every month—asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. Here, read what NICHQ Executive Project Director Pat Heinrich, RN, MSN, CLE, shared.
Take our survey and get the tools you need: Tell us what kind of NEW training, tool, or resource NICHQ could develop to best support the work you have ahead. Take the survey.
We’ve set our sights on raising $200,000 to celebrate our 20th anniversary by changing children’s lives. Help us reach our goal so that we can give all children a better start. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in our work to improve children’s health. Donate today!
National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 30 Winter Street, 6th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, United States, 617-391-2700