Hospitals on a national initiative to improve safe sleep recently came together and shared successes and lessons-learned. Here, find their highest-rated strategies for driving meaningful change, all of which reflect early successes in their work. Hospitals seeking to improve safe sleep education can refer to this list as a place to start and guide for gaining quick wins.
North Carolina Has a Plan to Address Social Determinants of Health Health is about more than health care. That's why North Carolina is developing a system that connects individuals with resources to address social, economic and environmental barriers to their health—such as housing, food insecurity, and transportation. Learn how they're improving health outcomes by putting funding and policy efforts into addressing social determinants of health.
“The Act of Making a Referral is Not Enough” Universal developmental screenings can help identify children at risk for developmental delays so they can reach their full potential. An effective screening process relies on successful referrals though—without a referral, families can never access the supports the child may need. Here, Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, provides five steps to build a referral process that works.
Promising Practices for Eliminating Disparities in Sleep-Related Infant Deaths Individuals and organizations across the country have designed innovative programs, state and national campaigns, and educational materials tailored to populations living in underserved communities that experience barriers to practicing safe sleep. Together, their work provides a vital roadmap for others seeking to drive community, state and national change. Read about nine promising practices you can use in your work.
Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans, predominantly those of African descent, and can cause severe episodes of pain and result in stroke and organ damage. Medical advancements and improvements in care have contributed to a dramatic increase in life expectancy. Yet, a multiyear national study showed that a majority of sickle cell disease patients miss follow-up appointments for their care—appointments that have the potential to improve their overall health.
Interested in supporting change? Take these two actions:
Sign up to join a network of stakeholders exploring what can be done to make it easier for all individuals with sickle cell disease to attend recommended appointments.
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, NICHQ Senior Analyst Meera Menon shares what brought her to NICHQ and how data, research and evaluation support NICHQ's quality improvement projects.
In Case You Missed It
Updated Safe Sleep and Breastfeeding Video Quiz: We've updated our safe sleep video quiz to include recommendations about safe breastfeeding. Use the interactive tool to inspire your conversations about safe sleep and breastfeeding with families, whether in the hospital, through home-visiting services, or during a well-child visit.
We're growing! NICHQ recently added innovative new thinkers and doers to our team. Check out our team page to see what inspires their work to improve children's health. Interested in joining us? View our open positions.
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