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Children’s HealthWatch is a nonpartisan network of pediatricians, public health researchers, and children’s health and policy experts committed to improving children’s health in America.

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Campaign pushes to make housing a priority for homeless

Originally published on Arkansas Catholic. WASHINGTON — For years, Dominican Sister Donna Markham, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, has said it’s a scandal that millions of American families are struggling to find a stable…
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Dr. Megan Sandel Interviewed By BBC Radio

On February 5th, Dr. Megan Sandel, Co-Lead Principal Investigator at Children's HealthWatch, was interviewed by BBC Radio's Rod Sharp on homeless students reaching a new high in the United States.
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As I See It: Healthy Incentives Program worth year-round investment

Originally published on Telegram & Gazette. As we pass winter’s midpoint here in Worcester, thoughts of local farms and fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables may be far from the average person’s mind. For the customers of the REC…
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Bill designed to allow families to save, not lose assistance

Originally published on The Porterville Reporter. U.S. Representative T.J. Cox-D has introduced a bill designed to help low income families to continue to be able to save money while not losing eligibility for public assistance programs. The…
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Dr. Deborah Frank's Speech Featured During SNAP Gap Lobby Day

On February 11th, a video of a speech by Dr. Deborah Frank, Founder of Children's HealthWatch, was featured at the Massachusetts State House during the SNAP Gap Lobby Day. 
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Dr. Megan Sandel's Testimony Before The House Of Representative's Committee On Oversight And Reform

On February 5th, the House of Representative's Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing on “A Threat to America’s Children: The Trump Administration’s Proposal to Gut Fair Housing…
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Number of Homeless Students Rises to New High, Report Says

Originally published on The New York Times. Some children lost a stable home when a parent succumbed to opioid addiction. Others were forced to stay in hotels after hurricanes or fires destroyed their homes. Still others fled abuse or neglect. More…
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Congressman McGovern Gives A Speech In Honor Of Dr. Deborah Frank

Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts gave a speech on the House of Representatives floor on January 15, 2020 to honor Dr. Deborah Frank, Founder of Children's HealthWatch, for her extensive career and her commitment to improve child health…
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Children’s HealthWatch’s Public Comment To Oppose SSA's NPRM on “Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews”

On January 27th, Children’s HealthWatch submitted a public comment strongly opposing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on “Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability…

Our Policy Focus Areas

Children’s HealthWatch research and policy analysis specifically focuses on the child health and developmental impacts of economic hardships with a particular focus on food insecurity, unstable housing, health care hardships and inability to afford adequate household energy.

  • Food Security

    Consistent access to food for all family members is crucial for ensuring children are healthy. Food and nutrition assistance programs are an essential cornerstone in supporting the health and well-being of low-income families. To read our SNAP/Farm Bill 2018 Legislative Priorities, click here.

  • Housing Stability

    Stable housing supports healthy growth and development among young children, and means families are not behind on rent, moving frequently, doubled up, overcrowded, or homeless. Policies that create affordable housing options that provide access to safe, stable housing help ensure young children and their families can thrive and be successful in life.

  • Energy Security

    Maintaining consistent utility services so homes are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer is critical for children’s health and safety. Energy supports protect families from the harmful health effects of having their utilities shut off.

  • Health Care Hardships

    When families are forced to choose between paying for health care, such as medical care and prescriptions, and other basic needs such as food, rent, child care, or utility bills, that decision can have an effect on the health and wellbeing of young children. Providing supports necessary to care for children, especially those with special health care needs, is crucial for improving child health.

  • Poverty

    Alleviating economic hardships for families with young children will require comprehensive policy solutions including improvements to nutrition assistance programs, increasing access to affordable housing, providing energy assistance, making work pay through reducing cliff effects and increasing  and expanding access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, providing affordable child care to all children, and supporting the health and development of all children.

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