Health

Health care is critical for children’s growth and development. The federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid provide quality, affordable care for millions of children who would otherwise be uninsured. Thanks largely to CHIP, the rate of uninsurance among children has dropped to record lows, and First Focus is committed to protecting this success story.
Resources
Free school meals are a clear win for children & families
Erin Greenstein | August 10, 2022 |
School nutrition is a vital part of a child’s education and their overall health, well-being, and development. Without the proper nutrients, students are more …
Fact Sheet: The High Cost of Prescription Drugs & the Impact on Children
Olivia Gomez | August 3, 2022 |
Background Americans pay nearly double, and sometimes triple, the cost of prescription drugs compared to other industrialized nations. Children are not immune to this …
Statement: “Truth-telling” is first step to justice for children in treatment centers
Michele Kayal | July 27, 2022 |
In response to the investigation of children’s treatment centers launched by Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), First Focus on Children President …
New report shows uninsured children could double — Black, Latino children to lead the loss
Michele Kayal | July 18, 2022 |
Medicaid has long been the largest insurer of American children, with more than 35 million enrolled. The pandemic increased those numbers — and children’s urgent …
Issue Brief: The Need to Incorporate Children, Youth, and Adolescents into State 988 Systems
Averi Pakulis, Elaine Dalpiaz, Olivia Gomez | July 14, 2022 |
States are currently in the process of implementing the 988 National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, passed by Congress and signed into law in October …
Joint Letter: Thank you for convening a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
| June 28, 2022 |
First Focus on Children sent this letter signed by 27 additional organizations to President Biden and Ambassador Susan Rice to thank them for their …
Letter: 2022 HHS Environmental Justice Strategy & Implementation Plan Draft
| June 17, 2022 |
First Focus on Children sent the following letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Beccera in response to the request for information …
Statement: 5-and-under vaccine recommendation is “good first step
Michele Kayal | June 16, 2022 |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory committee today recommended the authorization of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in children 5 and under. The panel is expected …
Julie Beckett’s Legacy Lives On
Carrie Fitzgerald, First Focus Campaign for Children | June 10, 2022 |
The loss of Julie Beckett, who passed away on May 13th in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was felt across the country. Individuals, families, current and …
Comment on proposed changes to the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey
| May 18, 2022 |
First Focus on Children submitted the following comment to the Office of Management and Budget to stress the need for long-term access to frequent …