Child Health Matters...A Child Health Action Kit

Introduction
Voices for Children of Greater Cleveland believes that when provided with information and resources, community members are more likely to raise their voices for Ohio’s children. That is why we are investing time and resources to develop Child Health Action Policy Groups around Ohio. By working with partners, we will build broad-based public support to ensure that the health of Ohio’s children is everyone’s priority. The purpose of the Child Health Action Policy Groups is to elevate child health advocacy through increasing visibility on the issues, engage stakeholders in meaningful action, and impact health policy to the betterment of Ohio’s children.

On a practical level, Voices will provide education, data, and advocacy networks that can answer the need of policy makers, the media, and families who need child health services.

Voices for Children is guided in the development of our child health agenda and advocacy efforts by the following core beliefs:

Children deserve a healthy start in life including quality, timely prenatal care, well-baby care, immunizations and ongoing health care to assure optimal growth and development.

Health is comprehensive, including mind, body, and spirit (physical, mental, social, emotional, dental, vision, and a safe environment).

A child’s health impacts his or her future success. A healthy child is more likely to reach his or her potential as a student, employee, taxpayer, and leader, and to contribute to Ohio’s economy.

Families, health providers, communities, schools, and policy makers all contribute to the health of our children.

This action kit is designed to inform community members about key issues so that they can become involved and invested in improving the health of Ohio’s children.