HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH & NUTRITION

Creating stronger linkages across the four ovals and, in particular, between health practitioners and other community services, is critical to promoting healthy child development and school readiness.  The Health, Mental Health And Nutrition Section of the Build Initiative web site includes a variety of publications highlighting innovative policies and evidence-based practices to support healthy development of young children.

Research indicates that for children to thrive and be ready for school by age six they must first reach critical benchmarks in health and well-being.  Families and communities are the primary source of support for children to reach these benchmarks.  However, they are augmented in important ways by several support systems including primary and preventive health care, early identification and treatment of special needs, and quality care and supervision.  In the US today, the lack of a coordinated, systemic response in each of these areas makes it more difficult for families and communities to help their children thrive.

Research is clear that access to comprehensive, preventive, and developmental well-child care can affect the trajectory of children’s health over the lifespan.  Research shows that ensuring optimal healthy child development involves health insurance coverage, access to primary health services, and identification and referral of children to other systems when serious developmental needs are identified.

Health, Mental Health and Nutrition Sections:

Health and School Readiness | Health Policy | Social-Emotional Development