I do recognize that our community has many challenges at this time. One good news related to our work on “access”…over 96% of children in NC have health insurance (public and private). I want to thank you all for your collaboration over the years. See the 2017 Child Health Report Cardfor other areas of success and concern.
The article below focuses on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). I share as an issue related to children’s health and what we may be able to do to ameliorate the stress (PTSD) our children live with daily. Note that I am not an expert on immigration policy; but I do know children’s health and the effects of toxic stress on child development.
Kind regards,
Norma
Norma Martí
Health Check (Medicaid for Children)/ NC Health Choice Minority Outreach
Division of Public Health, Children & Youth Branch
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers
Dear colleagues,
Please read below for another powerful example of how physicians can effectively advocate for child health. Our Seattle pediatric resident, Mike McNeil, just published a touching and compelling op-ed about the devastating short- and long-term impact that deportation has on children of immigrants in America. He shares his story of diagnosing PTSD in a 5-year old who witnessed his father being apprehended and deported. He explains the long-lasting harm on child health from such adverse child experiences, and describes the disparities in child education and cognitive development faced by these children.
http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/our-deportation-policies-harm-the-children-left-behind/
The power of Mike’s story lies in his focus on and commitment to child health as a pediatrician and father. Please share with others to encourage them to share their stories with the public.
This is a great reminder that we each have a role, especially clinicians on the frontline of care for children of immigrant families, to bear witness to the impact of deportation and xenophobia on child health that is otherwise hidden from the public.
Thanks, Mike!
Suzinne
spakgor@uw.edu
Alianza Latina Pro-Educación en Salud
email: alpesnc@gmail.com
website: www.alpesnc.org
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