Child and Maternal Health |
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Kids need to be able to see a doctor, nutritious foods and exercise, and a healthy environment to thrive, right from the start.
Each child brings the promise of a healthier, stronger future for Texas. To make good on that promise, Texas needs to make sure children can grow up healthy, from the prenatal period all the way through their teenage years. Kids need to be able to see a doctor; have good nutrition, ample rest, and opportunities to run and play; and get the sort of care that prevents problems later in life. Communities, families, schools, and child care settings all can help ensure a healthy start.
What Texas can do and why it matters:
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Promote maternal and infant health so Texans get the right start in life.Since 2000, the infant mortality rate nationwide has remained virtually unchanged. But, here in Texas, more infants are entering the world in poor health—and even losing their lives. More »
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Be sure children can see a doctor in a doctor's office.Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children of any state. About 1 out of every 5 Texas kids has no health coverage, at great expense to taxpayers and families alike. More »
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See that kids get the exercise and healthy food they need.Texas is the state with the largest gap in child health between those with the most resources and those with the least. Obesity, which can cause a host of health problems, is a big factor: one third of Texas children are overweight or obese, and Texas has the nation's highest obesity rate for girls. More »
More:
Join one of our Child Health Coalitions:
See Child and Maternal Health Blog Posts
Review key Child and Maternal Health Publications and Resources
Learn about state Child and Maternal Health Laws from our Legislative Recaps
See our past Testimony on Child and Maternal Health
Review the Texas Legislature's Interim Charges to Study Child and Maternal Health
Become a member and allocate your gift to our Child and Maternal Health Promise Fund
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