Health Advocacy

KidsHealth Asthma Center

KidsHealth, from Nemours, provides a comprehensive collection of content on asthma basics and management, including articles, patient profiles and tools like asthma action plans, diaries, dictionaries, movies and sound effects. Much of the content and videos are also available in Spanish.

• KidsHealth Asthma Center (for Parents)
• KidsHealth Asthma Center (for Kids)
• KidsHealth Asthma Center (for Teens)

For Patients & Families

Asthma Action Plan

This printable plan from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ National Institute of Health can help patients and their families keep asthma under control. A second page features tips on avoiding asthma triggers. Download PDF »

Asthma Flare-Ups Instruction Sheet

KidsHealth.org offers this printout, with concise information to help parents understand asthma attacks: the signs and symptoms, what to do and how to prevent them from happening. View Printout »

Help Your Child Gain Control Over Asthma

Easy-to-understand advice and information for parents, from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the CDC and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ National Institute of Health. Download PDF »

You Can Control Your Asthma: A Guide to Understanding Asthma and Its Triggers

The CDC offers this eight-page brochure to educate families about asthma. Download PDF »

National Organizations

• American Lung Association (ALA)

  The ALA works with a number of asthma experts and organizations to identify policy changes that could make a real difference in the fight against asthma. This link is to their Asthma Advocacy Page. Learn More »

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

  A nonprofit organization founded in 1953, the AAFA is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. Learn More »

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Asthma

  This site features a variety of asthma articles, podcasts, videos and brochures geared toward specific audiences:

  • Health Care Professionals
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Parents
  • Children
  • Researchers
  • School & Child Care Providers

• National Asthma Education and Prevention Program

  This website (from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) offers information and resources about asthma for health professionals, patients and the public. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic

  This regional wing of the ALA serves Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Features of their asthma program include camps, Asthma Olympics and Open Airways (which targets 8- to 11-year-olds “with particular sensitivity to the needs of lower-literacy and multi-cultural children”). Learn More »

• Mid-Atlantic Regional Asthma Initiative (MARAN)

  MARAN is a stakeholder-driven network involving a vast array of Mid-Atlantic professionals, organizations and educational institutions with a vested interest in addressing the critical issues in prevention and care of asthma. Learn More »

• Clean Air Council (CAC)

  CAC is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council works through public education, community advocacy and government oversight to make sure environmental laws are enforced. Learn More »

• Pennsylvania Asthma Partnership (PAP)

  PAP is a diverse, multi-disciplinary partnership of agencies, organizations and individuals in the Commonwealth concerned with asthma. PAP is managed by the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Florida Department of Health

  A division dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and safety of all Floridians. This site includes a comprehensive guide to asthma resources in Florida. Learn More »

• American Lung Association in Florida

  A leading organization in the state that funds vital research on lung disease cures, provides education and support programs to both adults and children and advocates for stronger air laws and tobacco prevention and education at the capital. 

National Organizations

• American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Initiative

  Provides helpful links to resources and information for health professionals and patients, AAP initiatives. Learn More »
  
  

• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

  A worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation. Learn More »

• The CDC Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions (PDF)

  Resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn More »
  
  

• International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)

  Worldwide network of lactation professionals who care for breastfeeding families. Find a Lactation Consultant in your area through the directory, updated every two weeks. Learn More »

• La Leche League International

  Helps mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Learn More »

• LactMed Drugs and Lactation Database

  Searchable website from the National Library of Medicine for the latest information on medications and breastfeeding. Learn More »
  
  

• National Women's Health Information Center Breastfeeding Page

  A National Breastfeeding Helpline, staffed by trained breastfeeding peer counselors in both English and Spanish. Learn More »
  
  

• United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)

  An independent nonprofit coalition of more than 40 nationally influential professional, educational and governmental organizations, that share a common mission to improve the Nation’s health by working collaboratively to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Learn More »

• HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding (PDF)

  Resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000. Learn More »
  
  

• Wellstart International

  View their Breastfeeding Links page, which includes videos, power point presentations and more on lactation management and breastfeeding promotion. Learn More » | View Breastfeeding Links »
  
  

• Baby-Friendly Website

  Information on how to receive accreditation for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States. Learn More »
  
  

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

  • Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in WIC
  • WIC Fact Sheet (PDF)

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Breastfeeding Resource Center

  Abington, Pa., Outpatient lactation visits and brown bag seminars on breastfeeding; sliding scale fees adjusted based on financial need. Learn More »

• Maternity Care Coalition - Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign

  A Pennsylvania nonprofit organization serving mothers and their children for over 25 years; breastfeeding information for families, health care professionals and advocates. Learn More »

• Pennsylvania Department of Health

  • Breastfeeding Awareness and Support Program
    Free posters for waiting area. The Health Baby Line: (800) 986-BABY (2229)
  • Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition
    Established in 1992, the mission of the coalition is to facilitate community and statewide efforts to protect, support and promote breastfeeding as the cultural norm across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health

  • The Division of Maternal, Child and Family Health
    Breastfeeding promotion, support and resources.
  • Breastfeeding & Returning to Work (PDF)

Florida Organizations

• Florida Breastfeeding Coalition

  The FBC is a statewide group of individuals, businesses and organizations with the following mission: to improve the health of Floridians by working collaboratively to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Learn More »

• Breastfeeding Coalition of Palm Beach, Fla.

  Works to ensure a strong, positive climate of breastfeeding promotion, education and support through continued coordination of activities utilizing varied resources and a cooperative network of community individuals, organizations and agencies. Learn More »

Legislation

• National Conference of State Legislators: Breastfeeding Laws

  Provides up-to-date information on states with breastfeeding legislation. Learn More »

  Search for bills/legislation, consider these:

  • GovTrack.usLegislation Search
    Search and browse U.S. legislation. Links to bills, lists of cosponsors and more.
  • Pennsylvania General Assembly Bill Search
    Search for Pennsylvania bills.

• Women's Law Project

  Overview of breastfeeding/expressing breast milk laws (including Philadelphia's ordinance). Learn More »

• Pregnancy Ordinance

  Local Law in Philadelphia that applies to pregnancy discrimination. Learn More »

National Organizations

• American Academy of Pediatrics

  View their resource page on Child Abuse and Neglect. Learn More »

• The National Children's Advocacy Center

  The NCAC models, promotes and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through service, education and leadership. For Professionals »

• National Children's Alliance

  NCA empowers local communities to provide comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse. Learn More About NCA and Purpose »

• Prevent Child Abuse America

  Since 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) has led the way in building awareness, providing education and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. Go to Prevent Child Abuse America »
  Position Statement (PDF) »

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Welfare Information Gateway

  Resources about child maltreatment, including definitions, signs and symptoms, statistics and prevalence, types of child abuse and neglect, risk and protective factors, the impact on individuals and society, and child fatalities. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Child Abuse Prevention Effort

  Based in Philadelphia. Mission: Prevention of child abuse and neglect through direct intervention with the community and families who need assistance and guidance.

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Philadelphia

  The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Philadelphia is to train and support community volunteers to advocate for the health, safety, stability and well-being of abused and neglected children. Learn More »

• Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

  The ChildLine and Abuse Registry Intake Unit: (800) 932-0313. Available 24 hours to receive reports of suspected child abuse.

• Support Center for Child Advocates: Philadelphia

  Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Florida Department of Health

  Florida Department of Health works to identify and develop resources to promote the safety and well-being of Florida's children through actions and services to prevent child abuse and the exposure of children to violence. Learn More »

• Florida Department of Children and Families Child Abuse Hotline

  This abuse hotline serves as the central reporting center for allegations of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation for all children and vulnerable adults in Florida. The Hotline receives calls, faxes and web-based reports from citizens and professionals with concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation on children and vulnerable adults in Florida. Learn More »

• Prevent Child Abuse Florida

  The Ounce of Prevention Fund’s Prevention Services unit, also referred to as Prevent Child Abuse Florida (PCA Florida) implements primary prevention activities and advocates for policies and initiatives to strengthen Florida’s families and communities so children can grow and develop through healthy, safe and nurturing experiences. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• 'Understanding the Behavioral and Emotional Consequences of Child Abuse'

  Pediatrics. Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. (2008; 122:667-673). Learn More »

• 'Child Abuse and Neglect NY Times Articles'

  The New York Times Company. 2017. Learn More »

Legislation

• U.S. Bill HR 911: Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009

  Passed in the House in 2009-2010 session. Learn More »

  To search for bills/legislation, consider these:

  • Govtrack.us Legislation Search
    Search and browse U.S. legislation. Links to bills, lists of cosponsors and more.
  • Pennsylvania General Assembly Bill Search
    Search for Pennsylvania bills.

National Organizations

• The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ)

  RWJF funds efforts at the community, state and federal level to change public policies and local environments in ways that promote increased physical activity and improved nutrition for children, both of which are critical to reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Nemours Health & Prevention Services

  NHPS works with families and community partners to help kids grow up healthy — and is taking a leading role in childhood obesity prevention. Learn More »

   

• Make School a Moving Experience

  Make School a Moving Experience helps school staff and after school care providers work toward the goal of incorporating 150 minutes of physical activity into the school week for elementary students. Learn More »

• 5-2-1-Almost None

  5-2-1-Almost None provides a simple formula for a healthy lifestyle. Learn More »

• The Healthy Corner Store Initiative and The Food Trust

  Committed to improving people's health and eliminating malnutrition by ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and nutrition education. Operates low cost, fresh food farmer's markets throughout Philadelphia. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Healthy Habits for Life:

  The Healthy Habits for Life Child Care Resource Kit is a comprehensive tool to help caregivers integrate nutrition and physical activity into child care programs. 

• East Central Florida Childhood Obesity Consortium:

  A regional childhood obesity consortium working to prevent childhood obesity through collaborative community action that fosters necessary social change in the East Central Florida Region. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• 'Overweight Children and Adolescents'

  New England Journal of Medicine. By William H. Dietz, MD, PhD and Thomas N. Robinson, MD, MPH. Published in 2005;352:2100-9. Learn More »

• Kimberly Garrison: 'Fight Childhood Obesity with Simple Food Tips'

  The Philadelphia Inquirer. Learn More »

• NEJM Perspective piece on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines

  Download PDF »

• The Obesity Epidemic in the United States

  Gender, Age, Socioeconomic, Racial/Ethnic, and Geographic Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis. By Y. Wang and M.A. Beydoun Epidemiol Rev 2007; 29:6-28. Download PDF »

• How Restaurants Prepare Meals

  Download PDF »

National Organizations

• The National Center for Medical Home Implementation

  Part of the AAP. Includes a definition of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) and many links to related websites and articles (explore the top menu bars). Learn More »

• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

  Maternal and Child Health Bureau — part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Achieving and Measuring Success: A National Agenda for Children With Special Health Care Needs. Learn More »

• Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health

  CSHCN definition, demographics, survey and screening. Learn More »

• Elwyn

  Elwyn, one of the nation’s first schools for children with intellectual disabilities, supports individuals with diverse challenges in shaping distinctive, meaningful lives. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• City of Philadelphia: Public Health

  Maternal, Child, and Family Health Division of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs. Learn More »

• HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

  Day and residential school in Philadelphia for students up to age 21 who have severe, multiple disabilities usually resulting from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other neurological impairment. Learn More »

• The Health Intervention Program for Families (HIP)

  Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, within the Division of Maternal, Child and Family Health. Provides home visiting and other support to families with infants and children who have special health care needs. Learn More »

• Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania

  Easter Seals helps the government and citizens to understand and act on policies, programs and legislation impacting people with disabilities. Learn More »

• Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania

  Mission to advance, protect and advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Learn More »

• Child Link

  Early intervention service coordination program for children, birth to age 3 with developmental delays and disabilities. Learn More »

• Elwyn

  Elwyn, one of the nation’s first schools for children with intellectual disabilities, supports individuals with diverse challenges in shaping distinctive, meaningful lives. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Children’s Medical Services

  A collection of family-centered programs designed to help children with a variety of conditions and special needs. Learn More »

• Florida Healthy Start Coalition

  Healthy Start is dedicated to strengthening maternal and child health by ensuring that all Florida families have access to a continuum of affordable and quality health and related services and advocating for public policy initiatives to facilitate those services. Learn More »

• The Arc of Florida

  The Arc works with local, state and national partners and advocates for people with mental retardation, autism, spina bifida, cerebral palsy (CP), Prader-Willi syndrome and other developmental disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community. Learn More »

National Organizations

• Association of American Medical Colleges

  The Final Report of the AAMC Task Force on Industry Funding of Medical Education examines the benefits and pitfalls associated with industry funding of medical education, and offers principles, recommendations, and guidelines to assist members in refashioning industry relationships to better conform to high standards of medical professionalism. Learn More » | Go to Industry Funding of Medical Education »

• Institute on Medicine as a Profession at Columbia University

  • Conflicts of Interest
  • The Best Conflict of Interest Policies at Academic Medical Centers (PDF)

• No Free Lunch

  This not-for-profit organization is incorporated in the State of New York as the Corporation for Non-Promotion-Based Medicine. The organization and website are under the direction of Bob Goodman, MD, a general internist practicing in New York City.

Related Articles & Video

• 'Controlling Conflict of Interest - Proposals from the Institute of Medicine'

  New England Journal of Medicine. A Perspective Piece that summarizes the Institute on Medicine's Conflict of Interest statement. Learn More »

• 'Probing Doctors' Ties to Industry'

  The Washington Post. Learn More »

• Promoting Change at American Medical Colleges and Other Health Care Organizations

  Web-Based Curriculum on Conflict of Interest from the Institute on Medicine as a Profession, Columbia University. Learn More »

National Organizations

• Academy of General Dentistry

  Read an Academy of General Dentistry White Paper on Increasing Access to and Utilization of Oral Health Care Services. Learn More » | Download PDF »

• The Childrens' Dental Health Project

  Founded in 1997, the Children's Dental Health Project is a national non-profit organization with the vision of achieving equity in children's oral health. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY)

  PCCY has developed an Oral Health Resource Guide to help parents, counselors, health care providers and others who care for children access oral health care resources in Philadelphia. The guide lists over 50 practices in the city that provide services to children. Resource guides are printed in both English and Spanish. Learn More »

  Oral Health Resource Guide

  • English Version (PDF)
  • Spanish Version (PDF)

• Delaware Medicaid and Medical Assistance

  Delaware Medical Assistance has compiled a List of Dentists enrolled in the Delaware Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). These programs offer comprehensive dental care for children and adolescents. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Public Health Dental Program

  Leads the Department of Health's efforts to improve and maintain the oral health of Florida's citizens by promoting and developing quality, cost-effective community and school-based preventive, educational and treatment programs which emphasize elimination of oral health disparities. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• "Hidden Rations: Why Poor Kids Can't Find a Dentist"

  Slate. Based on a true story of a child who could not access dental care, by Anne Alstott, Jacquin D. Bierman professor at the Yale Law School. Learn More »

• "Preventive Dental Care for Children in the United States: A National Perspective"

  Pediatrics. By Lewis et al, free on-line article based on the National Survey of Children's Health in Pediatrics. Learn More »

Legislation

• The Kaiser Family Foundation Children's Oral Health Benefits Brief

  This brief examines a new requirement under the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 that state CHIP programs cover comprehensive dental benefits. The reauthorization law also allows states with separate CHIP programs to offer a dental-only plan for children who have other health insurance but lack adequate dental benefits. Other oral health improvements in the law include education for new parents, better access to benefit and provider information and enhanced reporting on the quality of dental health services in Medicaid and CHIP. Download PDF »

National Organizations

• The Clean Air Council

  The Clean Air Council is a member-supported, nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council works through public education, community advocacy and government oversight to ensure enforcement of environmental laws. Learn More »

• Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit

  Physicians for Social Responsibility and the AAP. Learn More »

Related Articles 

• The Physician’s Response to Climate Change

  Mona Sarfaty, MD; Safiya Abouzaid, PharmD. Download PDF »

• Committee on Environmental Health Global Climate Change and Children's Health

  Pediatrics, Nov 2007; 120: 1149 - 1152. Download PDF »

• Climate Change and Children

  Pediatric Clinics of North America. April 2007, Pages 213-226. Kristie L. Ebi, Jerome A. Paulson. Download PDF »

• The Use of the Internet for Children’s Health and the Environment

  Pediatric Clinics of North America, February 2007, Pages 135.e1-135.e39Jerome A. Paulson, Stacey J. Arnesen: a 19-page article on internet resources on environmental health. Download PDF »

• Pediatric Advocacy (and Environmental Health)

  Pediatric Clinics of North America. October 2001, Pages 1307-1318. Jerome A. Paulson. Download PDF »

• Impact of Regional Climate Change on Human Health

  Jonathan A. Patz, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, Tracey Holloway & Jonathan A Foley. Nature. November 2005. Download PDF »

Numerous studies over the past two decades have documented racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care. Surveys of the public and of health care providers have revealed little awareness of these disparities. In addition to raising awareness, the challenge facing researchers, policymakers and health care providers is to identify and disentangle the many complex factors that account for racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care, so that the sources of inequity can be addressed.

National Organizations

• The Kaiser Family Foundation: Minority Health: Racial Disparities

  A leader in health policy and communications, the Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation focusing on the major health care issues facing the U.S., as well as the U.S. role in global health policy. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• “Closing the Gap”

  is a grant program to stimulate the development of community and neighborhood-based organizations in Florida to improve health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations and promote disease prevention activities. Learn More »

• Florida Healthy People

  The Florida Healthy People 2010 Minority Health Report includes information on Florida’s status regarding health disparities, Florida’s efforts to increase minorities in health professions and the progress of Florida’s minority physician network. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• Health Care Gap Persists for Minority Women

  Los Angeles Times. LA County report finds higher mortality rate among Black women, less access to care among Latinas and lower rates of preventative care among Asians. Obesity rates went up countywide since 2005. Learn More »

• Excerpt From White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

  By Peggy McIntosh, associate director of the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women. Download PDF.

• Video: A Gardener's Tale

  Dr. Camara Jones of the CDC describes three types of racism, institutional racism, personally-mediated racism, internalized racism. In a 2002 videotaped interview for the CityMatCH Annual Urban MCH Leadership Conference, Dr. Jones shared a simple yet remarkably profound allegory she grew and nurtured to help people come to a place of understanding about the many layers and nuances of institutionalized, personally-mediated and internalized racism. View Video »

• Video: Unnatural Causes PBS Series on Infant Mortality and Race

  Why do infant mortality rates among African Americans remain more than twice as high as among white Americans? Although birth outcomes are generally better for those with higher education and income, Black women with college degrees are still more likely to give birth prematurely than white women who haven’t even finished high school. Researchers are circling in on a provocative explanation: the chronic stress of racism can become embedded in the body, taking a heavy toll on African American families and on children even before they leave the womb. View Video »
  View also this segment: Kim Anderson’s Story »

• Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Race

  Background readings developed by the 3-part documentary 'Race: the Power of Illusion', by California Newsreel. Learn More »

National Organizations

• Healthy Foster Care America

  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates that all children, including children in foster care, should have a medical home that is accessible, and provides continuous care over time, comprehensive, child-centered, coordinated, compassionate and culturally effective. Learn More »

• Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)

  CWLA aims to lead the nation in building public will to ensure safety, permanence and well-being of children, youth and their families by advancing public policy, defining and promoting practice excellence and delivering superior membership services. View their page on the Foster Care Independence Act. Learn More »

• DHHS Child Welfare Information Gateway: Out-of-Home Care

  Information about different types of settings children may be placed in when removed from their families. Learn More »

• Legal Issues for Children Living in Foster Care

  Resources and information for youth in foster care and for judges and others who work with youth regarding their rights. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• The Nemours Foster Care Health Program

  This program at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., promotes the health and well-being of children and teens in foster care by providing initial evaluations, care coordination, preventive care and provision of a medical home for children with chronic illness, developmental or behavioral challenges, or other health issues. Download PDF »

• The Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth & Family Services

  A statewide organization of private agencies, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania's children, youth and families who are at risk by supporting and promoting an accessible service delivery system within our communities. Learn More »

• Department of Human Services

  Information and resources to provide and promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children and youth at risk of abuse, neglect and delinquency. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Children’s Home Society of Florida

  CHS delivers a unique spectrum of social services designed to protect children at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment; to strengthen and stabilize families; to help young people break the cycle of abuse and neglect; and to find safe, loving homes for children. Learn More »

• Florida Department of Children & Families

  The Department of Children & Families is one of the state agencies charged with assisting abused and neglected children by providing support services to children and their families, and, in some cases, providing a place outside of the home for children to live while their family problems are resolved. Learn More »

Health literacy is the ability to understand and use information to make appropriate health decisions. The average adult reading level in the U.S. is eighth to ninth grade, which means that many parents may have difficulty understanding crucial information related to their children’s health, such as patient/health education materials, discharge instructions and pill bottle directions.

The health literacy resources below can help physicians improve communication with parents and children, so families can get the knowledge they need to manage conditions, take advantage of preventive services and develop healthy habits. Children’s literacy is also vital to lifelong wellness, so be sure to check out the health topic resources for Reading Readiness.

National Organizations

• Free Online Course on Health Literacy

  From the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. Unified Health Communication (UHC): Addressing Health Literacy, Cultural Competency and Limited English Proficiency is free, on-line, go-at-your-own-pace training that has helped more than 4,000 health care professionals and students improve patient-provider communication. Learn More »

• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Health Communication

  Provides resources to help patients obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Learn More »

• The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Community Pediatrics

  Works to improve the health of all children and families in their communities, reduce health disparities and promote health equity as a basic right. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• Video: Institute of Medicine Health Literacy

  This video provides an overview of the findings from the 2003 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on health literacy. Watch Video »

• Video: American College of Physicians Foundation: Health Literacy

  Interviews with everyday Americans struggling to understand their medical paperwork. Watch Video »

• 'Literacy and Health Outcomes'

  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Research findings on two key questions: Are literacy skills related to health outcomes and disparities? For individuals with low literacy skills, what are effective interventions related to health care? Watch Video »

 

 

 

 

National Organizations

• National Healthcare Disparities Report

  Kaiser Family Foundation provides this report tracks disparities in both quality of and access to health care. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Health Care for Immigrants

  The Pennsylvania Health Law Project provides information on health care coverage for immigrants in Pennsylvania. Learn More »

• Immigration/Refugee Services

  The Children's Advocacy Project for Philadelphia (CAP4KIDS) provides local resources for families. Learn More »

• Nationalities Services Center

  The mission of this organization is to help immigrants and refugees participate fully in American society, and provides social services, English as a second language, protecting the legal rights of immigrants/refugees, eliminating barriers caused by language and cultural differences, and assistance with the immigration and naturalization process. Learn More »

• Intercultural Family Services

  Committed to serving the needs of children and families that have immigrated to Philadelphia from countries around the world; offers SCOH services, family preservation, ESL, housing counseling and more. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Florida Association of Community Health Centers

  Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Migrant Health Center program provides support to health centers to deliver comprehensive, high quality, culturally-competent preventive and primary health services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• 'Health Care Debate Focuses on Legal Immigrants'

  New York Times. Article on health care reform as it applies to immigrants. Learn More »

National Organizations

• American Academy of Pediatrics

  • AAP Media Guide for Health Care Professionals
  • AAP Violence Prevention

• TV Rating System

  From the TV Industry. Learn More »

• Game Ratings & Descriptor Guide

  From Entertainment Software Rating Board. Learn More »

• Film Ratings

  From the Motion Picture Association of America. Learn More »

• Common Sense Media

  A resource for families that provides ratings by age for television programs and movies. Learn More »

Legislation

• HR 2924: Presidential Commission to Study the Culture and Glorification of Violence in America Act

  Learn More »

National Organizations

• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children (WIC)

  A federally funded program that provides healthy supplemental foods and nutrition services for pregnant women, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under age five in a supportive environment.

  • Federal WIC FAQs
  • About WIC

• Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program: Understanding SSI for Children

  Provides Supplemental income for blind or disabled children. Learn More »

• Medicaid At-a-Glance

  U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services document from 2005. Includes a description of services, eligibility criteria, and information on State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP). Learn More »

• Resource Page on Medicaid/CHIP from the Kaiser Family Foundation

  Coverage of children is a key element of the debate over reforming the U.S. health care system. The Foundation has several resources that explain the state of children's health and health care coverage, including the roles of Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Pennsylvania WIC

  View the Winning With WIC Video »

Florida Organizations

• Florida WIC

  WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care. Learn More »

• Florida KidCare

  Through Florida KidCare, the state of Florida offers health insurance for children from birth through age 18, even if one or both parents are working. Learn More »

• Department of Children and Families, Medicaid

  The ACCESS Florida Program is responsible for public assistance eligibility determination and ongoing case management of Food Assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medicaid. Learn More »

• University of Florida Institute for Child Health Policy

  Focuses on the development and evaluation of community-wide programs and policies to promote child and adolescent health and positive health care outcomes. Initiatives include multidisciplinary research on health care financing and delivery systems, health care quality, and outcomes of care for all children but especially those with cancer and other chronic conditions. Learn More »

• University of South Florida, Lawton & Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies

  The Chiles Center is dedicated to determining the most effective strategies, programs and systems for reducing illness and death among mothers, their infants and young children. It brings together experts in health care, program design and evaluation, and maternal and infant care from Florida universities and other state, national and international programs. Learn More »

One-third of the nation’s fourth graders score below the basic level in reading, however nearly all children can become successful readers — especially when a child’s risk of developing reading problems is found early. The resources below can help parents encourage early literacy and look for signs of reading difficulty.

Also, literacy isn’t just for children. Depending on the reading level, parents may struggle to understand complex information vital to their child’s health. Find resources that can help improve physician/family communications in the health topic resource, Health Literacy.

National Organizations

• Nemours BrightStart!

  provides leadership, advocacy, research and services to help put children on the road to reading success. This pioneering reading-readiness program is available in Florida and Delaware. Learn More »

• Reach Out and Read (ROR)

  ROR is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Learn More »

• Reach Out and Read (ROR): Why We Work

  A look into the science behind Reach Out and Read. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Philadelphia Reads

  Works with individuals, schools, community and faith-based organizations and businesses to provide mentors, resources and advocacy for in-school, after school and summer programs. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Florida Literacy Coalition

  Promotes, supports and advocates for the effective delivery of quality adult and family literacy services in the state of Florida. As a statewide umbrella literacy organization and the host of Florida’s State Literacy Resource Center, FLC provides a range of services to support more than 300 adult education, literacy and family literacy providers throughout Florida. Learn More »

• Just Read, Florida

  A comprehensive, coordinated reading initiative aimed at helping every student become a successful, independent reader. Learn More »

National Organizations

• Smoke-Free Homes and Cars Program

  Provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn More »

• Tobacco-Free Kids

  A leader in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its devastating consequences in the United States and around the world. By changing public attitudes and public policies on tobacco, the organization strives to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Determined to Quit

  Provided by Pennsylvania Department of Health. Learn More »

• Quit Now PA

  Pennsylvania Dept. of Health bilingual resources Learn More »

• Smoke Free Philly: Quit Smoking Programs

  Learn More »

• The University of Pennsylvania's Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center

  View their listing of Smoking Cessation Programs. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Florida Quitline

  The Florida Tobacco Quit-For-Life Line offers free, confidential, comprehensive telephone counseling to help Floridians quit smoking or chewing tobacco.Learn More »

• Tobacco Free Florida

  Under the direction of the Florida Department of Health, the Tobacco Free Florida campaign seeks to decrease the number of tobacco users in the state of Florida through efforts aimed at both preventing nonusers from starting to use tobacco and encouraging current users to quit. Learn More »

• Tobacco Training and Cessation Program

  From the Florida AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Network. Learn More »

• American Lung Association Florida

  Provides information on Medicaid Coverage for Tobacco Cessation aids. Learn More »

• Tobacco-Free Jacksonville

  A health initiative to encourage smoking cessation both on an individual level and in the workplace setting by increasing public awareness on the dangers of tobacco usage and preventing the use of all forms of tobacco. Learn More »

• Quit Smoking Now Northeast Florida

  Sponsored by the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network and the State of Florida Department of Health, this six week program provides support, guidance and resources to help people become tobacco free. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• 'Cigarette Smoking, Pregnancy and the Developing Fetus'

  Stanford Medical Review. By an Associate Professor of Pediatrics from Stanford University School of Medicine. Download PDF »

Legislation

• HR 1256: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

  Learn More »

National Organizations

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Car Seat Guide

  provides a list of car safety seats and safety seat manufacturers and guidance to help ensure that your child is using the most appropriate seat. Learn More »

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  NHTSA strives to make sure that all our children are safely protected — every trip, every time. Learn More »

Mid-Atlantic Organizations

• Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Children's Hospital Car Safety Seat Program (Delaware)

  A nationally certified technician will help explain how to properly install your child’s safety seat, FREE of charge. Learn More »

• Cap4Kids

  Handouts for Parents and Families. Learn More »

Florida Organizations

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

  Locate a staff member who can help check your child’s seat; show you how to install it properly; answer questions about child restraints; or to see if you qualify for a low-cost child seat or booster seat. Learn More »

• Children's Safety Village of Central Florida

  At Project Checkpoint™ events sponsored by Children's Safety Village, certified safety seat experts inspect vehicles for proper installation and operation of child restraints. Learn More »

• Florida Department of Motor Vehicles

  Find about the State of Florida seat belt laws and child restraint requirements. Learn More »

Related Articles & Video

• Loss of Loved One

  Touching video on the death of a young girl not in a proper car seat. Watch Video »

• Auto Safety information

  From KidsHealth. Learn More »