Pediatrics At KHEIR

As we anxiously await the opening of our newly renovated health and social services site, KHEIR is taking active measures to ensure that our physical spaces are not the only things that are being renewed. KHEIR has spent the past year developing a strategic plan that will increase annual patient service capacity to 30,000 patients a year. One major component of this agenda is the introduction of a much needed pediatrics unit.

The need for preventive pediatric care is undeniable. While scientific innovations have led to significant reductions in many of the morbidities from acute illnesses and premature births, other problems have emerged. Obesity, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior disorders, depression and adolescent risk behaviors have risen.

The quality of pediatric care provided varies tremendously, with only one-fifth of children on Medicaid nationwide receiving preventive and developmental services that meet a basic threshold of quality. A national survey of parents found that over 94 percent reported unmet needs for parenting guidance, education or screening by pediatric clinicians. The situation is much more ominous for uninsured children, who lack medical attention.

A solid, comprehensive program, KHEIR’s Healthy Child Program uses the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Preventative Pediatric Health Care (also known as the periodicity schedule) as a starting point for providing a full range of preventive and health maintenance services to optimize the well-being of a child. The challenge in providing pediatric care for the uninsured, however, is convincing the parents and caregivers of the children to access the service in spite of time and financial constraints. With a clear understanding that the parents are the access points for the provision of pediatric care, KHEIR’s Healthy Child Program will educate low-income, limited-English speaking parents. The educational component is critical for persuading parents to bring their children for doctor’s visits, not only for immunizations and check-ups required by schools, but also other preventative and health maintenance care.

KHEIR's latest initiative provides medical care for uninsured children like the ones pictures here.

The following are the goals of KHEIR’s Healthy Child Program:

1) To educate low-income parents/caregivers on the need for regular pediatric screening and preventative care

2) To maximize face-to-face interaction/communication between health care practitioners, children and their parents/caregivers

3) To increase the regularity of pediatric visits, particularly at key transition points in children’s lives

4) To ensure compliance with physician recommendations for children

KHEIR’s Healthy Child Program is just one of many health education and treatment programs that KHEIR has implemented to better serve the community. If you have any questions, please call our Health Services Center at (213) 637-1070.

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