Preventing Childhood Illnesses

Preventing Childhood Illnesses

Children’s hospitals lead the way with effective strategies to address behavioral, medical, dietary, and environmental drivers that impact child health.
Child using a hula hoop.

Pediatric hospitals are helping children live longer, healthier lives through transformative programs and services that prioritize prevention, well-being, and resilience.

By addressing behavioral, medical, dietary, and environmental factors, children’s hospitals lead the way in developing interventions that protect our children from the effects of chronic childhood diseases.

Working together, we can address threats to children’s health and reverse trends related to chronic childhood diseases.

About Children's Hospital Association

Children’s Hospital Association is the national voice of more than 200 children’s hospitals, advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care.

Environmental Drivers

Expanding Children’s Access to Quality Asthma Care

A school-based program marks 30 years of asthma education, testing, and treatment for rural children.

Creating Healthy School Environments

A children’s hospital collaborates with schools to ensure students have safe places to learn.

Healthy Homes for Healthy Outcomes

How children’s hospitals can improve health outcomes by enhancing patients’ home environments.

Healthy Lifestyles

Where Community Health Takes Root: A Garden that Nourishes Kids and Connections

A hospital’s garden is a living example of how health and community are deeply intertwined.

Improving Kids’ Access to Fresh, Healthy Food

A children’s hospital study shows how prepackaged meal kits can address both food insecurity and obesity.

Promoting Healthy Digital Media Habits Within Families

One pediatrician is leading research and program efforts to understand the challenges and benefits of digital media behaviors among families.

Emotional Well-Being

Supporting Infant Mental Health From Day One

A children’s hospital provides mental health services for babies and toddlers during one of the most formative periods of their lives.

Initiative Helps Tweens Navigate Emotions

The Talk to Tweens program gives parents and teachers free tools to have conversations on mental health with middle school children.

A Tangible Way to Prevent Youth Suicide

Sending handwritten notes to pediatric patients following a suicide attempt can reduce suicide rates.

Disease Prevention

Timing and Texting Improve Vaccination Rates

A children’s hospital found convenience is key to increasing vaccinations among kids.

Increasing Free Vaccination Access in Rural Counties

Arkansas Children’s helps pharmacies and schools become Vaccines for Children providers.

2 Vans, 300 Schools, 7,000 Vaccines

Advocate Children’s Hospital delivers health care on the go to students.