She and Dr. Sandra Nichols, director of the state Department of Health, have toured county health units across the state promoting child immunization. Our legislative package passed in last year's session also helped encourage parents to immunize their kids. Those laws include provisions requiring that children in licensed child-care facilities be immunized. Our success ultimately depends on the love of parents and the work of community volunteers and Health Department employees. By taking the time to care, they've helped thousands of children get the attention they need to enjoy healthy childhoods.
Immunization makes good sense for Arkansas.
It only costs parents a few dollars per disease to keep their children healthy, and county health units won't turn away anyone because of inability to pay. That helps keep Medicaid costs and insurance rates down. However, immunization's greatest benefits can't be measured in dollars and cents. We all want our kids to be happy and healthy. Healthy kids don't miss school and don't have to miss out on the joys of childhood.