The grants announced today are the first to be made under the program. Funding is available to public-private partnerships in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., provided they meet program criteria. Eligible children need to actually be enrolled in programs in order to benefit from them. Activities could include streamlining application and eligibility verification processes, formalizing referral systems, creating statewide education efforts and developing community-based outreach efforts.
Uninsured children are also less likely to seek care for injuries or to be immunized.
However, children who are insured have better access to preventive and primary care. Such care improves their overall well-being and increases their potential to become healthy, productive adults. Copyright 2000 Southern Institute on Children and Families. All rights reserved.