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Mental Health Crisis: We Must Address Root Causes While mental health providers, policymakers and parents scramble to handle the escalating mental health crisis in children and youth, we must address the root causes through long-overdue systems-level changes in order to make an impact. That’s the message Paul H. Dworkin, MD

Grow Focused: Michael’s Story At indoor track practice this past winter, Derby High School shot putter Michael Hyder, age 15, was hit in the back of the head with a shot put – a metal ball about the size and weight of a small cannonball. It knocked him unconscious, and he fell face-forward onto the gravel

Pandemic Parenting: Healthy Eating and Activity for Kids By Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP: By: Stacy Chadna, MS, CIP Parenting is chock full of challenges already, but #pandemicparenting has created a whole new set to consider. Amidst what may feel like constant chaos as parents try to tackle home schooling, social distancing and quelling of kids’ fears – while likely

Responding to Tragedy: Taking Action Against Gun Violence in the Wake of Recent Shootings By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: Events like the shootings at the Kansas City Parade can leave us feeling vulnerable and helpless. While we all hope for the speedy recovery of the injured and mourn the loss of life, we must recognize that the Kansas City shooting serves to renew fears for folks around the

A Public Health Approach to Preventing Community Gun Violence By Kelsey Arias, MPH: This week commemorates National Public Health Week, offering us in the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s a chance to highlight the importance of the public health approach in addressing community gun violence. Historically, communities have worked to address

Right at Home: Jackson’s Story Jackson Shorette, who is about to turn 3, practically lives within walking distance of his pediatric gastroenterologist. But to get care, he doesn’t even need to leave the house. Sarita Singhal, MD, practices at Connecticut Children’s location in South Hadley, Western Mass

3 Mealtime Habits to Start With Your Family Today By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: March is National Nutrition Month, and Connecticut Children’s pediatric dietitians are bringing your family the advice you need to eat well! Scroll to the bottom for more healthy eating resources. Here, we share three mealtime habits that are key to good nutrition.

Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Pediatric Epilepsy & Primary Dystonia By David Hersh, MD: If your child’s epilepsy or dystonia isn’t responding to medication or other treatments, what comes next? Connecticut Children’s, in partnership with UConn Health, offers deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an option for pediatric patients — and for many families, a reason for hope

5 Questions with Foundation President, Paulanne Jushkevich, MA, CFRE Paulanne Jushkevich joined Connecticut Children’s Foundation (the Foundation) in September of 2023 with over 25 years of experience in professional fundraising–15 years at the executive level– where she led teams of hospital/health science fundraisers through substantial change

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for My Teen? By Nichole Buswell, APRN: Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue and skin to make the breasts smaller. You might associate this type of surgery mainly with the adult population, but in fact, many teens and adolescents can benefit from it

Innovation and Housing as a Platform for Childhood Prosperity By: Marcus Smith, MBA and Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH This is the last in a series of four blog posts that we plan to publish during Healthy Homes Month that explores how organizations can leverage housing innovations as a platform to help children to flourish, thrive, and succeed

Empowering Students to Embrace Healthy Relationships By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: By: Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA Most people are surprised to learn that one in three adolescents experiences physical, emotional or sexual abuse. This compelling data prompted us a few years ago to partner with The Allstate Foundation to develop and implement a program designed

Supporting Healthy Development is a Big Bet For Children By Paul Dworkin, MD: As a frequent pursuer of grant support, I am encouraged and inspired by recent philanthropic trends, such as funders embracing a high impact, transactional model of giving; strategic philanthropy; and the leveraging of funding from multiple sources. An exciting example of the

How to Check On Your Child’s Mental Health By Bradley S. Jerson, PhD: Many young people struggle with anxiety or depression, but don’t know how to ask for help. They may not realize that it’s okay to talk about what they’re going through. Or they may have trouble finding the words to describe their experience. Parents, caregivers and other trusted

Driving Change Through Golf in Hartford's Youth Community The Golf, Not Drugs initiative was developed in the summer of 2024 with the goal of engaging Hartford youth in positive, healthy activities. Offering free golf lessons at Keney Park Golf Course, the program aimed not only to teach the fundamentals of golf but also to provide