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A Conversation with Kirsten Carlone on Strengthening Families in North Hartford By Annika Anderson, MPH: In February of 2025, Childhood Prosperity Lab (the Lab) led the second North Hartford Ascend Strengthening Families Protective Factors Community of Practice with 12 service providers and leaders. The Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework (SFPFF) is a research

Why Access to Food and Nutrition Is Essential for Every Child By Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP: Access to nutritious food is one of the most powerful drivers of children’s health and development, yet for many families, it is not always easy to maintain. Across the United States, millions of children live in households that rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

The Power of Place: Rethinking How We Create Social Impact By Annika Anderson, MPH: In 2023, the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University released a thought-provoking report on the significance of place, titled Place Matters: What Surrounds Us Shapes Us . The report details the impact of the social environment, built/natural environments, and

Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Combating Teen Dating Violence By Susie DiVietro, PhD: The Scope of the Problem February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and raise awareness of this pervasive public health crisis and work to break the cycles of violence in our communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines

For the Love of Charlotte… The Inspiration Behind “PJ Day for the Kids” Charlotte Wesoloskie is a sweet, soft-spoken girl with a big heart and an even bigger message for children diagnosed with cancer: “Don’t be scared and never give up!” As a cancer survivor, 11-year-old Charlotte speaks from experience and truly “walks the walk.” And, as the

Dr. Shannon Blemings: Advancing Pediatrics and Advocacy Through REACH Shannon Blemings, MD, a second-year pediatrics resident at Connecticut Children's, embodies a dedication to child health and community advocacy that has been shaped by her experiences growing up in New Haven, Connecticut. With a strong academic foundation in Physiology and

Back-to-School, Backed by Community By Madhura Sawant-Suryawanshi: It’s back-to-school season! The start of a new school year is an exciting transition filled with new opportunities and growth. It's also a time for families to step into new routines. When caregivers help kids feel prepared for school , we tend to see improved attendance

Car Seat Clinics and the Key to Child Passenger Safety Ensuring child passenger safety is one of the most important responsibilities for parents and caregivers. While most parents know the basics of using car seats, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when it comes to installation and usage. Car seat clinics, like those offered in

Transforming Mental Health Support for Your Child: Connecticut Children’s Commitment By Kristen Volz-Spessard, MS: Prioritizing the well-being of our youth is critical. At Connecticut Children’s, we are committed to supporting your child’s mental health. We offer a range of initiatives, resources, and support services designed to address these challenges. From counseling and therapeutic

Staying Warm, Well, and Supported: Winter Resources for the North Hartford Promise Zone The winter and holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and community—but it can also come with added stress and unexpected needs. This season reminds us how important it is to lean on one another and the resources that help our community thrive. Just as