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Although Colorado is known for its healthy and outdoor-minded communities, when it comes to high-quality and accessible healthcare, this reputation doesn’t reflect reality for many children and families.
According to the new 2019 Kids Count report from the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado ranks 41st in the nation for child health. This low ranking is due to a higher than average share of teens who abuse alcohol and drugs (6 percent or 24,000 teens), a higher percentage of babies born at low birth weights (9.1 percent or 5,848 babies) and a higher than average child and teen death rate (28 per 1000 children teens). We also know that health outcomes are worse for minority and low-income children, who represent the fastest growing populations of children in Colorado.
This data shows that we have a lot more work to do to support children’s health. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to care, which starts with quality primary care. As one of the largest primary care providers in Colorado, Every Child Pediatrics serves nearly 24,000 children, most of whom are low income and from minority communities. We’ve developed a unique and patient-centered approach to primary care. This care model continues to evolve to support the needs of patients, and includes assessing children for social determinants of health and providing a wide array of supports, including behavioral health counseling, dental care, food and connections to social services programs.
At our 14 medical offices across Colorado, including school-based health centers, Every Child Pediatrics staff address the specific concerns of each patient, from supporting new mothers, providing vaccinations and regular well-child checkups, conducting suicide and mental health screenings for older patients, as well as contraception counseling for teens. We are committed to working in partnership with the community to improve the well-being of Colorado children and reversing these concerning statistics.
Read the Kids Count report here. Learn more about Every Child Pediatrics here.
