Children's Health

In 2016, Better Health Partnership expanded its scope to include improving the health and well-being of children with an initial focus on asthma and obesity. Asthma is a controllable condition and yet it persists as the number one medical cause of school absenteeism and emergency department utilization for children. We see significant disparities in asthma diagnosis, between neighborhoods and within neighborhoods, and across races and incomes. Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern as we note a 30%(+) obesity rate in many children living in Northeast Ohio, and we know that obesity leads to various adult chronic disease conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. In 2020, the BHP Children's Health Leadership Team added mental/behavioral health and social needs as a priority area of focus for all health systems participating in the collaborative. Additionally, the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition/Cuyahoga County’s Invest in Children engaged BHP and the Pathways HUB to assist with improving lead testing rates for at-risk children. In 2022, we ambitiously embark upon a 3-year plan for breaking down silos to create a holistic, fully integrated approach to youth wellness - so that every child has the opportunity to be healthy and thrive 365 days a year!