Metro East Sun

Illinois Representative Kevin Schmidt, alongside Senate Republican Dale Fowler, is actively involved in the bipartisan and bicameral Illinois Children’s Health Caucus. This caucus was established with the aim of examining early childhood development and exploring evidence-based policies and programs that can promote health equity for children, families, and communities across the state.

During the first meeting of the Children’s Health Caucus, lawmakers gained insights into the challenges faced by children in Illinois when it comes to accessing specialized healthcare services. This includes child-focused specialty care providers such as pediatric mental health professionals, pediatric dentists, pediatric occupational therapists, neurologists, and surgeons.

Rep. Schmidt emphasized the importance of investing in adolescent health, highlighting its long-term impact on the economic and social well-being of the state. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with colleagues to champion this cause and improve the lives of children throughout Illinois.

The Children’s Health Caucus firmly believes in several key principles. They advocate for every Illinois child to have meaningful and equitable access to high-quality healthcare, aiming to reduce health disparities. Additionally, they strive to protect children from injury, abuse, neglect, and crime. The caucus recognizes that poverty and social determinants of health, such as racism, education, and recreational opportunities, often contribute to poor child health. They also emphasize the long-lasting implications of unaddressed childhood health issues throughout a person's lifespan.

Specialized providers with expertise in pediatrics and child health and development have been proven to yield better outcomes for children. In Illinois, almost 20 percent of children have special healthcare needs, with 37 percent covered by Medicaid. However, many children, regardless of insurance status, face barriers in accessing the specialty services they require due to factors such as geographic limitations, low income, insurance-related obstacles, inadequate communication, wait lists, and limited availability of appropriate primary care.

Rep. Schmidt stressed the importance of bridging this gap to ensure all Illinois children have access to vital services. He emphasized that a child's well-being extends beyond their early years and that unaddressed childhood health issues can have a lasting impact. Urgent action is needed to secure their future.

Moving forward, the Children’s Health Caucus will focus on reviewing early childhood development, as well as the physical, social, and emotional health and well-being of children and adolescents throughout Illinois. Their goal is to identify evidence-based policies and programs that can promote health equity for children, families, and communities across the state.

The dedication of Representative Kevin Schmidt and the rest of the Children’s Health Caucus to breaking down barriers and creating a healthier and more equitable future for Illinois children and families is a reflection of their commitment to the well-being of the state's youngest citizens. By championing this cause, they aim to ensure that every child in Illinois has access to the essential healthcare services they need to thrive.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repschmidt.com/2023/11/13/rep-kevin-schmidt-serves-on-childrens-health-caucus/