Physical & Mental Health
Health Insurance
We are working toward quality health care for all children in Leon County by 2010.
Why Quality Healthcare is Important
Healthy children arrive at school ready to learn. Classrooms are more productive since kids with access to health care have fewer contagious illnesses. Ultimately, children are better educated and more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college.
When families have access to quality heath care, parents can have success in the workplace with less time away from the job. With a better ability to maintain employment, they are able to advance their careers, becoming more financially secure.
When children are healthy, our entire community wins.
Did you know?
Today, over 3000 children in Leon County are without health insurance, even though many are eligible for coverage through Medicaid or Florida KidCare.
Florida KidCare
Florida KidCare is the state's children's health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. It includes four different parts, or programs: MediKids, Healthy Kids, Children's Medical Services and Medicaid. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your child may be eligible for based on age and family income.
Eligibility and Cost - http://www.floridakidcare.org/eligibility.html
Apply Now - https://www.healthykids.org/apply/index.php?lang=ENG
Services covered by Florida KidCare include:
- Doctor visits
- Check-ups and shots
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescriptions
- Emergencies
- Vision and hearing
- Dental care
- Mental health care
Infant Mortality
Recent studies show that Tallahassee's infant mortality rate is higher than the state average. This critical issue has become a focal point of Whole Child Leon in conjunction with our many community partners. Community-wide forums and summits have been held to attack the issue head-on.
Did you know?
In Leon County, the infant mortality rate among blacks is 15.8 deaths per 1,000 births compared to 4.5 deaths among whites.
The Tallahassee Democrat has published several articles since the start of 2008 addressing this crisis and identified many factors related to infant mortality including: premature birth, low birthweight, birth defects, sudden infant death syndrome and child abuse. Also included in this matrix is the health of the mother. Being overweight, in general poor health, a lack of perinatal and prenatal care also come into play with the tragedy of losing a baby.
Click below to view the 2008 Year of the Healthy Infant, originally published on June 15, 2008.
Section 1 - Decreasing Infant Mortality: Top Priorities
Section 2 - Economic Impact of Infant Mortality, Action Plan, Infant Survival Priorities 1 - 2
Section 3 - Infant Survival Priorities 3 - 5
Pediatric Dental Care
The rules haven't changed since we were kids about our teeth-brush at least twice a day and floss once a day!
Did you know?
Students miss more than 51 million school hours per year because of dental problems or related conditions? Dental pain can distract students, cause their schoolwork to suffer or even lead to school absences. (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)
Dental Care for Your Baby
(from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)
Q. When should my child first see a dentist?
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.
Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
A: The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
A: Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.
Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
A: Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
Q. When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
A: The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child's gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless it is advised by your child's pediatric dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
Q. Any advice on teething?
A: From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby's gums with a clean finger.
For more information visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Screening and Assessment
Our community continues to work towards a streamlined system of screening and assessment. While a number of screenings and assessments are taking place across the community, there is a need for a uniform screening tool and process to ensure that young children are able to access resources as soon as possible.
Additional Resource Links
Capital Area Healthy Start
Florida Kidcare
Leon County Health Department
Florida Department of Children and Families
Pregnancy Help Information Center
March of Dimes
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry