Launching Lifelong Health by Improving Health Care for Children, Youth, And Families

Despite advances in healthcare, children, especially those from historically marginalized groups, face rising rates of chronic diseases, obesity, and mental health challenges. A new report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Launching Lifelong Health by Improving Health Care for Children, Youth, And Families, presents a vision for transforming the child and adolescent healthcare system. The report also examines how the healthcare system can be better positioned to equitably address the needs of all children and families and leverage community supports. This requires transforming key components, such as healthcare financing, public health investment, community partnerships, and accountability strategies, to encourage team-based care delivery models and attention to health promotion, prevention, and root causes of health disparities.