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The St. Louis Children's Hospital advocacy program strives to translate the hospital's advocacy mission into actionable plans and initiatives involving many constituents -- employees, medical staff, donors and families in the region.
In order to fulfill its mission to "Do What is Right for Kids", St. Louis Children's Hospital has made a commitment to ongoing advocacy, beyond the hospital setting. The Child Health Advocacy and Outreach department provides health-related resources and education to families and communities in the St. Louis region to help keep them healthy and safe.
From health promotion and injury prevention programs to community health interventions with the Healthy Kids Express mobile health vans, staff members address the health and safety concerns facing children and their families in communities.
Injury Prevention Initiatives
- Injury-Free Coalition for Kids-- The day after a young boy came to the emergency unit at St. Louis Children's Hospital with gunshot wounds, emergency doctors and nurses discussed the need to give children safer places to play and to teach children and families how to avoid preventable injuries. This incident launched the hospital's comprehensive injury prevention program.
The Injury Free Coalition for Kids of St. Louis is a chapter of a nationwide program that is among the country's fastest growing and most effective injury prevention programs. The Injury Free Coalition for Kids is composed of hospital-based, community-oriented programs anchored in research, education and advocacy. The coalition includes 40 sites in 37 cities, each housed in the trauma centers of its participating institution. The sites are independent, physician-led programs driven by the coalition's mission of "preventing injury to children."
Injury Free St. Louis encompasses several injury prevention initiatives, including Safety Street, Click it Crew, and Safety Stop.
- Click it Crew-- Seat Belt Safety--Led by a partnership of St. Louis Children's Hospital and community leaders, the Click it Crew program brings seat belt safety education to the classroom to teach ninth-through 12th graders the importance of buckling up.
- Safety Street-- Safety Street is a program that allows kindergartners, first and second graders to experience potential street hazards in a controlled, safe learning environment. It is a life-sized cityscape, complete with homes, cars, a school bus, stray dogs, strangers and more.
- Safety Stop-- Parents and caregivers can receive safety inspections and consultations for car seats, helmets and home safety from our trained safety experts. A limited selection of car seats, helmets and home safety equipment is available for purchase at a discounted price as part of a Safety Stop appointment.
Wellness Initiatives
- Fit ‘n’ Fun Adventure-- An activity-based nutrition program for kids K-5th grade. This prevention program is highly interactive and designed to encourage movement and good nutrition.
- Head to Toe Program--A unique approach to weight management that teaches youth (ages 8-17) how to live healthier lives by eating right and exercising regularly. While building self-esteem, kids engage in fun physical activities and learn about proper nutrition.
- The FAN Club--This is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to an epidemic medical problem facing our community. The FAN Club is a pediatric weight management program for kids age 8-12 which focuses on family, activity and nutrition.
Community Health Initiatives
- Healthy Kids Express-- This mobile van program is designed to bring health care to children in need throughout St. Louis City, the surrounding counties, and the Metro East. Kids and teens can receive a range of services including hearing and vision screenings, asthma and dental care and physical exams.
For a comprehensive list of social service agencies in St. Louis visit http://www.cap4kids.org/st_louis