CareSource Foundation Announces $30,000 Grant to the Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

Funds to Improve Childhood Immunizations, Lead Testing and Counseling for Healthy Lifestyles

(COLUMBUS, OH – August 4, 2020) – The CareSource Foundation announced a grant of $30,000 to the Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) for a six-part training series on childhood immunizations and lead testing for providers and members.

“As we pick up the pieces from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio AAP is incredibly excited to expand our longtime partnership with CareSource and impact thousands of children and families,” said Melissa Wervey Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. “This is an unprecedented time in public health where our program topics on lead, immunizations and health weighty are critical to the health and safety of Ohio’s children.”

Child lead poisoning can cause lifelong, irreversible brain and nervous system damage which can lead to learning and behavioral challenges, lower IQ, lower academic achievement, increased hyperactivity, emotional problems and future delinquent behavior. The Ohio Lead-Free Kids Coalition reports that three in 100 Ohio children have tested with elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs).

“Closing gaps in pediatric care focused around health protection, prevention and promotion through a health equity lens is critical to fulfilling our mission and vision,” said Dr. Dale Block, Market Chief Medical Officer of CareSource Ohio. “CareSource values our longstanding relationship with the Ohio AAP and its members to help us meet these goals for Ohio’s most at risk children and teens.”

Goals of the training include how to refer families to healthcare providers for lead testing and counseling families in high-risk communities on health, food emergencies, active lifestyles and targeted areas of focus such as picky eating, breastfeeding, play and hunger cues. Additionally, guidance on addressing child, adolescent and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during encounters; with a focus on high risk, diverse and underserved counties.

About the Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

The Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) promotes the health, safety and well-being of children and adolescents so they may reach their full potential. The Ohio AAP works to accomplish this by addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities, and by supporting Chapter members through advocacy, education, research, service, and improving the systems through which they deliver pediatric care.

To learn more, visit OhioAAP.org.-Media Contact: Melissa Wervey Arnold marnold@ohioaap.org 614-846-6258