What We Do

The things that influence one’s health or one’s poor health include educational attainment, poverty, and the conditions of neighborhoods. And if we are going to make a difference in the health of our children, we need to think about those factors as much as we are thinking about whether or not somebody got the right prescription.

 

— Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, The American Heart Association; Co-Chair, Health and Wellness Alliance for Children

The Alliance brings community partners together to address social and economic factors that affect children’s health. We improve community health by influencing things upstream from the healthcare setting, such as:

  • Availability and choices of safe housing
  • Social networks and support systems
  • Nutritious food
  • Quality clinical care
  • Cultural influences
  • Physical environments of our homes, schools and neighborhoods

What’s At Stake?

What’s at stake? A lot more than health. Despite its business and philanthropic wealth, certain North Texas regions have the worst health indicators in the country. For instance, we have high rates of chronic conditions, such as asthma, obesity and diabetes. And poor health is linked to other issues — such as education and poverty. By working to improve the health and well-being of our children, the Alliance is seeking to avert the greatest tragedy — the potential loss of a productive, healthy future.

Let’s keep our eyes on the prize. The Alliance envisions:

  • A reduction in unnecessary and expensive hospital services
  • Shortened length of illness and extended quality of life
  • Reduced need for special student services
  • Improved student graduation rates
  • Fewer incarcerations
  • A rise in business development opportunities for North Texas
  • Fewer unwanted pregnancies
  • A reduction in premature births (“million dollar babies”)
  • Improved employment outlook for all North Texans
  • Reduced chronic disease and associated costs