Children First

Today is Children's Grief Awareness Day — a time to recognize the profound impact of grief on children and to support those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Did you know? - 1 in 12 children in the U.S. (6 million kids) will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. - Unaddressed grief can lead to challenges like poor academic performance, mental health struggles, and long-term difficulties. - Nearly 1,200 children under 18 become newly bereaved every day. Grieving children need understanding, compassion, and support to navigate this difficult journey. Together, we can educate ourselves, equip communities, and honor their bravery. #ChildrensGriefAwarenessDay #SupportGrievingChildren #YouAreNotAlone

Yes. Vaccines work.

What’s at Stake for Your Kids After The Elections? Join Donna Cooper, Children First Executive Director, to get some preliminary insights into what the election could mean for the children in your life. We’ll discuss that and more via Zoom on Thursday, November 21st at 5:30pm. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eixMtYmS Children First is unwavering in our 45-year commitment to improve the lives of children you love and only together can we get your child the tools needed to thrive. We’re in this together and your help now is critical to preparing for the challenges ahead.

Today, we recognize?Children’s Grief Awareness Day?and reaffirm our commitment to supporting grieving children. Educate: Learn the challenges children face after a loss. Equip: Provide families, schools, and communities with resources to help. Honor: Celebrate the resilience of grieving children and those who support them. Whether through compassion, education, or advocacy, we all have a role to play in ensuring no child grieves alone. Let’s make a difference together. For more information:? https://lnkd.in/eP9DRXpq #ChildrensGriefAwarenessDay #EducateEquipHonor #GriefSupport

No program has a greater impact on children than Medicaid. Covering 40% of all U.S. kids, Medicaid is a cornerstone of health equity. CMS’s latest guidance on EPSDT requirements strengthens access to essential health care for children, including: ?? Comprehensive screenings, diagnostics, & treatments ?? Tailored care to “correct or improve” children’s conditions—even if not curative ?? A focus on mental health, prioritizing community-based care over institutions This guidance is a critical step in addressing barriers to care and ensuring every child has access to the services they need. Let’s keep advocating for children’s health!

This National School Psychology Awareness Week (November 11–15), we honor the vital work of school psychologists and educators across Pennsylvania in helping students thrive, fostering resilience, and supporting our communities. But Pennsylvania has room for improvement in providing adequate mental health resources: -Only 1 school psychologist for every 997 students (recommended: 1:500) - Just 1 school social worker for every 3,416 students (recommended: 1:250) - And 1 school counselor for every 369 students (recommended: 1:250) (America's School Mental Health Report Card 2022) Our school staff providing mental health support need our support. Let’s celebrate their contributions and advocate for the resources needed to ensure every student succeeds. Together, we can build a better future for Pennsylvania’s children.

The newly elected 47th president laid his cards on the table this campaign season, plainly telling voters what he wants to do once in office. What he plans to do is dreadful. Read what the election could mean for kids - and what we have to do! https://lnkd.in/e_VxwkN3 #Election2024 #Pennsylvania #Vote2024 #Trump

Thank you for voting! At Children First, we know that every vote counts toward building a future where children thrive. Our team proudly participated in shaping that future by making their voices heard. Your vote helps ensure that policies prioritize children’s health, education, and well-being. Let’s keep working together to make a difference for every child!

[PLS SHARE] Open Enrollment for?Pennie.com?plans is now! That means it's time to enroll in health insurance for 2025, now through January 15th. Now is the time to shop around! Plans and prices change from year to year, so don't wait until the last minute to look at your options for 2025. If you need help or want to know if you qualify for financial assistance, call or text the Pennsylvania Health Access Network FREE, statewide helpline: at 877-570-3642!

Our Dan O'Brien testified before the House Democratic Policy Committee on behalf of #PaidFamilyLeave and #childcare. "Working families want just a few simple things in life. They want their children to be safe, go to a good school and know that their own hard work will pay off so they can buy a house in a good community and never have to worry about choosing between their own family’s well-being and the financial stability of their household." Read his full testimony here: https://lnkd.in/e8TGfzRq