Election Day; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and Healthcare Justice

On this election day, I find myself reflecting on one of the most profound leaders in American history: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Dr. King envisioned a world where everyone is treated with dignity and afforded the same opportunities to succeed. He understood that a society flourishes when all its members, especially its children, have the chance to thrive.

Last week, alongside Children’s Health Fund Advisory Board Member Alan Kosten, I had the privilege of visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Walking through the exhibits, I was struck by how deeply my aspirations as an immigrant and pediatrician resonate with those of Dr. King.

Dr. King understood the importance of healthcare justice—ensuring everyone has access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare. He once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.”?

At Children’s Health Fund, for more than 37 years, we have focused on the comprehensive health of marginalized children across America. Our programs integrate medical, dental, social, and mental health services, recognizing mental health’s critical role in a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Over the past decade, we’ve seen an alarming increase in mental health challenges among children—a crisis exacerbated by limited access to mental healthcare services.

That’s why, in 2025, our primary focus will be addressing the mental health needs of children. Studies show that children with untreated emotional or mental health issues are more likely to struggle academically, have increased physical ailments, and face obstacles to their success later in life. And, while the mental health crisis affects all children, certain groups face additional barriers: Black and brown children, LGBTQ+ youth, those living in low-income households, and the recently arrived experience mental health challenges at disproportionately high rates yet are less likely to receive the support they need. We must change this.?

So, on this election day, whatever the outcome may be, I urge our leaders to prioritize the needs of children—our most valuable resource—as they shape policies and allocate resources in 2025 and beyond. Policy grounded in data gives all U.S. children the opportunity to thrive and succeed. And emotional well-being is a good place to start.?

Aren’t we always saying that our children are our nation's future? At CHF, we will continue to address the escalating mental health crisis through innovative programs that can better reach marginalized populations while we advocate for comprehensive federal and state programs that can support the mental health of all of our nation’s children. Our nation’s future depends on it.?