PEDS Learning Network | United Hospital Fund

SUPPORTED BY A GRANT FROM THE MOTHER CABRINI HEALTH FOUNDATION

The Pediatrics for an Equitable Developmental Start Learning Network aims to reduce inequities in childhood by increasing the number of young children receiving primary care-based interventions that promote healthy development, address unmet social and developmental needs, and strengthen families.

The PEDS Network helps pediatric practices pursue these efforts by:

Improving understanding and raising awareness of child health equity in New York State and early childhood development’s influence on long-term health
Supporting the sharing of promising practices across New York’s health care provider community and with health plans
Launching a 15-month fellowship program to develop the next generation of leadership to strengthen pediatric primary care

Sign up for news and updates on the PEDS Learning Network

On the linked form, check the box marked "PEDS Learning Network" and provide your name, email address, and affiliation to receive regular updates on the PEDS Network efforts.

What is the PEDS Learning Network?

Why focus on health equity?

Pediatric clinicians and staff are on the frontlines of working with young children and families, especially during early childhood. These early years help determine a child’s path toward—or away from—lifelong health and well-being. Clinicians can play a key role in advancing health equity by actively working to reduce the impacts of systemic discrimination and health care disparities, addressing parental stress, and providing interventions that promote optimal child development.

New York has a long history of championing the needs of vulnerable populations and promoting access to care for children, with over 95% of the state’s children currently insured. It is now time for the state to become a leader in child health equity.

Click here to see slides from a presentation on health equity and pediatric care by Wilma Alvarado Little, Associate Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health and Director of the Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Prevention. This presentation, “Engaging Our Communities: The Importance of Addressing Health Inequities Early in Life,” accompanied the launch of the PEDS Learning Network in September 2020.

PEDS Network Advisory Board

Rebecca Butterfield, MD, Albany Medical Center
Maja Castillo, MD, Assistant Vice President, Medical Director–Partnerships, Healthfirst
Benard Dreyer, MD, Immediate Past President, American Academy of Pediatrics; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, and Director, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health; and Director, Pediatrics, Bellevue Hospital Center, NYC Health + Hospitals
Elizabeth A. Isakson, MD, FAAP, Executive Director, Docs for Tots
Lisa Handwerker, MD, Medical Director, Children’s Aid Society
Jeffrey Kaczorowski, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Rochester; Senior Advisor, The Children’s Agenda
Tonia Spence, MSW, Senior Director of Early Childhood Services, The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services
Euphemia Strauchn, Executive Director, Families on the Move

PEDS Network Project Staff

Hillary Browne, Administrative Assistant
Susan Olivera, Senior Program Manager
Lee Partridge, Senior Fellow