Welcome

Dear Colleagues:

The Health Resources and Services Administration is pleased to present this chartbook highlighting the major findings of the National Survey of Children’s Health. This survey, the first of its kind, presents National- and State-level information on the health and well-being of children as well as contextual information about their families and communities.

The survey includes many positive findings about our Nation’s children. Overall, 84.1 percent of children are reported to be in excellent or very good health, 91.2 percent have health insurance, and 77.8 percent receive an annual preventive health care checkup. Many aspects of children’s home and family environment support their health and development as well: parents report that 83 percent of school-aged children read for pleasure on a typical day, and more than two-thirds of children (70.5 percent) live in households where no one smokes. Most parents express confidence in their communities as well: according to their parents, 81.4 percent of children live in neighborhoods that are supportive of them, 83.8 percent are safe in their neighborhood, and 88.4 percent are safe at school.

The survey also highlights areas where room remains for improvement. While most children receive an annual preventive physical health visit, for example, fewer receive an annual dental checkup. In addition, the survey highlights those populations of children who are particularly vulnerable to health risks, such as children in low-income families, children without health insurance, and children with special health care needs.

We at HRSA hope that these findings provide a new perspective on children’s health and well-being and provide a useful guidepost in your efforts to address child health issues.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth M. Duke
Administrator
Department of Health & Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration