As the largest
pediatric care provider in Illinois, Children's Memorial
has a responsibility and an opportunity to advocate on behalf of children and
families. Prevention is the best medicine we can offer them. Community health
promotion enhances children's environments in homes and in neighborhoods to keep
them safe and strong. Public policy improves the quality of life for all
children in Illinois. Our child
advocacy initiative incorporates all of these strategies to optimize the health
and social well-being of children; to strengthen family function; to create safe
and healthy communities; and to promote protective public policy.
Our vision:
Children need vocal advocates. At Children's Memorial, we are advocating for
a brighter future for all children; one in which each child is given the
opportunity to reach his or her full potential. At the time the hospital was
founded in 1882, most children died from infectious diseases. Today, the leading
causes of hospitalization and death to children, such as car crashes, sports
injuries, burns and asthma are related to behavioral, environmental and social
risk factors. In addition, children with chronic illnesses that once died in
early childhood are now surviving into adulthood. Therefore, Children's
Memorial's Office of Child Advocacy is organized around a public health model
that emphasizes prevention, health promotion and the creation of safe,
structured environments for children.
Our mission:
Children's Memorial pursues social and health care policies and programs that
keep children healthy, reduce the need for hospitalization and support their
social development in at city, state and national levels. As advocates, we
collaborate with community leaders, organizations and legislators to effectively
bring public attention and response to children's health issues. Children's
Memorial selects issues that significantly affect the well-being of children. In
advocating for children, Children's Memorial provides scientific and clinical
expertise, fills leadership voids, joins coalitions, and works to improve
outcomes for all children and their families.