Media Coverage of Children with Special Health Care Needs in California
Organization: California Health Report
Primary Contact: Hannah Guzik
Grant Amount: $150,000 for 24 months
Date Awarded:
Date Completed:
Purpose
Improving the system of care for children with special health care needs requires public and policymaker awareness of key issues affecting these children and their families. This grant will renew ongoing support to the California Health Report to produce in-depth news and feature stories to generate discussion on policy issues facing CSHCN. Funds also will support wider statewide dissemination of the content produced, and development of a column written by a parent.
Outcome
This grant highlighted the challenges and inequities in care for children with special health care needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on health care and social services. Stories covered many topics, including disparities in access to care for Spanish-speaking families, increasing mental health needs among children with chronic medical conditions, and home health nursing shortages. All stories were cross-published and shared on social media, helping to expand coverage and increase awareness.