The Children’s Health Collaborative (CHC) initiative was established to ensure every child in Allen County reaches their full potential. CHC works in collaboration with the Allen County Department of Health and multiple direct service providers working hard for children, advocating for evidence-based community-specific initiatives to help children in our community.
Vision: To create a system of care where all kids in Allen County are physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy and educated to their highest potential.
Mission: To develop multi-disciplinary, integrated solutions to improve the health and well-being of our children that create a pathway to prosperity for all youth in Allen County.
The work of CHC has focused on incorporating local pediatric health data and community stakeholder input into the original strategic plan – a plan facilitated by retired Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah A. McMahan, MD – and identifying four key focus areas.
In an effort to create a system of care, the following initiatives acting as pilots with several community partners as part of CHC:
- Regional Enrichment Centers to offer structured learning opportunities for youth during remote learning days;
- JumpIN 5210 to promote healthy habits such as physical activity and good nutrition;
- Well Child Exams to improve access to medical exams via mobile exam units; and,
- Child Maltreatment task force to facilitation the medical and mental health wellbeing of children who have been substantiated (probable abuse or neglect) by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) and to provide ongoing consultative services to DCS staff regarding medical issues.
The Community Foundation is proud to be the lead funder and host a full-time staff person to lead this innovative and collaborative community health initiative.
Without your support, vital initiatives like this would not exist to make an impact on the health of our children in the community.