Health care reform alone, without addressing health determinants and inequalities, hurts every one of us and is dangerous for all of us November 28, 2002 Ottawa, ON (November 28, 2002) - The Canadian Institute of Child Health (CICH) is very pleased that more funding and a mechanism for monitoring has been recommended. We remind governments that the special developmental needs of children must be a key consideration in the development of the renewed system. In addition, any monitoring mechanism must include representation of Canadians of all ages. For the past 25 years CICH has been promoting the health, well-being and rights of children and youth through monitoring, education and advocacy in Canada. "We believe that we cannot allow a system in which any child will not be given timely access to health care. Children cannot wait for early identification, intervention and treatment," says Ms. Dawn Walker, President and CEO, CICH. Children need the continuum of care ranging from prevention, acute care and for some, home / community care in order to participate fully in their families, schools and communities. Adolescents particularly require a system that is accessible and respectful of their developmental needs, such as privacy. In order to meet the needs of children, CICH believes we need not only additional funding but innovative models of care involving the variety of caregivers within the settings where children live: home, school and community. Physicians, nurses, therapists, caregivers and social workers are all involved in the health care of children, and professional groups must work together in designing appropriate models of care that meet the needs of children and their families. Children's health is affected not only by the care system but is an outcome of the world they live in: the income level of their parents, quality of housing, the attachments they have to family, schools and communities and the safety of their environments. Reducing these inequities between Canadians must be a component of any health strategy. Health care reform alone, without addressing health determinants and inequalities, hurts every one of us and is dangerous for all of us. For more information please contact: Canadian Institute of Child Health cich@cich.ca back to News Releases About the Institute / Partnership Opportunities / Planned Giving / Projects & Activities / Resources & Publications / News Releases / CICH Communiqués / Links / Special Events / Coming Soon / Environmental Health / What's New / Site Map / French / Home If you have any comments about our website, please contact our webmaster. Last Reviewed: January 30, 2003 Copyright 2003