By: Scott Orsey

The American Academy of Pediatrics just released its first ever policy statement on poverty which now recommends pediatricians screen for poverty risk factors.

It is significant that health sector leaders, such as the AAP, are making powerful statements on the contribution of the social determinants of health.

It is encouraging to see the AAP tackle poverty alongside other threats to children’s health.

The policy statement complements the AAP’s recent recommendations on screening for food insecurity, which is part of the fallout from poverty.

It also validates our contention that addressing children’s optimal healthy development requires the engagement of a wide array of sectors including housing, food and nutrition, and neighborhood health and safety.

Scott Orsey is the Director of Operations & Strategy for Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health. Learn more »

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