United Way's Committment to Healthier Children and a Strong Economy

All Californians benefit when our children have health insurance and receive preventive care. It is not only good for our kids, but it helps keep costs down for all of us.

The fact is, Californians are already paying for healthcare for uninsured children, but in a less cost-effective way.

That’s why United Way believes we must have policies and funding in place at both the state and federal level to ensure all children have access to healthcare. At the same time, United Way understands that business is the engine of California’s economy and works to help ensure policies to cover all children are fair to business and helpful to our state’s fiscal environment.

Covering California's Children Campaign 

United Ways of California's Covering California's Children Campaign works to ensure healthier children and a stronger economy. Children with health insurance are more likely to get preventive care that prevents more serious and costly health problems and saves us all money.

Health Studies and Reports

How Many Children in Your County Would Lose Low-Cost Healthy Families Coverage?
This is an overview and chart of the effects of the Governor's proposal to completely eliminate the Healthy Families Program provided by the 100% Campaign.

Trends in the Health of Young Children in California
This research brief by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research examined trends in health among Californian children from a wide range of ethnicities and economic backgrounds. Finds that many of California's three million children ages 0-5 grow up in environments where their health may limit their social, emotional and academic development.

National Child Health Chartbook
The health of children is affected by the education and income levels of their parents, according to a state-by-state study recently published by the Commission to Build a Healthier America at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The study illustrates how much parents' income and education levels play a role when in children's health. See how California compares.

Preventable Child Hospitalizations in California
This brief looks at the number of preventable hospitalizations in California each year and the role Children's Health Initiatives have in reducing those visits.

Find other Health Resources, Studies and Reports

Real People in United Way's Health Programs

See video profiles of Jose, a pediatrician, and Penny, a mom and small business owner, who are involved with United Way of the Wine Country's children's health coverage efforts.