Children's Oral Health: Recent Research & Best Practices Recommendations

Released February 2015

In Ohio, oral health is the single number one unmet health care need for children. As such, the Children’s Oral Health Action Team (COHAT), a statewide advocacy and education group working to improve children’s access to oral health care, recently developed a policy brief on recent research and best practice recommendations.  COHAT’s policy brief provides information on three leading evidence based interventions dental sealants, water fluoridation and fluoride varnish.  Utilizing these interventions can elevate a child’s chance of having healthy teeth. To read the brief, click here.

Ohio's Healthy Start: Children's Health Insurance Program

Released January 2015

In a new brief, “Ohio’s Healthy Start: Children’s Health Insurance Program,” Voices for Ohio’s Children and the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families highlight CHIP’s success in Ohio as a vital component to the state’s historic and successful efforts in providing health care for many of its young people. However, as the analysis lies out, if Congress does not act soon to fund the program, a large number of children could suddenly be without health insurance. To read the brief, click here.

Tackling Child Hunger in Ohio: What's Working and How Can We Improve

This brief examines the continuing hunger crisis, its implications for Ohio's children, a summary of federal and state programs available and opportunities for action. As 1 in 4 children in Ohio experience food insecurity, this brief summaries the short and long-term implications of food insecurity for children, their families and our communities. It also reviews some of the resources available to Ohio children and families at the local, state, and federal levels, and consider opportunities available for continued support and improvement. To read the brief click here.

Best Practices in Outreach and Enrollment

Released May 2014

The need for outreach is as great as ever. In order for Ohio to reduce the uninsured rate for kids, we need to both enroll AND retain eligible children. More must be done. This toolkit explores best practices in outreach and enrollment efforts which help to bring Ohio's children and families into health coverage. It includes an appendix which highlights the efforts of over 15 counties. Research confirms that children with health insurance are more likely to obtain preventive care, to have a medical home or regular source of ongoing care, to participate in physical activities, and to have better health outcomes than uninsured children.
To view the toolkit, click here.

Addressing the Infant Mortality Crisis in Ohio

Released May 2014

Between 2006 and 2011, 6,737 children in Ohio died before reaching their first birthday. Ohio's increasing infant mortality rate is an alarming trend that greatly impacts not only Ohio families but also our communities. While the national infant mortality rate continues to decline, Ohio's rate continues to grow accompanied by increasing disparities among various groups. This brief looks at a number of ways in which we can tackle the high infant mortality rate in Ohio and eliminate existing disparities. Several important programs and initiatives have been highlighted. By reviewing successes that have been achieved, we bring attention to new strategies and opportunities for further progress in our goal of ensuring healthy children. 
To view the brief, click here.

Child Trafficking in Ohio: Policy Brief and Guide for Parents

Released April 2014

Each year in Ohio, an estimated 1,078 children fall victim to human trafficking and an additional 3,000+ are at-risk of becoming victims of this modern day slavery. Human trafficking, the “illegal trade of human beings for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor,” is a growing problem that poses a threat to the safety of the youngest and most vulnerable citizens in our state and nation. In 2013 alone, 30 state-level investigations into human trafficking were launched in Ohio, and seven individuals were prosecuted and convicted on trafficking charges. Unfortunately, Ohio finds itself at the center of this epidemic for two main reasons. First, the state encompasses both large urban and rural communities that provide shelter to a transient population. Secondly, Ohio is home to five major highways that traffickers rely on to transport their victims across state and international border. Because of its geographic location, Ohio is seen as a gateway not only to Canada, but also to at least a dozen states that comprise the eastern seaboard. Located in the middle of all these intersecting highways and interstates is Toledo, the fourth-ranked city in the nation for the recruitment of trafficking victims.
To read the full brief, click here.

This guide gathers information from experts in the field and includes tips on how to communicate with children, warning signs to look for, and steps you can take with your family to help prevent human trafficking in your neighborhood and community. To read a parent guide, click here.

Get Covered: Health Coverage Information for Child Care Professional

Released February 2014

Through the Affordable Care Act, Ohio has an incredible opportunity to bring more families than ever before into health coverage, and make our healthcare system work better for children and their families by creating a seamless pathway to coverage. Coverage helps children and families stay healthy. It shields families from the distress and fear of being one medical bill away from financial disaster. When parents also have coverage, research shows that children are more likely to get the health care they need. This guide book speaks on how to educate and inform child care professionals on new health coverage options.
To view this guide book, click here.
To view a quick snap shot of coverage options, click here.

Medicaid Braided Funding Policy Brief

Released November 2013

Voices for Ohio’s Children believes that children win big when policy makers invest in their well-being. As the Ohio General Assembly considers various proposals to reform Medicaid, this brief seeks to educate decision makers by describing an alternative funding strategy, “braided funding”, to maximize efficiency in the Medicaid program and to improve outcomes. We’ve made remarkable progress on covering uninsured children, let’s make sure that children are front and center as we continue to implement health reforms.
To learn more about Medicaid braided funding, click here.