Health policy refers to the laws and rules - developed by government, professional societies, and others - that determine the system under which health care is delivered, health research is conducted, and health care is taught.

Child health policy forms the foundation of the health care system for children – influencing access to services, scope and quality of services, priorities in health care delivery and research, and the future of the health care work force.  Well-informed health policy is essential for optimizing the health of our children.

Ohio and the country face serious challenges in child health that must be addressed at least in part through health policy including

• a rise in complex and chronic medical conditions among children;
• prematurity as a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and high costs;
• the use of new health treatments and technologies in children;
• an increase in uninsured children;
• changes to the safety net systems for child health;
• allocation of scarce resources;
• research and educational priorities in health care;
• and the interaction and crosstalk between agencies and organizations that influence the lives of children.

The ability to meet these challenges and improve childrens’ health depends, in large part, on developing informed and improved health policy.