Race, ethnicity, income, rural location, gender, education, or childhood disabilities are factors often associated with increased risk for poor health outcomes. America is founded on the belief that — all men are created equal endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights for life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Equity in health care for Florida and our nation's children is an important goal if each child is to have the best chance to reach their potential.

“Although the diversity of the American population may be one of our Nation's greatest assets, diversity also presents a range of health improvement challenges – challenges that must be addressed by individuals, the community and state in which they live, and the Nation as a whole.” (Healthy People 2010, Understanding and Improving Health, p. 17) ⁽¹⁾

Poverty is lower for all families than for all individuals, but when families have children, they are more likely to live in poverty. U.S. Census figures show that poverty dropped more significantly among single female-headed households than in all families. Yet, children in single female headed households are more than four times more likely to live in poverty and children under age five are the most likely to live in poverty. Poverty presents serious challenges to families. Among these challenges are difficulties in providing adequate housing, clothing, safety and nutrition, medical and dental care and health insurance — all of which affect the health of our youngest citizens.

Dr. Shenkman (2002) writing about a recent survey of the uninsured stated,

“Results from the Children's Insurance Survey show that approximately 15 percent of all children in the state of Florida are currently uninsured. This estimate is similar to the 1998 estimate obtained by the Florida Health Insurance Survey (13.9%)…. Florida has made great strides in insuring children in recent years, but despite this fact, many of Florida's children remain uninsured (549,565), (Shenkman and Bono, 2002 p.3).” ⁽²⁾

Figure 6: Florida Uninsured by Federal Poverty Level, 2001

Equity in health care for Florida and our nation's children is an important goal if each child is to have the best chance to reach their potential