Category: Health

Loma Linda University Children’s Health (LLUCH) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 19 for its new Specialty Clinics building, a facility that will streamline access to comprehensive pediatric care and consolidate a wide range of specialized services under one roof. The new five-story, 105,000-square-ft building will house a wide range of services, including orthopedic surgery, high-risk infant care, cardiology, speech therapy, and more. The facility, slated to open in 2026, will be at the southeast corner of the Barton Rd. and Anderson St. intersection in Loma Linda. LLUCH’s specialty clinics are currently spread across various locations. The event welcomed about 300 attendees, including hospital leaders, healthcare providers, community officials, and families, to celebrate this significant milestone in pediatric healthcare. Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, highlighted the significance of this project during the ceremony. “This community-centered building represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled care for the children and families in our community,” said Hart. “Having this dedicated building in such a convenient location is vital to the health and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable children.” Since opening

By Dr. Lisa Saul, UnitedHealthcare, National Director, Maternal Child Health United Health Foundation recently released its America’s Health Rankings 2024 Health of Women and Children Report. The report provides a comprehensive look at the health of over 59 million women of reproductive age and over 72 million children, examining overall health across the nation, including mental, behavioral and physical health outcomes, as well as social drivers of health outcomes. Many measures have worsened for women in recent years, such as maternal mortality and drug deaths. Meanwhile, two measures of clinical care for pregnant women — low-risk cesarean delivery and adequate prenatal care — have not changed.  There are bright spots in children’s health, including decreases in the teen suicide rate and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among youth. These were offset by the increase in child mortality. California ranks 14th among 50 U.S. states, but ranked No. 1 in areas such as Climate Policies, Minimal Tobacco Use among Children and Cigarette Smoking among Women. The state also ranks first in Low Maternal Mortality Rates. Key findings in our state include: Unemployment dropped 44% among female civilians between 2021 and 2022. Children in Poverty dropped 12% between 2018