Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy

March 19, 2024

Over 40% of Tennessee Families With Children Say They Are Food Insecure; 70% Have Changed Spending on Food

This year’s Vanderbilt Child Health Poll shows that over 40% of Tennessee families report they are food insecure ― a similar proportion from last year. Most families (71%) say they have continued to change food spending habits due to high prices.

By Jake Lowary
February 27, 2024

Lack of Insurance among Tennessee children remains low, while mental health concerns persist

The latest analysis of the 2024 Tennessee Child Health Poll has found that the proportion of uninsured kids in Tennessee held steady from the 2023 poll, and the rates of mental health diagnoses and associated concerns from Tennessee parents remain high.

By VUMC News and Communications
February 7, 2024

Education, bullying, mental health, school gun violence top list of parental concerns for their children: poll

The latest results from an annual poll of Tennessee parents from the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy again show education and school quality is the leading concern parents have for their children for the third consecutive year.

By Tamarra McElroy and Jake Lowary
January 31, 2024

Jaser, Patrick, Upperman elected to the American Pediatric Society

Vanderbilt’s Sarah Jaser, PhD, and Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH, MS, and Jeffrey Upperman, MD, have been elected to the American Pediatric Society.

By Christina Echegaray
October 12, 2023

More work needed on plans of safe care for infants affected by maternal substance use

Vanderbilt research found that there is variability in practice for infants affected by maternal substance use driven by vague policy, challenges of cross-system collaboration and a lack of general knowledge about substance use disorder.

By Nancy Humphrey
August 7, 2023

Effective medications for opioid use disorder rarely used

Vanderbilt research shows that most individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder are not on recommended medications and even fewer remain in care.

By Craig Boerner