Niswonger Children’s Hospital has always been an advocate for the unique health needs of children, both inside and outside the walls of the hospital. While many may only think of a hospital as a place to go when someone is sick or injured, Niswonger Children’s Hospital works throughout the community to keep children safe and healthy. Safety, wellness and learning are the key components to a healthy child.

The Center for Child Health Advocacy will house the community-based programs that Niswonger Children’s Hospital offers, and allow expansion of programs that meet the ever-changing needs of the community we serve.

Existing programs that focus on child passenger safety, safe sleep and poison prevention programs target the leading causes of childhood deaths in northeast Tennessee. These programs promote awareness for the risks of injury to children, and also educate parents and caregivers on how to reduce these risks and keep children safe. Wellness programs, such as Kohl’s Kids on the Move, instill in children an understanding of the importance of healthy nutrition and daily activity.

With the support of our community, the Center for Child Health Advocacy can continue to grow its outreach programming. Disease management programs will improve the quality of life for children with asthma and diabetes by helping parents, schools and other health care providers effectively manage these chronic diseases, keeping them well and keeping them in school. Family literacy programming will assist families with literacy needs and promote family reading during early childhood, offering families the educational and social resources they need to foster a strong start for their child. With community advocates, like you, the Niswonger Children’s Hospital’s Center for Child Health Advocacy can make a larger impact on the health and well-being of our region’s children.