Pediatrics and poverty

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine whose primary concern is the protection of our nation's children. The guiding principle is to set a course of action that will facilitate their growth and development. However, despite our best efforts the wellbeing of our pediatric population is at risk. We are witnessing the reemergence of poverty among children and its consequences on life's basic necessities. This transformation is creating a large and growing number of children who are hungry, homeless, and uninsured. The data and information that follow are a composite of material generated by federal and state policymakers. It is information not typically accessed by the medical community. However, these adverse changes dictate that we familiarize ourselves with the broader issues facing children and participate in the policy debate.