A Role for Health Systems in Addressing Chronic Absenteeism.

This Viewpoint highlights opportunities for US pediatric health systems to address chronic absenteeism using school attendance data and collaborations between school and health systems.

Teaching the Teachers: Development and Evaluation of a Racial Health Equity Curriculum for Faculty.

Introduction: Faculty are increasingly expected to teach about the impact of racism on health and to model the principles of health equity. However, they often feel ill-equipped to do so, and there is limited literature on faculty development on these topics. We developed a curriculum for faculty education on racism and actions to advance racial health equity. Methods: The curriculum design was based on a literature review and needs assessments. Implementation consisted of four live virtual 1-hour sessions incorporating interactive didactics, cases, reflection, goal setting, and discussion offered to a multidisciplinary group of pediatric faculty at a children's hospital. Topics included the history of racism, racism in health care, interacting with trainees and colleagues, and racial equity in policy. Evaluation consisted of pre- and postsurveys at the beginning and end of the curriculum and a survey after each session. Results: A mean of 78 faculty members attended each session (range: 66-94). Participants reported high satisfaction and increased knowledge at the end of each session. Qualitative themes included self-reflection on personal biases, application of health equity frameworks and tools, becoming disruptors of racism, and the importance of systemic change and policy. Discussion: This curriculum is an effective method for increasing faculty knowledge and comfort. The materials can be adapted for various audiences.

School-Based Health Care.

School-based health care encompasses a variety of health care professionals and practice models, including school nursing, school-based health centers, and school-based mental health programs. Services can be delivered in person or via telehealth. School-based health care is an important mechanism for removing barriers to health care services and for reaching adolescent patients. This article illustrates the various models of school-based health care, the particular benefit of school-based health care for adolescents, and opportunities and challenges in maintaining and sustaining a school-based health program.

The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is committed to addressing the factors that affect child and adolescent health with a focus on issues that may leave some children more vulnerable than others. Racism is a social determinant of health that has a profound impact on the health status of children, adolescents, emerging adults, and their families. Although progress has been made toward racial equality and equity, the evidence to support the continued negative impact of racism on health and well-being through implicit and explicit biases, institutional structures, and interpersonal relationships is clear. The objective of this policy statement is to provide an evidence-based document focused on the role of racism in child and adolescent development and health outcomes. By acknowledging the role of racism in child and adolescent health, pediatricians and other pediatric health professionals will be able to proactively engage in strategies to optimize clinical care, workforce development, professional education, systems engagement, and research in a manner designed to reduce the health effects of structural, personally mediated, and internalized racism and improve the health and well-being of all children, adolescents, emerging adults, and their families.