Adolescent Health: Are We Willing to Pay the Price for Inaction? |
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| Authors: | M. Joycelyn Elders M.D. Amy Oliver Barnes James C. Wohlleb |
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| Affiliation: | M. Jocelyn Elders, M.D., former Director of the Arkansas Department of Health and United States Surgeon General, is Professor of pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. She cares for children with diabetes and other metabolic disorders, and advocates children's health issues with numerous national organizations.;Amy Oliver Barnes is a journalist with more than 20 years' experience in print and television media who is currently pursuing a graduate degree in communications at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.;James C. Wohlleb develops information networks and educational opportunities for rural health professionals at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is also editing a history of the Area Health Education Centers Program in Arkansas. |
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| Abstract: | Several years ago, a legislator spoke clearly of the wishful unawareness we often confront in public health. After a session of frank exchange in his committee about teen pregnancy in Arkansas, he said, "Dr. Elders, until you became the health department director, we didn't have this problem." The facts paint a startling scenario for such people. We have not provided an environment in which our children can flourish. Instead, we have allowed the number of children who are economically, educationally, and medically disadvantaged to grow. Called "at-risk," their existence is an affront to democratic ideals, especially the belief that all have an equal chance for prosperity. It is time for true reform, but before that can happen, we must face the state of our children's health. After this, we must set to work at effective strategies. |
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