What’s New

BestStart Washington/Project Nature’s Commitment to Breaking Down Barriers Caused by Racial Inequality

 

BestStart Washington is committed to ensuring that all children and youth in Washington State have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We recognize that entrenched structural racism is an unacceptable barrier to child health and potential.

In our pediatric practices, we see first-hand the negative health outcomes that arise from racism including increased infant mortality, low birth weight, increased incidence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), decreased school readiness, higher school drop-out rates, and mental health problems stemming from chronic stress. Continue reading →

Project Nature

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

Playing and exploring outdoors can improve a child’s overall health and wellbeing.  But not all children and families have access to nature​. ​Racism, economic inequality, and lack of awareness are some of the barriers that impact nature contact for children. Continue reading →

BestStart Washington

New Grant for BestStart Washington!

BestStart Washington received a grant from the Washington State Department of Early Learning to support the Coalition for Safety and Health in Child Care (CSHEL) in connecting Infant Nurse Consultants, Head Start and ECEAP health professionals working throughout Washington state.

A new name, a focused mission

Community Pediatric Foundation of Washington has been renamed as BestStart Washington to better reflect our focus on advancing the health and wellbeing of children. We are committed to moving forward deliberately and strategically to engage others in our mission as we work to address critical health and development issues facing Washington children.