Children's Health Report Highlights Urgent Issues
New data from Children's Health, the leading pediatric health care system in North Texas, reveals significant challenges facing children and families across the region. This includes the impact of digital technology on youth mental health and ongoing gaps in behavioral health care access.
Beyond ABC Report Edition
Children's Health has just released the 19th edition of 'Beyond ABC: Assessing Children's Well-Being in North Texas.' In partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas Institute for Urban Policy Research, this biennial report delves into key indicators of child health, safety, economic security, and education across various counties including Dallas, Collin, Cooke, and others. With the pediatric population in Texas growing rapidly, the report sheds light on both progress and emerging challenges that influence children's well-being.
Expert Opinions on Child Well-Being
Christopher J. Durovich, President and CEO of Children's Health, stated, "The Beyond ABC report offers a comprehensive view of what shapes the health and well-being of children in North Texas. Families today face increasingly complex challenges. By highlighting critical issues such as mental health, online safety, and access to care, we hope this report inspires collective action to improve life for children both now and for future generations."
Findings on Mental Health and Access to Care
The 2025 Beyond ABC report notes that while some areas of child well-being in North Texas have seen improvement, significant inequities persist—especially in mental health and access to affordable care. The report emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to enhance services that impact children's physical and emotional health in a digital age.
Key Recommendations
The 2025 report provides several important recommendations:
Enhance Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Services
With the rise in emotional and behavioral health challenges among North Texas youth, this report finds that more than one in five young individuals have seriously contemplated suicide. It is imperative to establish coordinated school and community-based behavioral health services to ensure every child receives timely care.
Support Medicaid for Children and Expand Health Coverage
Texas continues to lead the nation in its rate of uninsured children, nearly doubling the national average at 11.9%. Preserving Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is crucial for maintaining access to essential health care services for low-income children.
Tackle Housing Instability and Family Economic Security
Between recent years, Dallas County has witnessed a substantial increase in students lacking permanent housing. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement for affordable housing options and stable family support programs that promote long-term well-being.
Invest in Education and Literacy Initiatives
Declining reading proficiency rates among third graders highlight the necessity for investing in effective literacy programs and equitable educational funding to help every child achieve academic success.
Community Discussions and Future Efforts
This year’s Beyond ABC Symposium gathered community leaders in health care, education, and policy to discuss the findings of the report and explore actionable steps forward. Keynote speaker Zach Rausch from NYU's Stern School of Business addressed the critical need to balance children's digital exposure with development and social connection.
The recommendations outlined in the Beyond ABC report come from a regional Advisory Board comprised of leaders in health care, education, philanthropy, and social services. Working alongside the University of Texas at Dallas, the board strives to ensure the report reflects both data and lived experiences, inspiring meaningful actions within the community.
Collaboration Aims for Lasting Impact
Timothy M. Bray, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research at UT Dallas, expressed his pride in collaborating with Children's Health to provide these insights. "It’s an honor to produce a resource that enables North Texas to identify both progress and ongoing gaps impacting the lives of children,” he stated. “This data is crucial for driving significant action towards ensuring every child has a chance to thrive in our community."
For more information and to explore additional resources related to children’s health initiatives, please reach out to the Children's Health team.
About Children's Health
Children's Health is the foremost pediatric health care system in North Texas, recognized for its commitment to excellence in pediatric care. The campuses include Children's Medical Center Dallas, Children's Medical Center Plano, and several Specialty Centers, ensuring comprehensive health care services. Together with its academic partner, UT Southwestern, Children's Medical Center Dallas frequently ranks among the best pediatric hospitals nationally. This commitment to quality results in ongoing recognition across all pediatric specialties for numerous consecutive years.
In addition to accolades for healthcare excellence, Children’s Health nurses have held the Magnet® designation for over a decade, marking the pinnacle of nursing achievement. The organization has also been named a top workplace by Forbes and USA Today with numerous recognitions as one of the 150 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Beyond ABC report?
The Beyond ABC report aims to assess and highlight the well-being of children in North Texas, focusing on mental health, safety, and access to care.
Who collaborates on the Beyond ABC report?
Children’s Health collaborates with the University of Texas at Dallas Institute for Urban Policy Research to create this report.
What are some major findings from the 2025 report?
The 2025 report reveals ongoing mental health challenges for children and highlights significant gaps in affordable health care access.
How can the community support children’s mental health?
By advocating for better mental health services, preserving essential policies like Medicaid and CHIP, and promoting educational initiatives, the community can greatly assist.
What recognition has Children's Health received?
Children’s Health has received numerous awards for its healthcare services and is consistently recognized as a leading pediatric health care system.
