North Louisiana Pediatricians and Physicians,
According to the latest available data, 36.7% of families with children under 5 are living in poverty in the Shreveport-Bossier MSA. For children in poverty, there are many barriers to health and educational success that could be lowered with early intervention. Specifically, as 90% of brain development happens before a child turns 5, early adversity and stress in a child’s life can cause harm to their developing brains and bodies. Thus, early identification of children (and families) in need is critical.
In 2019 Community Foundation of North Louisiana convened approximately 40 pediatricians and hospital administrators to discuss how medical providers might assist in identifying young children and families in need. The goal is to help families engage existing resources and reduce the number of children who experience toxic stress or childhood trauma.
A subcommittee of medical providers ultimately concluded that administering a Questionnaire to parents at young child well and other visits could help identify the needs of both the children and their parents. (The questionnaire is a modified version of the SEEK questionnaire.) CFNLA asks all North Louisiana pediatricians and physicians to join in this effort and utilize the questionnaire with the parents or caregivers of all patients under 18. In addition, CFNLA has compiled the Caddo/Bossier Resource List to guide you and your patients to existing resources. Please feel free to print, use and share both the Questionnaire and the Resource List.
On behalf of CFNLA, a special thank you to our subcommittee members:
- Dr. Joseph Bocchini
- Dr. Abbey Carroll
- Dr. Virginia Carter
- Dr. Sheila Farrell
- Yolanda Green, RN
- Dr. Janay McKie
- Dr. Pamela McPherson
- Dr. Gretchen Petterway
- Sister Sharon Rambin
- Dr. Wanda Thomas
For physicians and staff: To learn more about the SEEK questionnaire, its uses, and find helpful trainings and tips please visit the SEEK website.
If you would like to request changes be made to the North Louisiana resource list, please email Ashley Crook at crook@cfnla.org.
Thank you for caring for the children of our community!