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The Philadelphia Grow Project participates in the policy relevant multi-site research study called Children's HealthWatch (formerly the Children's Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program: C-SNAP). |
The purpose of the research is to assess how public policy is related to food security, growth and health of vulnerable, low-income children.
Children's HealthWatch is a network of pediatricians and public health researchers that carry out evidence based research to inform policy decisions that can prevent child hunger and promote children’s health. Since 1998, Children's HealthWatch has gathered and analyzed information to monitor the impact of public policy changes on the health, growth, food security and development of young, low-income children.
Data is currently being gathered at emergency departments and ambulatory care clinics at five medical centers: They interview caregivers seeking services for children under age three. Children identified with growth delays are referred for medical follow up. Our Outreach Coordinator provides follow up and works with families to to make sure they have access to food assistance, public assistance programs, social services, or other assistance such as job training programs, or free legal assistance.
Research findings are disseminated to policy makers and advocacy groups, via journal publications, professional research presentations, popular reports, media coverage, congressional testimony, and numerous other speaking engagements.
Philadelphia became the newest member of the Children's HealthWatch team in the middle of 2004. Through the Philadelphia GROW Project, data collection began in the Emergency Department at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in February of 2005.