October is National Children's Health Month

"The health of our children now will influence the health of our communities later."

Thurston's Community Wellness Division Director Gretchen Thaller said this as the Thurston Board of Health (BOH) officially proclaimed October National Children's Health Month.

Thaller shared the indicators that many of the children in the community are struggling, adding that there is an increasing rate of child abuse and poverty.

She emphasized that supporting children during the early stages of their lives can positively impact preventing substance abuse and overdose, mental health concerns, and chronic diseases such as cardiac issues or cancer.

"What we do now really can impact some of the concerns we're seeing in our community," said Thaller.

Children’s mental health

Dr. Joyce Gilbert, medical director of the Abuse Intervention Center, said the county is in the "best form ever" in terms of the medical health of children, adding that the infant mortality rate is down and children are surviving premature births.

"All the things that were a struggle 50 years ago, our children are doing well with now because of medical advances," said Gilbert.

However, Gilbert added that children now struggle with emotional and mental health.

"Adults who have so much trouble with addiction and mental health issues now were those children [who were exposed to trauma]," the doctor clarified. "Our goal is to change the trajectory of those children's lives by doing trauma-informed care the right way."

The BOH said this year's proclamation aims to highlight Thurston's ongoing work to protect children from hazards that affect their health.

Community programs such as Thurston County's Nurse-Family Partnership and the Family Intervention Nurse Program, along with various other local initiatives, are collaborating to meet the needs of children and families in the community.

The board said the efforts are focused on enhancing early and continuous prenatal care, fostering positive caregiver-child bonds, enhancing home safety, and promoting improved childhood development and well-being.

"Strengthening the economic support for families, promoting social norms that protect against violence and adversity, and ensuring a strong start for children are critical for promoting the health and well-being of children," the board's proclamation read.