Children's Health Insurance - E-News from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
September 15, 2016
U.S. Census Bureau: Rhode Island Maintains Commitment to Children's Health Insurance Coverage
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT recently released new data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2015 American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS provides national and state-level data on health insurance coverage. 

According to the ACS, in 2015: 
  • 96.6% of Rhode Island children had health insurance coverage
  • 3.4% (an estimated 6,936) Rhode Island children lacked health insurance coverage
  • 4.8% of all U.S. children lacked health insurance coverage 
  • Rhode Island ranks 14th in the nation and 5th in New England for children's health insurance coverage
  • 65.8% of Rhode Island children were enrolled in private coverage through their parents' employer-sponsored health plan or purchased directly 
  • 36.9% of Rhode Island children were covered by Medicaid/RIte Care
For more, please see our media release and coverage in Providence Business News.
TeethFirst! - New Brochure and Social Media!
The TeethFirst! initiative continues to spread the word about the importance of early dental visits throughout Rhode Island. 

TeethFirst! is proud to share our newest bilingual brochure: Healthy Teeth for You and Your Baby. Information about the importance of oral health care at pregnancy, a baby's first dental visit, and finding a dentist are included. To see all free campaign materials - and to order! - please click here

Please also connect with TeethFirst! on Twitter and Facebook and consider sharing our sample social media posts and videos about oral health with colleagues, clients, and patients!

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is project lead on TeethFirst! For a full list of partners & supporters, please click here.
Infant Mortality & Sleep Safe Awareness
September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Latest data show that Rhode Island's infant mortality rate was the 3rd lowest in the U.S. (4.4 per 1,000 live births in 2014). Despite this achievement, continued progress is needed. Safe Sleep practices can be used to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is also Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! Learn about this important issue in Rhode Island via our Factbook, and see why physical activity in schools is so important via our Policy Brief

In addition, learn about new Rhode Island legislative changes to recess and school nutrition via our Legislative Wrap-Up.
Register Today! Celebration of Children's Health Luncheon 

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT's annual Celebration of Children's Health Luncheon will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. 

RSVP by November 3, 2016 - registration is required
For more information, please contact Katherine Chu, Communications Manager, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. 
Join Our Mailing List!
Are you interested in specific areas of child well-being? Rhode Island KIDS COUNT publishes E-Newsletters on specific areas related to child well-being: 
  • Children's Health and Health Insurance 
  • Child Welfare/Juvenile Justice 
  • Early Childhood/Early Learning 
  • Student-Centered Learning
  • Rhode Island KIDS COUNT also publishes a general interest E-Newsletter. 

Please click here to start receiving these updates today!