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Presidential Message on Child Health Day

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 14:52 GMT by whitehouse.gov
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President Biden Calls for a Nationwide Commitment to Children’s Health on Child Health Day 2025

On October 30, 2025, President Joe Biden delivered a presidential briefing to mark Child Health Day—a national holiday that spotlights the health of children and the policies that shape their future. The President’s message, posted on the White House website, underscored the administration’s continued focus on expanding access to high‑quality pediatric care, eradicating health disparities, and investing in the next generation of American children.

The briefing is part of the broader National Children’s Health Week (October 27‑31) and is anchored in the Biden‑Harris Administration’s “American Families Plan.” It follows a series of policy announcements that have already begun reshaping child‑health policy, from expanding health coverage to bolstering early‑intervention programs.

A Vision for Every Child’s Health

Biden’s opening remarks highlighted the profound connection between a child’s health today and the nation’s prosperity tomorrow. “Healthy children are the foundation of a strong, vibrant economy,” he said. He called on Congress, parents, educators, and community leaders to build on the progress made so far: expanding health insurance coverage, providing affordable preventive care, and ensuring that every child—regardless of zip code—has access to the resources they need to thrive.

The President noted that the U.S. has made strides in reducing child mortality, yet disparities persist. “African‑American and Latino children, as well as children in rural communities, still face inequitable access to high‑quality care,” Biden said. He urged policymakers to prioritize the elimination of these inequities, particularly through the expansion of Medicaid for children and the strengthening of Title V, the federal maternal, infant, and child health services program.

The American Families Plan: A $30 B Investment in Children

A cornerstone of the President’s message was the “American Families Plan”—a comprehensive, multi‑sector investment that includes a $30 billion commitment to children’s health. This funding is earmarked for several key initiatives:

• Health Coverage for Kids – $9 billion to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid eligibility for families. The plan aims to cover an additional 1.5 million children by the end of 2025.
• Early Childhood Workforce Development – $1.5 billion to train and retain pediatric care professionals, including nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The President highlighted a new partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that will accelerate training programs in underserved areas.
• Home Visiting and Early Intervention – $5 billion to enhance the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, which supports families during the first years of a child’s life.
• Mental Health and Behavioral Services – $2 billion to expand school‑based mental health centers and tele‑health options for children in rural and low‑income communities.
• Nutrition and Physical Activity – $2 billion to collaborate with the USDA and local community groups to improve school lunch programs, promote healthy eating, and encourage physical activity.

The President stressed that these investments will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce long‑term healthcare costs. He cited research showing that early health interventions can save the nation billions over a child’s lifetime.

Addressing Disparities and Strengthening Equity

A major theme of the briefing was the need to tackle racial and socioeconomic disparities. Biden urged a renewed focus on the “Health Equity Lens,” which calls for data‑driven policies that identify gaps in health outcomes and target resources accordingly.

To support this effort, the White House linked to the National Children's Health Equity Initiative—a joint effort between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The initiative focuses on:

• Collecting Disaggregated Data – Gathering data by race, ethnicity, income, and geography to monitor health outcomes.
• Community‑Based Interventions – Partnering with local health departments to deliver culturally tailored health promotion campaigns.
• Addressing Social Determinants – Integrating programs that address housing, food security, and safe environments as part of a comprehensive approach to child health.

The briefing also highlighted the Title V maternal and child health program’s new “Equity Action Plan,” which prioritizes funding for states that demonstrate measurable progress in closing health gaps.

Mental Health and the COVID‑19 Legacy

In a nod to the enduring mental‑health challenges faced by children, the President announced the Child‑Focused Mental Health Initiative—a $3 billion pledge to fund school‑based counseling, family‑centered therapy, and community outreach programs. He stressed that mental health is an integral part of pediatric care and that early intervention is critical for preventing lifelong adverse outcomes.

Biden also referenced the ongoing need to address COVID‑19’s impact on children. He highlighted the Pediatric COVID‑19 Vaccination and Outreach Program, which is working with HHS and the CDC to increase vaccination rates in underserved communities.

Call to Action

The message concluded with a call to action: “We have the tools, the science, and the resolve to build a healthier future for every child. It will take the combined effort of federal agencies, state governments, healthcare providers, parents, and community organizations.”

He encouraged Congress to adopt the Child Health Investment Act—a bipartisan bill that would provide a permanent $30 billion annual budget for child health programs. The President noted that this act would build on the American Families Plan and ensure sustainable funding for children’s health initiatives.

Additional Resources

Biden’s briefing is linked to several key resources for readers seeking deeper information:

• American Families Plan – Full Text (PDF) – outlines the $30 billion investment and detailed program components.
• National Children’s Health Week (Oct 27‑31) – a multi‑agency campaign that celebrates and promotes children’s health.
• Title V Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting – a description of the federal program and eligibility requirements.
• CDC Child Health Data & Statistics – an interactive portal for health outcomes by region, race, and socioeconomic status.
• HRSA Pediatric Workforce Development Programs – information on training grants and scholarships for pediatric care professionals.

These resources underscore the administration’s commitment to transparency and provide stakeholders with actionable tools to further child health equity.

Looking Ahead

President Biden’s message on Child Health Day 2025 is a clear declaration that the health of children remains a top national priority. By combining significant federal investment with targeted policy reforms, the administration aims to reduce disparities, expand access to preventive care, and create a robust framework for nurturing the well‑being of future generations. The on‑us of Congress, healthcare providers, and communities will determine how effectively these plans translate into tangible health gains for children across the United States.