Elevated blood lead levels can be harmful to children and can result in learning disabilities and lowered intelligence, as well as behavioral problems. Extremely elevated levels of lead in the blood can result in seizures, comas, or even death. Due to a lack of outward symptoms, regular blood testing is necessary to detect lead levels.

Child deaths are those that occur between the ages of 1-17 years. Injury is one of the leading causes of death in children, particularly among toddler- and preschool-aged children, as well as teens.

Mothers who access prenatal care in the first trimester of their pregnancy are less likely to have babies with health problems. Early prenatal care can aid in the early identification and treatment of risk factors and behaviors such as anemia, diabetes, poor nutrition, and alcohol and tobacco use, which can lead to better birth outcomes.

Children without health insurance often experience delays in receiving preventive care and required immunizations as compared to their insured peers, potentially resulting in long-term health problems. Research demonstrates that uninsured children are at an elevated risk for absenteeism and prolonged illnesses, both of which could negatively impact their academic achievement.

Children are much more likely to die during their first year of life than at any other age in their childhood. Infant deaths are those that occur before a child’s first birthday. Preterm and/or low weight birth-related problems, congenital abnormalities, and sudden infant death syndrome are included among the leading causes of infant death.