New Jersey's Next Governor Pushes for Better Kids' Health Care

Key Initiatives:

• Universal Health Check-ups: Sherrill aims to ensure every school-aged child receives a comprehensive check-up.
• MMR Vaccination Drive: She wants to prioritize the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Addressing Rising Health Costs: Concerns over expensive emergency room visits due to unaffordable insurance.

Health Care and Nutrition:

• No Child Left Behind: Sherrill believes no child in one of the richest states should lack proper health care or food.
• SNAP Cuts Impact: The state faces cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting nearly 800,000 low-income individuals, including children and the elderly.

Mental Health Crisis:

• Shortage of Professionals: There aren't enough mental health professionals to support the growing number of children in need.
• Insurance Barriers: Insurance companies often don't cover necessary mental health care, exacerbating the issue.
• Telehealth Solutions: Sherrill plans to explore telehealth services to address the shortage.

Social Media and Well-being:

• Research Collaboration: Sherrill wants to use research from companies like Meta to make informed decisions for children's well-being.
• Gaps in Programs: While some mental health programs are effective, there are still gaps that need to be filled.

Preventive Care Strategies:

• Proactive Planning: Sherrill's team is already discussing strategies to provide better preventive care for children once she takes office.
• Essential Support: She believes ensuring every child gets the support they need is not just important—it's essential.