New Poll Shows Strong Bipartisan Support for Children’s Health

At a time when finding common ground can feel difficult, parents nationwide agree on one thing: Kids must come first.

The Children’s Health Policy Pulse survey, commissioned by CHA and fielded by LSG, found strong support for policies that protect children’s access to care, address the youth mental health crisis, and grow the pediatric workforce.

Every day, children’s hospitals see the impact of workforce shortages, behavioral health challenges, and financial pressures on the patients and families they serve. Parents recognize these issues too and want leaders to take action.

Prioritizing children’s health

Children represent roughly 23% of the U.S. population, yet only about 9% of federal spending is directed toward programs that support them. This underinvestment leads to higher costs down the road, poorer health outcomes, and missed opportunities to support healthy development early in life.

Parents recognize what’s on the line. The survey found 86% of parents are concerned about insufficient funding for children’s hospitals and health care programs, and 80% believe the federal government should increase funding.

They also worried about policies that could make it harder for children to access care. More than three-quarters support restoring Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding to help ensure children can access the services they need.

Every policy decision should consider its impact on children and families. When children’s health is prioritized, kids have more opportunities to thrive.

Addressing mental health

No issue generated stronger concern among parents than children’s mental health.

More than 9 in 10 parents said they are concerned about the youth mental health crisis, and strong majorities support increased funding for pediatric mental health services.

And 91% recognize children’s hospitals play an important role in providing behavioral health care and connecting families with the support they need.

Demand for pediatric mental health care continues to grow, and families want solutions that expand access to care and help boost children’s well-being.

Building the pediatric workforce

Parents don’t just want access to care today. They want to ensure there will be enough pediatric clinicians to be able to care for kids in the future.

More than 8 in 10 parents expressed concern about the national shortage of pediatric health care professionals. Nearly 80% support increased investment for the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program to train more pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.

The majority also believe the federal government should increase funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support pediatric research.

Investments in pediatric training and research help ensure children have access to specialized care not only today, but for generations to come. These funds are essential to advancing breakthroughs, expanding reach, and building the workforce needed to care for children with complex conditions.

Considering the future

Conducted among 1,000 likely voters nationwide who are parents or guardians of children under 18, the Children’s Health Policy Pulse survey shows broad agreement across political and demographic groups on the policies children need to thrive.

Families are calling for policies that protect children’s access to care, address mental health needs, and strengthen the systems that support them.

As policymakers make decisions, they should ask this question: What does this mean for kids?

The answer should guide our policies, investments, and commitment to children’s health.

Because when we put kids first, we build a healthier future for every child.