Health strategies to strengthen families

How do health issues impact family well-being?

Consistent access to healthcare creates better health outcomes for individuals and families. ¹

Uninsured individuals experience worse health outcomes, have a lower quality of life, and higher mortality rates than individuals with insurance.

Uninsured individuals are less likely to have a primary care provider and less likely to receive preventive care, dental care, chronic disease management, and behavioral health counseling.

Expecting mothers in good health are more likely to have children born at healthy birthweights. ²

Babies born underweight are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, exhibit disruptive behaviors, and less likely to graduate from high school.

Healthy adults experience more stability in their employment. ^{3 4}

Poor health is both a contributor to and a result of employment instability. Employment instability can lead to material hardship, which can have negative impacts on parent-parent and parent-child relationships.

Healthy families are less stressed and able to devote more time and resources to their children. ⁵

Health issues constrain time, energy, and resources for individuals and families, increasing family stress and reducing the material resources and emotional capacity that parents can provide their children.