by ChrisAnna Mink M.D.

Harbor-UCLA Department of Pediatrics residents have joined the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) FACE Poverty campaign with collecting personal care items for low-income children. They have partnered with Community’s Child, a non-profit organization located in Lomita that provides safe living environments, training and education for homeless women and their children.

Nearly 20% of children live in poverty in U.S., and that rate is even higher in some communities surrounding Harbor. Childhood poverty has negative consequences for health, academic achievement and overall well-being for those afflicted. Recognizing the profound effects of poverty, the AAP Section on Medical Students, Residents and Fellowship Trainees (SOMSRFT) chose to focus on the issue with its annual advocacy campaign, called FACE Poverty.

The four components of the campaign include:

  • F – food security. Adequate nutrition in essential for good health and development, and pediatricians and trainees are committed to helping families find resources.
  • A – access to health care. Pediatricians-in-training are working to increase children’s access to a patient-centered medical home, which can lead to improved health and well-being.
  • C – community. The kids are our community, and pediatricians can support them by helping to build family resilience and advocating for positive schooling and neighborhood development.
  • E – education. This part of the campaign focuses on advocating for early childhood education and working to reduce the high school dropout rate.

Families that are struggling often forfeit things that we all take for granted, such as personal care items. The pediatric residents decided collecting toiletries was a reasonable step to help impoverished kids. After all, feeling clean shouldn’t be a luxury.

Everyone can help by donating toiletries for all ages from infants to teens with new items, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, wipes, baby shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and soap, among others. Full size containers are preferred. Gift cards and monetary donations are also welcome.

Items can be dropped off to the 6th floor Pediatric Chief Resident office or in CHP Clinic in the MFI Building. See the flyer for additional information.

For questions or assistance, please call Dr. Tiffany Jean at 310-222-1811.