To improve health outcomes for children and families across socioeconomic gradients and sociocultural contexts, it is crucial to understand biological embedding of adversity and mobilize this new knowledge to inform health policy. This understanding is especially timely during changes in presidential administrations. Accordingly, the Yale Biological Embedding, Global Research & Intervention Network (BEGIN) Faculty Network of the Yale Institute for Global Health convened a facilitated dialogue on November 4th to launch a new project, “New BEGINnings: Presidential Policy Platform,” which seeks to embed health equity in federal initiatives by advancing policies that promote health and well-being for children and families. It takes a holistic, “Triple Bottom Line” justice approach, committing to equity in health, the environment, and economics.
The New BEGINnings project brings together Yale faculty and students that are engaging in a variety of methods for policy engagement. The Climate Equity and Health Policy Methods course at the Yale School of Public Health engages students in policy practice at the international, national, state and local levels. For example, students in the class presented policy recommendations to the White House Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer (WHFCEJO) about health equity in response to natural and man-made disasters.
In addition, faculty at the Yale Child Study Center have provided policy recommendations regarding research and clinical care for the mental health of children and families impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. As part of the discourse with the WHFCEJO regarding resiliency for communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several policy recommendations were proposed. For example, as part of building capacity for dynamic research response to natural disasters, faculty advanced a recommendation to bring the full resources of the federal government (i.e., funding) to support research on the biological and psychological impact of natural disasters on the well-being of pregnant individuals, partners and their children. On the topic of health impacts from climate change and natural disasters, faculty recommended applying the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision (ICD-10) Z Codes in support of responsive health care, data collection, workforce development and billability. ICD-10 is a standardized system used to code medical conditions, with the Z Codes relevant to social determinants of health and environmental stressors.
The New BEGINnings project is premised on the importance of policy which accounts for understanding of the biological determinants of adversity that are connected to long-term consequences for children, caregivers, and families. The YIGH BEGIN faculty network and New BEGINnings project affiliates invites interested faculty to take part in the presidential policy platform effort. We look forward to meaningful, strategic policy engagement that advances the whole health of children, families and communities experiencing environmental stressors.
For further information and engagement, contact Kieran O’Donnell, kieran.odonnell@yale.edu, and Suzi Ruhl, barbarasuzi.ruhl@yale.edu.