children's health

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, activity is higher than it was at the same time last year. Texas is extending access to immunizations for infants and toddlers until the end of the month in response to "persistent" infections.

A proposed rule would allow some children to qualify for the Medically Dependent Children Program — a Medicaid program that offers home- and community-based services to children with complex medical needs — without needing a nursing facility stay. But, advocates said the language is too “narrow" and could hinder providers.

The detailed document is a plea for the immediate release of children being held in immigration detention facilities across the United States.

The Texas Legislature at least partially implemented less than a third of recommendations from the state’s 2024 Children’s Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, according to a recent report. Many of the recommendations focus on increasing access to services that keep children in their homes or communities instead of institutional settings.

A majority of Texas' uninsured children are Latino, according to new analysis from the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. The report also found most uninsured children are eligible for public insurance or financial assistance through the federal health insurance marketplace.

Among other things, the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee is tasked with developing new dietary and nutrition guidelines and new educational requirements. The committee has less than a year to produce a report that could effect all levels of education — including Texas medical schools.

Just one year after the worst measles outbreak in the country began in West Texas, public health officials said the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status. Public health leaders from North Texas and Lubbock warn declining vaccination rates could increase risk of future measles outbreaks.

The Department of Homeland Security wants to eliminate guidelines around what public benefits can be considered in a "public charge" determination. Experts and advocates warn it could lead to a "chilling effect" in migrant communities.

Since the 1960s, Texas has screened newborns for a variety of rare diseases — like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. And that list of conditions continues to grow longer. But, even with a diagnosis, families still face obstacles when it comes to receiving care.

Dallas County has received more federal support to address racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Dallas County Health and Human Services will have more than $300,000 in additional funding for its Healthy Start program.

The largest community mental health provider in North Texas unveiled its new $96 million campus in Dallas' Hillside neighborhood. The Mental Health and Disability Innovation Center opens to the public next month.

Texas saw the largest increase in the rate of uninsured children in the country between 2022 and 2024. Experts warn it will likely get worse.