All children should have an equal opportunity to be healthy, ready to learn and achieve their full potential. Furthermore, a child's ZIP code should not be the determining factor for future health or well-being. Because pediatricians are,primarily, advocates for children, the Wayne State University Department of Pediatrics has launched the Children's Health Collaborative(CHC) in collaboration with Wayne Pediatrics.

The CHC is an initiative focused on the lifespan development of children living in urban communities while addressing social determinants of health to foster improved individual, family, and community health. The collaborative is supported by a network of community partners and Wayne State University schools and colleges with experts focused on social determinants of health.

Social determinants of health which are often rooted in poverty are the economic and social conditions thatincrease risk of poor health outcomes, not only in children but also in adults. These social and economic conditions include access to quality housing, food insecurity, quality education, transportation, unemployment, and accessible health care. These are complex issues and the Department of Pediatrics in partnership with Wayne Pediatrics intends to tackle and address these concerns. 

The CHC envisions a healthier future for metropolitan Detroit children and families byprovidingcomprehensive, community-based primary and specialty pediatric care, programs and services medical education and training, and community-based research, to help morechildren achieve their fullest potential. 

Members of the collaborative include:

Meghan Dwaihy, MD, MPH (CHC Program Manager, WSU Department of Pediatrics)

Melissa A. Thompson, M.Sc. (Director, WSU Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Administrator, Wayne Pediatrics, Inc.)

Herman B. Gray, MD, MBA, FAAP (Chair, WSU Department of Pediatrics)

Patrice Brown (Senior Manager, Eastern Market)

Cindy Eggleton (Co-Founder and CEO, Brilliant Detroit)

Elliott Attisha, DO (Title to be added)

Adrian Monge (Director, Office of Early Learning, City of Detroit)

Nate McCaughtry, PhD (Assistant Dean and Professor, Division of Kinesiology, Health, and Sports Studies; Director, Center for Health and Community Impact, Wayne State University)

Rochelle Chapman (Co-Director, Faith Community Research Network; Community Engagement Coordinator for WSU CURES)

Monique Marks (President and CEO, Franklin Wright Settlements)

Nakia Allen, MD (Pediatrician, Henry Ford Health; Clinical Associate Professor, WSU School of Medicine)

Lynn Smitherman, MD (Associate Professor; Vice Chair of Medical Education; Vice Chair Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Clerkship Director, Department of Pediatrics)

Laura Benjamins, MD (Professor, Adolescent Medicine, WSU Department of Pediatrics)