The Children's Health Fund Announces $100,000 Gift From The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

NEW YORK -- The Children's Health Fund has received a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the provision of health care to the nation's most medically under-served children.

Founded in 1987 by singer/songwriter Paul Simon and Irwin Redlener, M.D., The Children's Health Fund has treated more than 200,000 children through its national network of pediatric programs in some of the nation's most disadvantaged rural and urban communities. Currently 15 Children's Health Projects operate in urban and rural areas serving homeless, as well as permanently-housed children who would otherwise not be able to access essential primary healthcare services.

"This generous gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help ensure that underprivileged children across the nation will receive the health care they need," explained Dr. Irwin Redlener, President and Co-founder of The Children's Health Fund. "Whether living in rural or urban areas, permanent housing or homeless shelters, medically under-served children nationwide face considerable barriers to accessing comprehensive primary health care. Assuring the provision of pediatric medical services will go a long way in preventing future tragedies," continued Dr. Redlener.

Children with chronic conditions—especially asthma—are at most risk from a failure to obtain ongoing, comprehensive health services. Barriers to health care include lack of affordable or safe transportation; lack of informed, accessible healthcare providers; lack of insurance and/or funds to pay for necessary services; and lack of community resources.

"The Children's Health Fund provides critical services to our nation's underprivileged youth," said William H. Gates, Sr., Co-Chair and CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Through innovative delivery models, such as mobile medical units and fixed-site clinics at schools and homeless shelters, The Children's Health Fund brings necessary health care directly to children. We are pleased to support them and their efforts to provide access to this most basic support for children.

"Through our initiation and support of direct services, our public education programs and advocacy, and the generous support of foundations, corporations and individuals," said Dr. Redlener, "The Children's Health Fund is working hard to reach the goal of a doctor for every child."