The Kids Need You More than Ever on Child Health Day 2020

While not as well-known as US federal holidays like Labor Day, Child Health Day has been around for a long time. Introduced by Congress in 1928, the first Child Health Day celebration occurred in May 1929. At some point in history, the holiday moved to regularly occur on the first Monday of each October. This year, that day falls on October 5, 2020.

The purpose of the holiday, unchanged from 1928, is to advocate for the wellbeing of kids. That means raising awareness of how children sit at a uniquely vulnerable intersection of physical, mental, and emotional health, each aspect of which is directly impacted by their education, economic situation, and connections within their communities. While no one receives a day off to honor the day, the holiday remains important to every organization involved with the treatment of children, including ours.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and required extraordinary steps in order to try and protect patients and staff. This roughly translates to a monthly cost of $85 million USD on top of the costs associated with setting up and maintaining telemedicine and equipment. Job losses, insurance losses, and the wider financial strain on the country mean that the demands being placed on CMN Hospitals far exceeds that of past years.

This means that, without an increase in donations, 67% of CMN Hospitals facilities won’t be able to meet their financial obligations in the next year.

When we positively change the health of even one child, we create a ripple effect felt by our communities for years to come. When we ensure our children can lead healthy, fulfilling lives, we foster the scientists, gamers, artists, and leaders of tomorrow.

If you are in a financially viable position, donate to your local children’s hospital through Extra Life. For those who have time and energy, register and fundraise as much as you can. If you can’t do either of those things, take to social media and make a post letting others know how dire the situation is for children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada to help us reach others who can fundraise or donate.

Don’t forget to sign up for Extra Life to help sick and injured kids in hospitals around the US and Canada by playing games!