Pediatric Wellness Program
Launched in 2019, the Pediatric Wellness Program was created to address a critical gap in our local health systems. Youth diabetes prevention services are not covered under most health plans, and diabetes and obesity prevention have been identified as a major community health need throughout Monterey County.
This free program includes group and individual coaching using a family based approach to establishing healthy lifestyle changes. Free education and lifestyle modification coaching is provided, in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
A critical component of the Pediatric Wellness Program is the 5-2-1-0 curriculum, teaching kids to each more fruits and vegetables, to limit screen time, to get up and get active, and to cut out sugary drinks like sodas and juices.
Since its inception, the Pediatric Wellness Program has reached over 3,000 families, working with over 130 referring physicians and providers across Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Salinas, and Gonzales.
In 2021, the Salinas Valley Health Foundation Board of Governors pledged $900,000 in financial support for these critical efforts in combating childhood obesity and diabetes, all raised through our Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Program. Funds raised through the CMN Hospitals Program stay local, and the Pediatric Wellness Program is just one way that these donations help improve the health and wellbeing of local kids. If you would like to support our local CMNH Program, and efforts like the Pediatric Wellness Program, please give today to our Healthy Kids / CMN Hospitals Fund.
The Pediatric Wellness Program is operated by Community Healthy Innovations, in partnership with Salinas Valley Health and Montage Health.