TRENDS

Abstract

IN MOST of the reports of the Academy's Study published by the individual states, emphasis has been placed upon the development of health councils from the pediatric viewpoint. One of the outstanding features of these state recommendations is the importance given to bringing together at the state and community levels all those agencies which have a primary interest in child health. The following quotation from the Louisiana report is characteristic of many: "Cooperative planning and action, state-wide and in local communities can help to meet the needs of Louisiana's children. A Child Health Council, created by the State Medical and Pediatric Societies, should include representation from all medical and lay groups interested in child health. Local councils should be fostered by the state groups." These objectives do not stand alone, but on the contrary are closely related to a growing trend. Those who are responsible for activating the recommendations of state reports will find support from the increasing interest in health councils throughout the country and will, at the same time, add to the momentum of this significant movement. In this connection particular attention should be given to the National Health Council, a voluntary association of national health agencies joined together for the purpose of common planning for the improvement of the health services of the country.