Protecting Our Future by Building Healthy Communities

Protecting our future by building healthy communities Protecting our future by building healthy communities By David, GSK Global Manufacturing & Supply   I honestly believe that America's future is connected to the health, education and well-being of its children. Yet too many children simply do not get the basic health care they need. This is why I joined the Children's Health Fund in their fight to provide healthcare to America's medically underserved children. 

Founded in 1987 by singer/songwriter Paul Simon and pediatrician, Irwin Redlener, MD, the Children's Health Fund (CHF) created a mobile medical clinic to serve homeless children in New York City. Twenty five years later, the mobile medical clinic, which was designed by Irwin's wife, Karen Redlener, has grown into a national network of 50 mobile clinics deployed in 17 states and the District of Columbia where access to medical care is difficult or impossible. CHF is also developing the next generation of community health professionals.  Nearly 1,000 medical, nursing, and other public health professional students train each year at CHF National Network sites.

When I was told that I would be honored at the CHF 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on October 4, along with Simon Fuller (that's us, above), my immediate response was that the honor has been mine to serve as the Chair of the CHF Corporate Council for the past four years. I am proud to have worked alongside the dedicated team at CHF in helping to meet the healthcare needs of our children. It truly has been a life-changing experience for me.

Like the CHF, I am convinced that we can protect our future by building healthy communities. How? By investing in the health and well being of our children today.

Children's Health Fund (CHF) works with major corporations, foundations and government agencies to create cooperative alliances that bring together participants' strengths and experience.Together these organizations create a unified voice for children under the umbrella of Children's Health Fund's Corporate Council for America's Children.

With the leadership of US Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), David Pulman, PhD, President, Global Manufacturing & Supply of GlaxoSmithKline and Irwin Redlener, MD, the Corporate Council meets to discuss health reform, legislation and other issues that impact children.Council members provide ongoing financial support to sustain and expand CHF's affiliated programs and special initiatives.