They're Not Your Kids, But Can You Really Just Look Away? Why the Midterms Matter.

VALHALLA, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an emotional call-to-action, President & CEO Larry Levine, Blythedale Children's Hospital, speaks about crucial impact midterm elections will have on children's healthcare.

"There is a lot at stake for children in the midterm elections. Americans need to step out of their comfort zone and put themselves in the shoes of those less fortunate. We have a moral obligation to care for and protect the health and well-being of the country's kids."

Consider:

• 33 million children, or 1 in 4 of our nation's children, are covered by Medicaid.
• 21% of the kids in our country suffer from a behavioral or mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety, with suicide now the second-leading cause of death for kids ages 10-19.
• The legal immigrant parent, faced with the choice of using Medicaid, public housing, or food stamps, and the ensuing risk ? according to Department of Homeland Security draft regulations ? of being denied permanent resident status and the Green Card that allows you to work to support your kids.

"If these were your kids, and your family faced any of these problems, at the very least you'd want people running for office to tell you where they stand on these issues. They're not your kids, so you have the option of looking away. But, what if you considered all the children in our country as your own children ? and felt it your responsibility to vote for legislators who are committed to protect them?  Do not stay silent. Raise your voice on November 6 in the powerful way our democracy provides, on behalf of those who have no voice."

Read Levine's latest Op-Ed published in The Journal News/Lohud.com.

Levine has more than 40 years of experience in the children's hospital, healthcare policy and advocacy fields and is a widely published thought leader who lectures frequently across New York State and the country.

Levine is available for interviews to provide perspective on the crucial impact the midterm elections will have on children's healthcare.

Blythedale Children's Hospital is one of only 14 pediatric specialty hospitals in the country and the only one in New York State. Blythedale is a proven leader in the provision of care to medically complex children and recognized as a safety net hospital, with 76% of its patients dependent on Medicaid.

Social Media: FB@Blythedale, Twitter@Blythedale & IG@blythedalechildrenshospital

Contact: Justin Barbo
                [email protected]

SOURCE Blythedale Children's Hospital