Tina Cheng Leads Congressional Discussion Promoting Investment in Child Health
Post Date: July 24, 2026 | Publish Date:
Experts highlight why improving child health is essential to America’s future
On July 21, 2026, Tina Cheng, MD, MPH, chief medical officer at Cincinnati Children’s and one of the nation’s leading pediatric health policy experts, with the support of vice president of Government Relations Melissa Saladonis, convened a bipartisan Congressional discussion in Washington, D.C., to make the case that investments in child health are investments in America’s future prosperity.
The event, titled Children First for a Prosperous America: Why Child Health Matters Now, brought together an unusual coalition of voices to discuss how child health influences educational achievement, workforce readiness, economic productivity and national security.
The discussion reinforced many of the recommendations outlined in the recent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, Launching Lifelong Health by Improving Health Care for Children, Youth, and Families, co-authored by Cheng. The report calls for a fundamental shift toward promoting lifelong health by investing earlier in children and families and addressing the social, environmental and structural factors that influence health and well-being.
Speakers explored how improving child health can create lasting benefits for individuals and society, including:
- The connection between child health, military readiness and national security.
- How early childhood development serves as a powerful prevention strategy that mitigates long-term educational and social challenges and supports healthier futures.
- Why children’s health is essential to building a strong, competitive workforce and economy.
- Recommendations from the National Academies report and opportunities to advance child-focused policies.
- Perspectives from families and youth directly impacted by child health policy.
Additional speakers included:
- General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.), former Commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan
- Timberly Pierce, Director of North America Strategy, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Alex Curti, parent advocate and CancerFree KIDS board member
- Youth advocates Luke Cox and Asha Gardner
- Moderator: Former Congressman Brad Wenstrup, DPM
The event was supported by Cincinnati Children’s, the Children’s Hospital Association, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs and Seen & Heard Action Network.
Read more about the NASEM report
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The Research Horizons blog features news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children's. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Email researchnews@cchmc.org with questions or ideas.
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