CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Young children across Chicago, especially on the west side, are about to get a lot of help thanks to a generous donation to Lurie Children's Hospital.
The $25 million gift from philanthropists Kathleen and John Schreiber will establish the Schreiber Family Center for Early Childhood Health and Wellness.
Dr. Mariana Glusman is the center's Associate Medical Director. She said they will focus on the most important years of child development: from birth to age 5.
“What happens in early childhood doesn't stay in early childhood,” Glusman said.
Glusman said negative or adverse childhood experiences can impact a child for the rest of their lives.
“Children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences become adults with worse health outcomes,” she said.
But newer research, Glusman said, has shown that positive childhood experiences can actually “help mitigate against the effects” of negative experiences and toxic stress.
That's why the center will address healthy living with parents and children as well as safety issues in the homes, cars and communities.
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