Brown University To Launch Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute To Improve Kids Health

Brown University is obviously concerned with the welfare of children as they launch a new institute to battle childhood health issues and improve the overall health of kids worldwide. The good news was announced by its president on Monday.

University president Christina Paxson was joined by Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo and other dignitaries when she announced the creation of the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Yahoo! News reports.

"This institute will work with children and families in Rhode Island, but the research findings that come out of this work will apply here and in many other places," said Paxson, following the Statehouse ceremony. "If they discover great ways to address childhood asthma or autism, the benefits won't just stay in the state. They'll spread."

The said institution aims to focus on child health from pregnancy through young adulthood. They will be particular in combating childhood obesity, asthma and autism. Research reveals that healthier children perform better in school and later in the workforce. Paxson also disclosed that obesity, asthma and autism are among the most acute childhood health issues.

Moreover, it will bring specialists in research, clinical practice and public health together. Brown is working with Hasbro Children's Hospital and Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, as well as with government agencies, nonprofits and others to fulfill their goal, The Washington Times reports.  

Raimondo showed her support for the institution and even praised it for its potential to address health issues and provide jobs based on innovation. The politician assures that the state will cooperate. She is calling for everyone to be supportive as well, citing that they  need to make the project successful because "Kids are counting on it, and the people of Rhode Island are counting on it."

According to the report, the family of retired Hasbro Chairman and CEO Alan Hassenfeld, a former Brown trustee donated $12.5 million. However, Brown is not setting with the said amount. They are planning to raise the same amount to match the donation.

"I would like to dream that someday what we do here in Rhode Island will truly be a benefit to children and families the world over," said Hassenfeld.

Terrie Fox Wetle, dean of Brown's School of Public Health said that this interdisciplinary approach is a good example of uniting the state hospitals and research universities to focus on a public health issue. According to Fox, students who are involved in the institution are welcome to impart their knowledge in other states and countries.

"It's not just hyperbole when we say this is a model that will be repeated again and again and copied elsewhere," she said.

Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute will be launched in early 2016.