Latest news with #InstituteofMedicine
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
RFK Jr. drops autism bombshell on Tucker Carlson as he says he's found the 'leading culprit'
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spectacularly claimed that health officials covered up a study that found vaccinating newborns elevated their risk of autism. Kennedy made the stunning allegation during an interview with Tucker Carlson on Monday, days after promising to re-evaluate the recommended schedule for vaccines for children and teenagers, including for measles and hepatitis B. During the conversation, Kennedy claimed that babies who received hepatitis vaccines during their first 30 days of life had a '1,135 percent elevated risk of autism' compared to those who received the vaccine later or not at all. '[The] CDC did that study in 1999,' he told the former Fox News host. The 2003 study he had been referring to found no evidence of such a link. 'They looked at children who had received the hepatitis vaccine within the first 30 days of life and compared those children to children who had received the vaccine later or not at all,' Kennedy continued. 'And they found an 1135 percent elevated risk of autism among the vaccinated children. 'And it shocked them,' he went on, ultimately declaring, 'They kept the study secret. 'And then they manipulated it through five different iterations to try to bury the link,' he said. 'And you know we know how they did it? They got rid of all the older children.' The study he had been referring to, published in November 2003 in Pediatrics, tracked more than 140,000 US children born between 1992 and 1999 for several years. Kennedy claimed the study's final version 'just had younger children who were too young to be diagnosed. 'And they stratified that - stratified the data,' he said. 'And they did a lot of other tricks, and all of those studies were the subject of that kind of trickery.' The secretary went on to claim he was stomping out such purported corruption and would soon find said link Kennedy erroneously claimed was supported by 'over a hundred [nongovernment] studies'. 'But, um, what we're going to do now, is we're going to do all the kind of studies that the Institute of Medicine originally recommended,' he said. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee, part of the National Academy of Sciences, found in 2001 that a link between popular vaccine ingredient thimerosal and increased rates of autism was 'biologically plausible.' At the time, the committee acknowledged a lack of clear evidence to support the link and recommended a series of studies be conducted by the CDC. 'CDC never did those,' Kennedy then claimed - alleging the agency instead commissioned the creation of six epidemiological studies that all 'use[d] fraudulent techniques. 'You know, they say statistics don't lie, but statisticians do,' Kennedy said, framing epidemiological studies as 'very easy to manipulate.' 'None of those studies did what you would do if you wanted to find the answer, which is to compare outcomes in a fully vaccinated group to health outcomes in an unvaccinated group. 'And CDC did that study in 1999,' he said, referring to the study published in 2023 that was led by former CDC researcher Dr. Thomas Verstraeten. 'Within 6 months we'll have definitive answers, after September,' Kennedy promised, when it came to the still-absent statistics. The Daily Mail has reached out to the CDC for clarification into some of Kennedy's comments. The agency and many others maintain no links have been found between any vaccine ingredients and autism spectrum disorders. A new panel of vaccine advisers appointed by Kennedy will re-evaluate the recommended schedule for vaccines for children and teenagers after meeting in Atlanta Wednesday, its new chairman, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, said Wednesday.
The Hill
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Congress should look to Tennessee as an example for Medicaid reform
As Congress wrestles with the need to trim spending, attention has turned to Medicaid, and to a lesser extent, Medicare. These are hardly new issues. Within seven years of the 1965 enactment of Medicaid, for those eligible for federal income support (largely those in poverty), and Medicare, primarily for those eligible for Social Security, Congress in 1972 turned its attention to concerns about containing costs in those programs. Tennessee has been a pioneer in managing its Medicaid costs, and Congress might benefit from the Tennessee experience with TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. About 30 years ago, Tennessee faced unsustainable annual increases in its Medicaid program. A popular Democratic governor, Ned McWherter, called the state's Medicaid program the Pac Man of the state's budget. He sought to find a way to pay for the Medicaid increases through a state income tax (Tennessee does not have one) but failed. The TennCare program was designed to address the issue by containing the rate of increase in costs. Tennessee received a waiver so that it could implement a universal and mandatory managed care program. Tennessee had no managed care in Medicaid, and a move to 100 percent managed care was projected to reduce costs by 20-25 percent on a recurring basis. Support from patient advocates was secured by agreeing that cost savings would be used to increase access to Medicaid to previously uncovered persons. The mandatory Medicaid managed care program was deemed such a success that, in 1997, Congress allowed states to implement Medicaid managed care without a waiver. Managed care introduced economic considerations into the process of medical decision-making. While the cost savings projections were pretty much on target; once those savings were fully realized, the projections recognized that the rate of cost escalation would be restored, albeit from a lower cost basis. That projection also turned out to be pretty accurate. A Republican governor, Don Sundquist, succeeded McWherter and unsuccessfully sought to implement an income tax. Another wonderful Democratic governor, Phil Bredesen, was elected to succeed Sundquist under a promise not to seek an income tax. Bredesen was determined to find a way to manage down the rate of increase of Medicaid spending. I served as his outside counsel. A reform team determined that the target for reform should focus on the concept of 'medical necessity.' That insight was informed by work I had done as part of an Institute of Medicine study group, which looked at hospital staffing in a system that had recently merged three hospitals. There were three distinct models, and no consensus about which was the 'right' one. Traditionally, the concept of 'medical necessity' was the term used to define the scope of benefits under health plans, including Medicaid. The concept assumed that there was a single correct way of practicing medicine, and that it had a justification based on scientific consensus. But the existence of clinical uncertainty called into question that traditional view. As it turned out, many alternatives were available at varying costs, and evidence of superiority of one particular approach was often lacking. Those insights led to the policy conclusion that, if a more expensive alternative were proposed, the state should not pay for that more expensive alternative unless there was good scientific evidence that it was superior and worth the additional cost. If an aspirin were adequate, it should be used instead of a more expensive prescription-based alternative. If an adequate outpatient procedure were available at lower cost, TennCare should not pay for a more expensive inpatient option. These insights resulted in a TennCare definition of 'medical necessity' that could serve as a national model at considerable (but hard to measure) cost savings. That definition has been in place for nearly 20 years and has been approved by a federal court. TennCare has kept costs manageable so that the state has been able to live within existing sources of revenue, and the state even proposed to accept financial risk if it could share in the cost savings from TennCare above a projected baseline. The TennCare definition includes the traditional requirement that a medical item or service be recommended by a treating physician (no doctor shopping) and that it be 'safe and effective.' The reasonably anticipated medical benefits must 'outweigh' the reasonably anticipated medical risks 'based on the enrollee's condition and scientifically supported evidence' to be covered under TennCare. That is, a medically based risk-benefit calculation is a requirement as part of medical decision-making. The innovative aspects have three components. First, a medical item or service must be required 'in order to diagnose or treat an enrollee's medical condition.' That circumscribes the type of item or service covered under the program. Second, the medical item or service must be the 'least costly alternative course of diagnosis or treatment.' That expressly incorporates economic factors into medical decision-making. An alternative course of diagnosis or treatment 'may include observation, lifestyle or behavioral changes, or, where appropriate, no treatment at all.' If an item or service can be safely provided in an outpatient setting at lower cost, then that is what TennCare will pay for. More expensive inpatient treatment is not 'medically necessary.' Third, the less costly alternative need only be 'adequate for the medical condition of the enrollee.' The yardstick is not the best possible standard or some comparison with private plans. The standard of 'adequacy' means that sub-standard medicine is not acceptable, but that some differences between benefits for TennCare enrollees and those on private plans are acceptable. These innovations were controversial 20 years ago, when proposed and enacted, but they have become part of the fabric of TennCare and have been in place successfully for two decades. They help shape the medical decision-making culture that costs are to be considered and that the issue is the adequacy of care not what might be available in some private plans. That type of modest stratification, by the way, is expressly endorsed in the Affordable Care Act. Section 1302(b)(5) expressly allows for supplementation by health plans beyond the essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act. In the discussions that led to these reforms, the estimated range of savings was from 1 percent to 5 percent of total Medicaid spending. In an environment in which a program entails large expenditures, even a 1 percent per year savings could be considerable. James F. Blumstein is University Distinguished Professor at Vanderbilt Law School and the director of Vanderbilt's Health Policy Center.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Best biotin tablets for hair growth starting from ₹499: Strengthen your hair naturally with our top 8 options
Have you ever Googled 'how to stop hairfall' after finding a lot of strands on your pillow? Well, you are not alone. Losing a few strands of hair is totally fine, but it becomes frustrating when the hairfall becomes noticeably excessive. One thing that may tackle hairfall is a biotin supplement. It helps with protein synthesis and keratin production, which plays an essential role in preventing hair loss. This vitamin B-complex acts as a coenzyme in the body, which also helps with cell signaling, gene regulation and histone modification. Studies suggest that biotin and other micronutrients help treat peripheral neurotherapy. If you also want to add this supplement to your diet, this list is just for you. Check out the best tablets for hair growth and make them part of your routine, but only after consulting your healthcare provider. Make your hair strong from the roots with the best biotin tablets for hair growth.(Adobe Stock) 8 best biotin tablets for hair growth 30 mcg of biotin per day is recommended for healthy humans above 19 years, as per the Institute of Medicine. Here are the best biotin tablets for hair growth that you may try: Loading Suggestions... Carbamide Forte Biotin 10000mcg offers a high-potency solution to bolster hair, skin, and nail health. This vegetarian supplement supports hydration and overall skin vitality while promoting stronger, thicker, and faster-growing hair by aiding in fatty acid production. It also acts as a coenzyme in metabolism, potentially boosting energy levels. Designed for daily use, these best tablets for hair growth are a simple way to incorporate essential B vitamins into your routine for comprehensive beauty support from within. Reasons to buy High 10000mcg biotin potency Noticeable hair growth Supports skin hydration and overall skin health. Strengthens nails and reduces brittleness Good value for money Reasons to avoid Specific formulation details (e.g., other ingredients, source of biotin) are not extensively detailed in the provided description. Click Here to Buy Carbamide Forte Biotin 10000mcg for Hair Growth, Skin & Nails - 120 Veg Tablets Customers' reactions: Customers consistently praised this best biotin supplement for hair for its effectiveness. They reported experiencing significantly improved hair health, including thicker, stronger, and faster-growing strands. Loading Suggestions... HealthKart hk vitals Biotin provides a targeted Vitamin B7 supplement for comprehensive hair, skin, and nail enhancement. These best biotin tablets for hair growth are formulated to improve hair thickness and volume by stimulating keratin production. They also reduce nail brittleness. Beyond beauty benefits, this best biotin supplement for hair growth in India may help in converting food into energy, thereby boosting metabolism and combating fatigue. Reasons to buy Supports hair thickness, volume, and keratin production Helps reduce nail brittleness and promotes stronger nails Contributes to glowing skin for a youthful appearance Boosts metabolism and energy levels Reasons to avoid Some customers reported no reduction in hairfall Mixed feedback on the overall usefulness of the biotin content Reports of negative side effects such as skin rashes, pimples, and stomach upset Click Here to Buy HealthKart hk vitals Biotin (90 Tablets) | Supplement for Hair Growth, Strong Hair and Glowing Skin, Fights Nail Brittleness Customers' reactions: Customers generally found this supplement effective and easy to swallow. Many observed improvements in hair thickness and shine though experiences with hairfall reduction varied. Loading Suggestions... Vlado's Himalayan Organics Biotin 10000mcg offers a potent, natural biotin supplement derived from Sesbania Grandiflora extract, specifically formulated to support hair health, reduce dryness, and repair damage. This dietary source of Vitamin B7 also enhances metabolism by converting food into energy and significantly improves nail strength, addressing brittleness. Furthermore, its vital micronutrients contribute to skin nourishment and glow, which makes this best biotin tablets for hair growth a comprehensive beauty solution with a 100% natural, sugar-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free formula. Reasons to buy High 10000mcg biotin Promotes hair health Supports nails strength 100% natural, sugar-free Reasons to avoid Mixed reviews on quality Click Here to Buy Vlados Himalayan Organics Biotin 10000mcg for Hair Growth - 120 Tablets Customers' reactions: Customers generally found this biotin supplement effective for hair and nail growth, with many observing positive results within a month. However, there was a split in experiences regarding hairfall, with some noting a reduction while others reported an increase. ALSO READ: Boost skin elasticity naturally with the best plant-based collagen supplements: 8 top options Loading Suggestions... Swisse Beauty Hair Skin Nails+ is a vegan supplement designed for holistic beauty. These best biotin tablets for hair growth feature 30 mcg of biotin along with nicotinamide, vitamin C, rose hip extract, chamomile, and zinc. This unique blend supports energy production and fatty acid formation, which are crucial for nourishing skin, hair, and nails. Alpha lipoic acid provides antioxidant benefits, helping in skin hydration and healing. The formula also aims to repair dull skin and brittle nails. Reasons to buy Antioxidant support Helps repair dull skin and brittle nails 100% vegetarian Improves skin elasticity Reasons to avoid Lower biotin dosage Mixed experiences with hairfall control Click Here to Buy Swisse Beauty Hair Skin Nails+ with Vitamin C and Biotin for Healthy hair, Radiant Skin and Stronger Nails - 60 Tablets (Vegan Supplement) Customers' reactions: Customers generally found this the best biotin supplement for hair for reducing hairfall. While some considered it a good value, others found it costly, and experiences with hairfall control were inconsistent. Loading Suggestions... The Body Reserve Plant-Based Biotin Tablets offer a comprehensive beauty boost, harnessing 10000mcg of biotin sourced from Sesbania extract. It is complemented by natural DHT blockers, amla, grapeseed, and a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. This all-natural, vegan-friendly formula is designed to promote robust hair growth, control hairfall by stimulating keratin production, and strengthen hair follicles. Beyond hair, these best biotin tablets for hair growth may significantly enhance skin radiance and strengthen nails. Reasons to buy High 10000mcg plant-based biotin 100% RDA dose of biotin FSSAI and GMP certified Vegan Gluten-free and paraben-free Reasons to avoid Some mentioned about experiencing darkness around mouth Click Here to Buy The Body Reserve Plant Based Biotin Tablets -120 Veg Tablets, Biotin from Sesbania with Amla, Grapeseed & Hair Multivitamins, Biotin helps Hair Growth, Strong Hair, Glowing Skin & Nails, For Men Women Customers' reactions: Customers were highly satisfied with this best biotin supplement, noting its effectiveness for both hair and skin health. They report significant improvements in nail strength and faster growth, alongside more radiant and fresh-looking skin. Loading Suggestions... Tata 1mg Biotin + Advanced Tablet is a comprehensive supplement formulated to support robust hair, skin, and nail health. Featuring a 100% RDA dose of biotin (Vitamin B7/H), this supplement is enriched with a powerful blend of multivitamins, multi-minerals, amla, amino acids, and bhringraj. This synergistic combination works to strengthen hair shafts, maintain nail moisture, and promote overall skin health. Reasons to buy Contains 100% RDA of biotin Promotes strong hair shafts Reasons to avoid Mixed feeback on smell Mixed reviews on quality Click Here to Buy Tata 1mg Biotin + Advanced Tablet,Supports Strong Hair, Skin And Nails (Pack Of 1, 60 Tablets) Customers' reactions: Customers found this biotin supplement effective, with one specifically mentioning healthy hair promotion and another reporting a 50% reduction in hairfall. However, a significant drawback is the "horrible smell" of the tablets. Loading Suggestions... HEALTH VEDA ORGANICS Advanced Biotin Tablets offer a thoughtfully formulated plant-based supplement to enhance hair thickness and volume. With a powerful blend of biotin, vitamin E, and copper, and natural Sesbania Agati leaf extract, these best biotin tablets for hair growth stimulate keratin production to strengthen hair and reduce fall. It is manufactured in FSSAI-approved, GMP and Non-GMO certified facilities. Reasons to buy Specifically formulated to improve hair thickness and volume Contains clinically proven ingredients FSSAI approved, GMP and Non-GMO certified facility Reasons to avoid Some questions about its effectiveness Click Here to Buy HEALTH VEDA ORGANICS PRIVATE LIMITED Advanced Biotin Tablets|Boosts Keratin Production & Improves Hair Thickness With Natural Sesbania Agati Leaf Extract (Biotin,Vitamin E & Copper) (180 Tablets) Customers' reactions: Customers highly recommended these best biotin tablets for hair growth for their effectiveness and ease of swallowing. Additionally, customers appreciated the product's value for money and its positive influence on nail health. Loading Suggestions... Advanced Biotin for hair loss and hair growth provides a simple yet effective solution for enhancing hair health, reducing hair fall, and promoting new growth. Each tablet contains biotin, designed to strengthen brittle nails and improve skin glow and texture. With a convenient dosage of one tablet daily after meals, this supplement helps to deliver visible results within weeks, which makes it an accessible option for both men and women seeking to combat hair loss and achieve healthier, more vibrant hair, skin, and nails over a five-month supply. Reasons to buy Focuses specifically on hair growth Good value with a 5-month supply. Customers reported fast results Easy to use Reasons to avoid Some customers reported negative experiences with hairfall, indicating inconsistency. Limited information on other ingredients Click Here to Buy Refollium VITAMIN Customers' reactions: Customers generally found this biotin supplement effective, with many reporting positive results in as little as two weeks and a reduction in hair loss within a month. However, there were mixed experiences regarding hairfall. Top features of the best biotin tablets for hair growth: Best Biotin tablets for hair growth Biotin dosage Flavour Diet compatibility Carbamide Forte Biotin 10000mcg for Hair Growth, Skin & Nails 10000mcg No taste/Unflavoured (Tablets), Strawberry (Gummies) Vegetarian (Tablets), Vegan (Gummies) HealthKart hk vitals Biotin Variable (Often 10000mcg, check specific pack) Unflavoured Vegetarian Vlado's Himalayan Organics Biotin 10000mcg for Hair Growth 10000mcg Unflavoured Vegetarian Swisse Beauty Hair Skin Nails+ with Vitamin C and Biotin 30mcg Unflavoured Vegan, Vegetarian The Body Reserve Plant Based Biotin Tablets 10000mcg No real taste/Unflavoured Vegan, Vegetarian Tata 1mg Biotin + Advanced Tablet 100% RDA (Specified as 10000mcg in some contexts) Unflavoured (but customers report horrible smell) Vegetarian HEALTH VEDA ORGANICS PRIVATE LIMITED Advanced Biotin Tablets 10000mcg Unflavoured Vegetarian Advanced Biotin for Hair Loss and Hair Growth 10000mcg Good (Customer reported) Not specified (Assume Vegetarian for tablets, generally) What are the benefits of the best biotin tablets for hair growth? 1. Regular intake of the best biotin tablets for hair growth may help prevent hair loss. Intramuscular biotin and dexpanthenol injections can decrease hairfall count and improve hair density, as per a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2. The best biotin for hair growth may stimulate hair growth. It may prevent loss related to biotin deficiency. 3. Biotin may even support the production of fatty acids that help maintain the skin's barrier, nourish the scalp and prevent dryness. 4. It may even ensure your hair follicles receive all the essential nutrients. This contributes to hair loss prevention. 5. It helps in the production of fatty acids that can keep your strands moisturised. What is the recommended dosage of biotin? The dosage of biotin varies from person to person and it depends on different factors. The National Institute of Health, US, recommends taking 25 micrograms of biotin per day for a healthy adult. Pregnant and lactating women should take about 30 to 35 mcg of biotin. However, before taking a biotin supplement, you must consult your healthcare provider as excessive intake may lead to side effects like constipation, acne and more. Similar articles for you: Best biotin supplements in India (2025): 8 trusted picks to fight hair fall naturally Dermatologist shares tips to choose the best retinol serum for your skin type Best fish oil capsules for skin and hair: 8 options for natural glow and growth Frequently asked questions How should I choose the best biotin tablets for hair growth? Before choosing the best biotin supplements, make sure to understand your needs. Look for supplements that are tested for purity and potency. Check the ingredients list and ensure it contains keratin, collagen and other B vitamins. Who should avoid taking biotin supplements? Biotin is generally safe to consume, but excessive dosage may lead to side effects like constipation. If you have any medical conditions or you are pregnant, check with your doctor. What does biotin do for hair? Biotin supports keratin production, which helps strengthen hair and promotes growth. It may also help reduce hair thinning, especially in individuals with a biotin deficiency. Is biotin safe to take daily? Yes, biotin is generally safe when taken within recommended limits. High doses may interfere with lab tests, so consult a doctor if you are undergoing medical evaluations. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Medscape
03-06-2025
- Business
- Medscape
Effects of BMI and Socioeconomic Status on GWG
Body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic position, and mental health were key determinants of unhealthy gestational weight gain (GWG) among UK women. METHODOLOGY: Researchers performed a secondary analysis of the Born in Bradford cohort to evaluate determinants of unhealthy GWG among UK women. They included 7769 singleton pregnancies and live, term births (≥ 37 to ≤ 42 weeks' gestation). Maternal weight was measured at the first antenatal appointment (median, 11 weeks), study recruitment (~26-28 weeks' gestation; height also recorded), and third trimester (median, 36 weeks); baseline BMI was assessed, and mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28. GWG was categorised as less than the recommended weight gain (RWG), RWG, and more than the RWG on the basis of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 criteria for weekly average weight gain. TAKEAWAY: Only 22.4% of women achieved the recommended GWG; 20.3% gained less and 57.3% gained more than the recommended GWG. Compared with women with a healthy baseline BMI, women with underweight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.78; P < .001), overweight (aOR, 1.37; P < .001), and obesity (aOR, 1.30; P = .014) had higher odds of gaining less weight than the RWG. < .001), overweight (aOR, 1.37; < .001), and obesity (aOR, 1.30; = .014) had higher odds of gaining less weight than the RWG. Women in the "benefits but coping" socioeconomic class (aOR, 1.42; P = .002) and those in the "most deprived" category (aOR, 1.37; P = .014) had higher odds of having GWG below the RWG. = .002) and those in the "most deprived" category (aOR, 1.37; = .014) had higher odds of having GWG below the RWG. Women with underweight had lower odds of experiencing GWG above the RWG (aOR, 0.58; P < .001), whereas those with overweight (aOR, 3.56) and obesity (OR, 5.86; P < .001 for both) had dramatically higher odds. Pregnancies with a high risk for psychiatric morbidity were linked to increased odds of having GWG above the RWG (aOR, 1.22; P = .003). IN PRACTICE: "Our results may help inform organisations on which groups of women are at greater risk of unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy, such as those with mental health issues, unhealthy baseline BMI, and/or facing economic deprivation," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Petra A.T. Araujo, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England. It was published online on May 23, 2025, in PLOS One . LIMITATIONS: Obtaining accurate GWG measurements posed challenges due to the varying timing of measurements and lack of universal pre-pregnancy weight data. The IOM-recommended criteria might not be optimal for non-US populations and do not initially account for ethnic differences. The study cohort lacked data on late third trimester weight, restricting the ability to assess the absolute GWG. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by an Intermediate Research Fellowship from the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. The authors declared having no competing interests.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NCIOM President Michelle Ries and NC Child's Erica Palmer Smith on the 2025 Child Health Report Card
NCIOM President Michelle Ries and NC Child's Erica Palmer Smith (courtesy photos) For nearly three decades, a pair of nonprofits – the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and NC Child – have released a biennial study known as the Child Health Report Card. The goal, as you might expect, is to provide legislators, public health officials, school administrators, parents and other nonprofit leaders with the latest information on the health and well-being of our state's kids. This year – as in 2023 – the focus of the report is on the mental health struggles that plague so many children and the urgent need for better (and better funded) public responses. And recently, to learn more about this issue and several others detailed in the report, NC Newsline caught up with the leaders of the two organizations – Institute of Medicine President and CEO Michelle Ries and NC Child executive director, Erica Palmer Smith. Listen to the full interview here with Institute of Medicine President and CEO Michelle Ries and NC Child executive director Erica Palmer Smith. Click here to read the 2025 Child Health Report Card.
