Poverty Having Impact On Child Health

Children's advocates say poverty continues to be a problem when it comes to kids' health. The non-profit Action for Children North Carolina is out with its annual Child Health Report Card. The state scored a D in child poverty, with more than 25% of children under 18 living in poverty. Action for Children's Laila Bell says that affects the health statistics.

Laila Bell: "Health is a really complex feature that requires that our children are connected to resources that enable them to be successful. So improving child health cannot just happen from within the health sector."

Bell says investments in early education and anti-poverty programs will yield dividends in lower health costs and mortality rates later on. The state scored well in covering more children with health insurance and reducing the percentage of kids with elevated lead levels in their blood.