Mission
THE SHORTAGE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, ESPECIALLY PEDIATRIC PROFESSIONALS IN THE UNITED STATES IS A SIGNIFICANT CONCERN, PARTICULARLY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. ADDRESSING THESE SHORTAGES REQUIRES INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT INVOLVE TRAINING AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. YOUTH WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HEALTH-RELATED PROFESSIONS OFTEN FACE BARRIERS TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO GAIN EXPERIENCE TO INFORM THEIR CAREER CHOICES.AT THE SAME TIME, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN ARE FACING MULTIPLE HEALTH-RELATED CRISES, INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE, AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS SUCH AS FOOD INSECURITY AND INADEQUATE HOUSING. MANY PROGRAMS ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES DESIRE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT TO INFORM THEIR WORK.TRUSTED CARE FOUNDATION'S (TCF) MISSION IS TO CONNECT YOUNG PEOPLE TO THESE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES. IN DOING SO, THE COLLEGE STUDENTS GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF HELPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ARE ABLE TO ENGAGE THE YOUTH VOICE