Since October, Jefferson’s Children’s Health Center, Jefferson Medical College students and Jefferson pediatric residents have participated in a program called “Ask The Pediatrician” which assists local high school students who are also young mothers. This program is sponsored by the ELECT Offices at South Philadelphia High School, Furness High School, and Ben Franklin High School, the three high schools where the monthly program is held.

ELECT is a national social work organization with over 20 offices located right in the high schools. Its goals are to help these young women with parenting, completing school and post-graduation educational programs or securing employment. “Ask The Pediatrician” helps accomplish these goals. In addition, the program benefits Jefferson medical students and residents by providing hands-on pediatric experience through a worthwhile community outreach project.

Each month a different topic focusing on health issues of newborns, infants and young children is presented at the hour-long, lunchtime program. Past topics have included Nutrition, Safety, Potty-Training, Disease Prevention, Poisoning, Immunizations, Pre- and Perinatal Care, and Common Illnesses. In March, a healthcare careers day was held at the three high schools to show the students some of the many opportunities in the healthcare field. Due to the program’s popularity, plans have been made to continue it during the next few school years.

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