Population - Age <18 in West Virginia

West Virginia

The demographics of a community influence the health needs and outcomes of its population. Understanding the demographic breakdown by age and race/ethnicity can help state health officials determine health promotion and disease prevention priorities. 

In 2023 there were over 72 million children in the United States, making up nearly 22% of the nation’s population. 

There are opportunities to reduce preventable deaths among children and improve their access to health care, nutrition and education, as well as their general health and well-being. The quality of educational and developmental opportunities available to children can significantly influence their adult health. Research shows that high-quality early childhood development programs play a pivotal role in preventing disease and promoting health into adulthood. 

Prioritizing children’s health is also vital for the overall population's health. Childhood stressors, such as poverty, racial discrimination and toxic or violent home conditions, can negatively impact physical and mental development and are associated with higher rates of chronic disease and unhealthy behaviors later in life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a report on the importance of identifying at-risk children and taking action to address disparities across the social determinants of health. Efforts to increase the likelihood of positive health outcomes among children include:

• Reducing exposure to adversity and stressors in early childhood.
• Implementing screening interventions for early identification and treatment of diseases. 
• Helping vulnerable children and their families find support services for which they are eligible.
• Increasing high school graduation rates.
• Ensuring quality education in elementary schools.

Healthy People 2030 has an overarching goal to promote healthy development for children and adolescents. Specific objectives include: 

• Increasing the proportion of children who receive developmental screening.
• Increasing the proportion of children who get sufficient sleep.
• Increasing the proportion of children and adolescents who get preventive mental health care in school. 

Campbell, Frances, Gabriella Conti, James J. Heckman, Seong Hyeok Moon, Rodrigo Pinto, Elizabeth Pungello, and Yi Pan. “Early Childhood Investments Substantially Boost Adult Health.” Science 343, no. 6178 (March 28, 2014): 1478–85. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1248429.

Robinson, Lara R., Rebecca H. Bitsko, Ross A. Thompson, Paul H. Dworkin, Mary Ann McCabe, Georgina Peacock, and Phoebe G. Thorpe. “CDC Grand Rounds: Addressing Health Disparities in Early Childhood.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 66, no. 29 (July 28, 2017): 769–72. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6629a1.