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Children’s Health℠ Publishes 2025 Beyond ABC Report, Reveals Urgent Mental Health and Well-Being Challenges Among North Texas Children

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Children's Health

DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New data from Children’s Health, the leading pediatric health care system in North Texas, reveals ongoing challenges facing children and families across the region — from the impact of digital technology on youth mental health to persistent gaps in behavioral health care access.

As Texas’s pediatric population continues to grow rapidly, the report highlights both progress made and emerging issues that shape the well-being of children in the region.

Today, Children’s Health releases the 19th edition of ‘Beyond ABC: Assessing Children’s Well-Being in North Texas.’ Produced in collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas Institute for Urban Policy Research, this biennial report examines key indicators of child health, safety, economic security, and education across Dallas, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Tarrant and Ellis counties. As Texas’s pediatric population continues to grow rapidly, the report highlights both progress made and emerging issues that shape the well-being of children in the region.  

“The Beyond ABC report offers a comprehensive view of what shapes the health and well-being of children in North Texas,” said Christopher J. Durovich, President and CEO of Children’s Health. “Families today face increasingly complex challenges. By highlighting critical issues such as mental health, online safety, and access to care, we hope this report inspires collective action to make life better for children today and for generations to come.”

The 2025 Beyond ABC report finds that while overall child well-being in North Texas has improved in some areas, deep inequities remain — particularly in mental health and access to affordable care. The findings call for urgent, coordinated efforts to strengthen services that shape children’s physical and emotional health in an increasingly digital world.

Recommendations from the 2025 report include:

Improve access to mental and behavioral health care for children

  • Rates of emotional and behavioral health challenges continue to rise across North Texas, with more than one in five youth seriously considering suicide. This urgent reality highlights the need for coordinated school and community-based behavioral health services that ensure every child has access to timely care and support.

Protect Medicaid for children and expand health coverage

  • Texas continues to lead the nation in the rate of uninsured children (11.9%), nearly double the national average. Preserving Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is essential to ensure that thousands of low-income children maintain access to critical health care services.

Address housing instability and family economic security

  • Between 2020 and 2024, Dallas County experienced a 30% rise in students without permanent housing — a stark reminder of the urgent need for affordable housing options and family support programs that promote stability and long-term well-being. 

Support adequate funding for education and literacy

  • In 2024, third grade reading proficiency declined across North Texas, underscoring the importance of investing in evidence-based literacy programs and equitable school funding to help every child reach grade-level success.

This year’s Beyond ABC Symposium brought together community leaders in health care, education and policy to discuss the report’s findings and explore actionable steps forward. Zach Rausch, Senior Research Scientist and Managing Director of the Tech and Society Lab at NYU’s Stern School of Business  and Chief Researcher to Jonathan Haidt, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the urgent need to balance digital exposure with healthy development and human connection.

The Beyond ABC report recommendations are guided by a regional Advisory Board representing leaders in health care, education, philanthropy and social services across North Texas. In collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas Institute for Urban Policy Research, the board ensures the report reflects both data and lived experience to inspire meaningful community action. 

“It’s an honor to collaborate with Children’s Health in producing a biennial resource that helps North Texas identify both progress and persistent gaps affecting our community’s children,” said Timothy M. Bray, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research at University of Texas at Dallas. “We take pride in helping the community use this data to drive meaningful action so every child in our region has the opportunity to thrive.”

To learn more and download the full report, an executive summary or order copies, visit childrens.com/beyondabc.

About Children’s Health
Children’s Health is the leading pediatric health care system in North Texas and has long been recognized as a leader in pediatric health. Children’s Health campuses include Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Children’s Medical Center Plano and multiple Children’s Health Specialty Centers. With its academic partner, UT Southwestern, Children’s Medical Center Dallas is consistently recognized among the nation’s best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Its commitment to excellence and providing outstanding care has resulted in being the only children’s hospital in the region to be honored across all pediatric specialties for eight consecutive years, including Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Behavioral Health, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology and Urology.

In addition, Children’s Health nurses have received the Magnet® designation for the past 14 years, the highest honor for nursing excellence, and the health care system has been named a 2025 top place to work by Forbes and USA Today and one of the 150 Best Places to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review for 13 consecutive years. In addition, Children’s Health was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 for its pioneering model to train physicians to treat children’s mental health.

For more information and to support Children’s Health, visit childrens.com or like us on Facebook, follow Children’s Health on X, Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Media Contact:
Andrea Wittman
469-690-8686
[email protected]

Children's Health

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SOURCE Children’s Health

Agile Infusion Earns NICA Accreditation of Excellence for Ambulatory Infusion Centers

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NICA Accredited Gold Seal

HACKENSACK, N.J., Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Agile Infusion, a leading provider of ambulatory infusion services, is proud to announce that it has earned the National Infusion Center Association (NICA) Accreditation of Excellence for 2 of its Ambulatory Infusion Centers, Hackensack, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. NICA completed a rigorous, multifaceted assessment of Agile Infusion and determined that the organization demonstrated the level of excellence required to achieve NICA Accreditation.

NICA Accredited Gold Seal

Achieving the NICA Accreditation demonstrates Agile Infusion’s commitment to consistent, high-quality, cost-effective care through compliance with the NICA Accreditation Program and Standards of Excellence for Ambulatory Infusion Centers.

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients,” said Yossi Faber, CEO of Agile Infusion. “This achievement validates our focus on a patient-centric approach, where we combine cutting-edge therapies with a comfortable and efficient experience.”

“This accreditation underscores our clinical expertise and commitment to upholding the highest safety and quality standards in the industry,” said Dr. Jonathan Weisen, Medical Director at Agile Infusion.

As an Ambulatory Infusion Center of Excellence (AICE), Agile Infusion is recognized for adhering to best practices in:

  • Infection control and prevention
  • Medication management
  • Patient safety protocols
  • Compliance with state and federal laws

About Agile Infusion

Agile Infusion is a leading provider of ambulatory infusion and injection services focused on delivering patient-centered care in a comfortable and convenient outpatient setting. Founded by executives with deep industry experience, Agile Infusion is dedicated to simplifying the infusion process for patients and collaborating with healthcare providers to deliver cutting-edge therapies. The company manages insurance authorizations and provides financial aid assistance to ensure seamless and uninterrupted care.

About NICA

The National Infusion Center Association (NICA) is an independent, nonprofit trade association and accrediting body dedicated to representing ambulatory outpatient care settings where provider-administered biologics and specialty medications are prepared and administered. The NICA Standards of Excellence for Ambulatory Infusion Centers are intended to pertain to all ambulatory care settings where patients receive non-hazardous provider-administered medications via parenteral (i.e., intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intradermal) routes.

For more information about the NICA accreditation process or standards, please visit www.infusioncenteraccreditation.org.

For additional information, visit www.agileiv.com.

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SOURCE Agile Infusion

“Misleading Marketing During Medicare Annual Enrollment October 15-December 7: The Medicare Fraud of the Month for November”

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ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide), a 53-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs and well-being of our State’s more than 3.6 million senior citizens, today announced its Medicare Fraud of the Monthfor November: Misleading Marketing During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7.

The StateWide Fraud of the Month is a component of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), the definitive resource for New York State’s older adults and caregivers to detect, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. StateWide is New York’s grantee/administrator for this Federal Program.

Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of StateWide, urges seniors to stay informed and protected from misleading marketing practices and potential scams. She warns, “Health insurance companies use various marketing methods such as TV, radio, events, mailings, phone calls, and texts, but there are rules set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to protect you.”

The SMP urges Seniors to watch out for scammers who:

  • Request Personal Information
    • Be cautious of anyone who asks for Medicare, Social Security numbers, or bank information before deciding to enroll.
  • Say They Represent Medicare Plans
    • They can’t claim to represent or be endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
  • Use High-Pressure Tactics
    • Take your time! The entire Annual Enrollment Period is yours to consider options.
  • Leave flyers, door hangers or leaflets on cars or at home
    • There are limits on how plans can contact Seniors.

Important Reminders for Medicare Recipients:

  • Plans must provide the option to opt out of communications including mail, calls, and text messages about Medicare products.
    • It must be done annually and in writing.
  • Review Annual Notice of Change carefully to understand any changes the provider has made to coverage.
  • Before enrolling, plan representatives must explain the plan’s effect on current coverage.
  • Ask for everything in writing.
  • Call current doctors to make sure they are in network for the plan selected.

StateWide certified counselors are ready to help. “If you suspect your Medicare number has been compromised or you’ve been enrolled in a plan without your permission, contact the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 800-333-4374, or visit www.nysenior.org. We have trained counselors to help Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against fraud,” Alvarez concluded.

StateWide also provides information and educational presentations, assistance regarding any Medicare questions, plan comparisons, appeals, billing issues and patients’ rights to all seniors throughout New York State.

It is estimated that Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion dollars nationally per year. To help combat this illicit industry StateWide announced its Fraud of the Month program in 2022 to highlight these scams being perpetrated on the State’s seniors.

SOURCE New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Inc.

Supportive and Healing Events Unite Suicide Loss Survivors Across the US, Globally and Virtually Ahead of Thanksgiving

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NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), one of the leading suicide research and prevention organizations in the U.S., will nurture community healing on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on Saturday, November 22 through “Survivor Day” events. AFSP welcomes survivors of suicide loss to participate in local events or virtually in the U.S. and across the globe. Find an event here. In 2024, nearly 7,000 people across the world participated in these events.

AFSP logo

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, established in 1999 and also known as “Survivor Day,” is a day where survivors of suicide loss find connection, understanding and hope with those who have shared experiences.  Each year AFSP sponsors virtual and in-person events nationwide, with nearly 300 taking place this year. Additionally, AFSP will host two virtual events streamed on Facebook and YouTube,

Survivor Day Live will take place on Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. EST and features a panel discussion on loss survivors’ experiences and healing journeys.

“After losing my son to suicide, I remember the detective at the sheriff’s office only being able to offer condolences, but that was all. I didn’t know where to go from there,” said Bubba Randall, AFSP Louisiana Chapter Board Chair and Survivor Day panelist. “In my volunteer work with AFSP, connecting with fellow suicide loss survivors allows me to assist those who have just lost someone in finding their own path to healing and remind loss survivors that they are not alone.”

Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) will take place on Friday, November 21 at 4 p.m. EST and features a Spanish language panel discussion on mental health and suicide loss in Hispanic and Latinx communities.

“Processing my grief took years after my brother passed, and it wasn’t until I found AFSP that I felt I really was able to make true progress and channel my desire to help others going through this devastating experience,” said Diana Santos, AFSP Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter volunteer and  Día de Esperanza panelist. “It was at a Día de Esperanza event where I found healing and the opportunity to make a difference as a volunteer.”

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Media interested in speaking with AFSP on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form and review AFSP’s Ethical Reporting Guidelines.

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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

BofA Report: 74% of Small and Mid-Sized Business Owners Expect Revenue to Increase in the Next Year

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More Than Half Plan to Expand Their Businesses, While Many Remain Worried About Inflation, Interest Rates, Supply Chains and Healthcare Costs

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Small and mid-sized business owners are cautiously optimistic about the coming year, with 74% expecting revenue increases and nearly 60% planning to expand their businesses, according to the 2025 Bank of America Business Owner Report, conducted in partnership with the Bank of America Institute. This corresponds with Bank of America Institute data which found small business profitability growth has remained resilient throughout 2025.