The National Children’s Study will look at how the environment affects the health and development of more than 100,000 children across United States. Study researchers hope to learn how family history and where children live, play, and learn work together to affect children’s health and development.
Westmoreland County was chosen as one of 105 locations across the United States to participate in the National Children’s Study. The National Children’s Study in Westmoreland is being conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, made up of social scientists, public health researchers, obstetricians, pediatricians, and data collection experts who have an interest in improving the health of families and children.
Westmoreland County is the eighth largest county in Pennsylvania and has a population of over 350,000 people. The county is rich in recreational and conservation areas, and has dozens of county and state parks, country clubs, state game lands, state forests, and nature preserves. The National Children’s Study in Westmoreland will recruit women and families from various regions throughout the entire county. The Study will examine family genetics, neighborhoods and schools, chemical exposures, food, and water, as well as children’s social and behavioral environments in the areas where our participants live to try to pinpoint the root causes of many of today’s major childhood diseases and disorders. This is an observational study. That means that no one will ask you to change your medications or treatments, and you should continue your regular doctor visits. Any information you share with us will be kept private and is protected by law. You can stop being in the Study at any time.
Participating in the National Children’s Study in Westmoreland is a great way to help improve the lives of children for generations to come.
Dr. Roy Clark
“Everyone worries about being able to keep their children healthy. Participation in the National Children’s Study in Westmoreland is an opportunity to help your grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up healthier. The information from the Study may help to understand why some childhood illnesses develop and lead to ways to help prevent and treat them.” — Dr. Roy Clark, M.D., FACOG, Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecology