North Carolina Proclaims June 2026 as Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month
- National Prevention Science Coalition
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Major Milestone for the Decade of the Child
The Decade of the Child (DOC) is proud to celebrate a major milestone in advancing whole child health and wellbeing. On June 1, 2026, Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed June 2026 as Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month in North Carolina, recognizing the importance of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be healthy, safe, educated, resilient, and prepared for lifelong success.
The proclamation acknowledges that children are North Carolina's most valuable resource and emphasizes that their wellbeing should remain a central focus of public policy and community investment. It highlights the critical connection between child health and the state's long-term economic prosperity, workforce development, educational achievement, and overall quality of life.
Importantly, the proclamation recognizes both the progress that has been made on behalf of children and the challenges that remain. It notes that many children continue to face physical, mental, and social health risks that threaten their development and future success. The document cites data showing that only 37 percent of North Carolina children ages 3 to 5 are on track, healthy, and ready to start school, while only 41 percent of fourth graders read at or above grade level. It also highlights the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can have lasting impacts on health, wellbeing, and development.
The proclamation further recognizes North Carolina's commitment to mitigating adversity, strengthening resilience, and creating conditions that allow children to thrive. Significantly, it acknowledges the Decade of the Child Initiative and its roadmap for action, describing it as a valuable resource for policymakers and the public. The proclamation notes that the initiative provides evidence-informed guidance for strengthening supports and increasing the prevalence of positive and protective conditions that help every child reach their full potential.
This official recognition reflects growing awareness of what decades of scientific research have demonstrated: early childhood experiences shape lifelong health, educational attainment, economic productivity, and overall wellbeing. By focusing on the whole child and creating environments that promote healthy development, communities can improve outcomes not only for individual children but also for families, schools, workplaces, and society as a whole.
The Decade of the Child Initiative was established to elevate whole child health and wellbeing as a national priority and to promote policies and practices grounded in prevention science and evidence-based research. Governor Stein's proclamation represents an important step in advancing this vision and building momentum for a future in which every child has the opportunity to flourish.
We are grateful to Governor Stein and to the many advocates, researchers, practitioners, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders who continue to champion whole child health and wellbeing. Together, we are helping create a stronger foundation for North Carolina's children and future generations.
Read the Proclamation »
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