Fostering Hope: Supporting Georgia's Medically Fragile Children

Fostering Hope: Supporting Georgia's Medically Fragile Children

Behind every medically fragile child is a family fighting to keep hope alive. In this Kid Pro Quo episode, Polly McKinney talks with Childkind CEO Brian Russell about how love, teamwork, and prevention can transform outcomes for Georgia’s most vulnerable kids. Read transcript here [https://024d2608-0225-4a65-9e75-25d868da6eb4.usrfiles.com/ugd/024d26_e4db094c31b1430780262c68468c02f9.pdf]

Beyond the Pantry: Fighting Hunger in Georgia

In this episode of Kid Pro Quo, Polly McKinney talks with Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, about the fight against hunger in Georgia. Kyle shares how the food bank has grown to serve over 250,000 households a month, the challenges nonprofits face in today’s “perfect storm” of rising costs and shrinking resources, and why food is a tool for building stronger communities. His insights reveal both the urgency of the work and the hope that comes from neighbors helping neighbors.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures

In this episode of Kid Pro Quo, Polly McKinney speaks with Dr. Veda Johnson and Dr. Terry McFadden—two powerhouse pediatricians from Emory University—about how school-based health centers are transforming children’s lives across Georgia. They share how their work at Partners for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health focuses on access, education, and family resilience to support kids in under-resourced communities. Their conversation dives into everything from trauma-informed care and Medicaid policy to why pediatricians are quietly revolutionizing public health. Read the transcript here [https://024d2608-0225-4a65-9e75-25d868da6eb4.usrfiles.com/ugd/024d26_2e06de2ac0a049448b0b8c876a5d41b1.pdf]

The Hidden Cost of Missed Care

In this episode of Kid Pro Quo, host Polly McKinney talks with Dr. Hugo Scornik, a pediatrician at Conyers Pediatrics, about the hidden costs of kids missing care due to lack of insurance. Dr. Scornik shares powerful stories from his practice, highlighting how delayed care and missed vaccinations can have devastating consequences—not just for children, but for entire families. The conversation underscores the critical role Medicaid and public policy play in keeping kids healthy and communities strong. Read transcript here [https://024d2608-0225-4a65-9e75-25d868da6eb4.usrfiles.com/ugd/024d26_9e6691c6bd8542a08af2cd0cdfab3ca2.pdf]

Why Medicaid Matters

In the first episode of Kid Pro Quo, host Polly McKinney interviews Dr. Anu Sheth, a Georgia pediatrician, about the critical role Medicaid plays in keeping children healthy. Dr. Sheth shares firsthand stories about how lack of insurance leads to preventable medical emergencies and emphasizes the long-term benefits—both human and economic—of ensuring children have consistent healthcare coverage. The episode highlights the urgent need for policy decisions that protect and expand Medicaid for Georgia’s children. Read transcript here [https://024d2608-0225-4a65-9e75-25d868da6eb4.usrfiles.com/ugd/024d26_70a8ee35ad4445da80a7bd849634cc54.pdf]