Page 186 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2026

FINAL SAY
DR. MOLLIE
WINTER
There is something special about caring for children along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our communities are resilient, close knit, and deeply rooted in family. As a pediatrician, I have the opportunity to see both the strengths and the challenges that shape the health of our youngest residents.
One of the most important factors in pediatric health is consistency. Regular well-child visits are not just routine appointments. They are critical touchpoints for tracking growth, monitoring development, and identifying concerns early. Across the Coast, many families understand the value of preventive care, but maintaining that consistency can
be difficult when schedules, transportation, or provider availability become barriers. Strengthening systems that make it easier for families to stay engaged in care is essential to improving long term outcomes for children.
Access to care remains another key issue. In many coastal communities, families are balancing work, school schedules, and long travel distances to appointments. When care is not easily accessible, it often gets delayed. One of the shifts we are making across the region is a greater emphasis on meeting families where they are, whether through expanded clinic hours or school-based health clinics that
Pediatrician,
Coastal Family Health Center
allow children to receive care during the school day. Many providers are also expanding and emphasizing telehealth. These models help reduce missed appointments and keep children healthier and more present in the classroom.
There is also growing awareness around emotional and behavioral health in children. Over the past several years, the need for mental health support has become more visible across the Gulf Coast. Pediatric care is no longer limited to physical health alone. Concerns like anxiety, behavioral challenges, and developmental delays are increasingly part of everyday conversations in the exam room. Expanding access to counseling and integrating these services into primary care settings is a critical step toward supporting the whole child.
Affordability continues to be a significant barrier for many families. Even when services are available, cost can prevent parents from seeking care or following through with recommended treatments. This is especially important in pediatrics, where delays in care
can have lasting impacts on development and overall health. Community health centers and similar models play an important role in addressing this gap by offering care on a sliding fee scale and ensuring that services remain within reach for families across a wide range of circumstances.
Across Coastal Family Health Center’s pediatric services, we see these challenges firsthand, but we also see the progress being made. Efforts to expand access, integrate services, and prioritize preventive care are helping move the needle in a positive direction. Still, there is more work to be done to ensure that every child on the Coast has the opportunity to receive consistent, comprehensive, and affordable care.
The state of pediatric health care on the Gulf Coast is evolving. It is shaped by the needs of our communities, the dedication
of local providers, and a growing understanding that children’s health is foundational to the future of our region. When we invest in accessible, consistent, and whole child care, we are not just addressing today’s needs. We are building a healthier Coast for generations to come.
186 | June 2026
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