Community and Societal Pediatrics

UF Health Community and Societal Pediatrics – Jacksonville, in collaboration with multiple community partners, provides cutting-edge, family-centered and culturally sensitive care to ensure all children in the community reach their full health and developmental potential.

Our physicians provide access to care for all children in the region through a network of practices, including those with special healthcare needs. The division's commitment is to ensure that every child, regardless of his or her healthcare needs, insurance coverage, family status or place of residence, receives comprehensive pediatric care.

Children requiring hospitalization have access to UF Health Jacksonville, Wolfson Children's Hospital and all subspecialty services. Practices are open Monday through Friday. Same and next-day appointments are available. Additionally, medical staff is available by phone 24 hours every day of the year.

Services

• Well-child primary care, including baby and periodic checkups, school and sports physical exams
• Sick-child care for fevers, headaches, colds, flu, stomach aches, etc.
• Childhood immunizations
• Diagnosis and treatment for developmental, behavioral and psychiatric conditions
• Dermatological (skin) conditions
• Diagnosis, treatment and management of chronic illnesses, including allergies, asthma, ADHD
• Specialty care for those with special healthcare needs, including children with chronic illnesses, disabling conditions, in rehabilitation and those with life-limiting conditions, as well as children in foster care, homeless children and young people in transition from pediatric to adult care
• Specialty referrals to University of Florida, Nemours Children's Clinic and private practitioners
• Referrals to financial counselors and legal services

Community Outreach Programs

• Jacksonville Cleft and Craniofacial Program

  The Jacksonville Cleft and Craniofacial Program provides comprehensive care, surgery, therapy and management of children from birth through adolescence born with cleft lips and/or palates. Part of the Partnership for Child Health, the team consists of pediatricians, plastic surgeons, dentists, oral surgeons and orthodontists, otolaryngologists, and speech and hearing professionals, and a geneticist, social worker and nurse coordinator. Upon referral from the nursery or physicians, the nurse provides parental support and education on feeding and coordinates the various medical services a child may require. Following a comprehensive evaluation from our interdisciplinary team, a treatment plan is developed and implemented in consultation with the child’s family.

• Community PedsCare

  Community PedsCare provides comprehensive and compassionate palliative care to children with life-limiting and chronic conditions, as well as end-of-life care to children and their families. Part of Community Hospice and Palliative Care, the program works in collaboration with physicians and other professionals and organizations throughout the region to ensure children and families receive care designed to relieve suffering, provide comfort and improve their quality of life. Services include pain and symptom management; medical consultation; mental, psychosocial and spiritual support and counseling; family respite; assistance with financial issues; case management; and bereavement and grief support. Special attention is paid to the needs of siblings.

• Kids Hope Alliance

  The Kids Hope Alliance grew out of the Jacksonville Children’s Commission and is governed by a seven member board, who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. The Board also includes four Subject Matter Experts from Duval County Public Schools, the State Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, as well as a City Council Liaison. This Jacksonville Partnership for Children, Youth and Families provides afterschool and summer programs, early learning programs, mental health and early intervention, mentoring programs and services, health and nutrition, trainings, resources and publications.

• UF Health Jacksonville Health and Transition Services (JaxHATS)

  The transition from pediatric to adult-oriented care can be complicated for youth with disabilities and chronic health conditions. The Jacksonville Health and Transition Services (JaxHATS), which serves teens and young adults ages 16 to 26, makes this transition easier. Staff includes a pediatrician, internist, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse care coordinator and community liaison who provide primary medical care to address young persons' immediate medical needs. The JaxHATS team also works with youth over time to help them gain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their long-term goals. Services are available to residents of Duval, Nassau, Baker, Clay and St. Johns counties and are covered by Medicaid, Children’s Medical Services and most other health insurance plans.

• UF Health Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services

  Pediatricians in the Division of Community and Societal Pediatrics provide rehabilitation services to children with complex medical and therapy needs in partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Specialty services and clinics at Wolfson and the UF Health Pediatric Multispecialty Center care for children with severe disabilities such as cerebral palsy, brain and spinal cord injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. These services include Botox injections for spasticity, Baclofen Pump management and bracing. The comprehensive rehabilitation team at Brooks serves children with severe physical and cognitive injuries in an inpatient setting.

• Wolfson Children’s Hospital School-Based Health Center

  UF Health Jacksonville is a partner of Wolfson Children's Hospital School-Based Health Center, which includes locations at the Ribault Family Resource Center, Ribault Middle School and Ribault High School. Pediatric services range from basic school health, such as first aid to full pediatric and preventive care. Medical services are provided under the direction of a UF Health pediatrician and nurse practitioner.