The Anthem Award for Leader of the Year was awarded to Physician-Parent Caregivers or raising awareness through the Invisible Wave Movement: Nikhil created a safe community for young adults 18-35 with chronic health conditions. Read more here.
Pursuing Quality Health Care for Young Adults with Chronic Conditions
The FUTURE of our nation depends on the health of young adults.
Young Invisibles (Yi) -- Young adults aged 18-35 with chronic medical conditions -- comprise a new population that has emerged almost unnoticed. One in four young adults belongs to this group. This overlooked population of medical miracles is invisible to society and keeps their conditions a secret for fear of being misunderstood, judged or ignored.
The NEW 21st CENTURY PRIORITY POPULATION
You may not have heard about this hidden population because they were not expected to be here. Several decades ago, few children would have survived their chronic conditions. Advances in medicine and technology enabled pediatricians to save over 90% of these young lives so they are now living into young adulthood and beyond. An estimated 20 million young adults have chronic conditions, but society and government have yet to recognize and prioritize this vulnerable population.
Caught by surprise, the health care and health policy sectors were unprepared to address their needs. As a result, these young adults have no supports or services beyond pediatrics, high school, and their parents. Although federal and state data provide a snapshot on children with special health care needs, there is minimal follow up into young adulthood. The health system simply doesn't understand Young Invisibles.
Thoughts
Invisible Summit & Concert
Q&A:Covid-19 for Young Adults
Dr. Kavita Patel, medical contributor, MSNBC, along with Dr. David Wood and Dr. Leslie Vogel talk to young adults who live with chronic health conditions about Covid-19.