At LifeSpring Pediatrics, our foremost priority is the health and safety of all our patients. After careful consideration and in alignment with best practices and current medical guidelines, we have made the decision to no longer accept new families who choose not to vaccinate their children according to the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Vaccinations are critical to public health, protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AAP, vaccines prevent serious illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough. The widespread use of vaccines has been instrumental in controlling and, in some cases, eradicating deadly diseases.

The decision to enforce this policy is based on several key factors:

1. Community Immunity: Vaccinations not only protect the individual receiving them but also contribute to herd immunity, which is essential for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions, such as infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
2. Public Health Guidelines: Our policy is in accordance with the guidelines set forth by leading health authorities, including the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations recommend vaccinations as a fundamental measure to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
3. Patient Safety: Unvaccinated individuals pose a higher risk of contracting and transmitting infectious diseases, which can lead to outbreaks and put all patients, especially the most vulnerable, at risk. Maintaining a fully vaccinated patient population is crucial for ensuring a safe environment within our practice.
4. Medical Ethics and Responsibility: As healthcare providers, we have an ethical obligation to protect the health of our patients. This includes adhering to evidence-based practices that ensure the well-being of our community.

We understand that the decision to vaccinate can be challenging for some families. However, our commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all our patients necessitates this policy change. For parents who do not have a pediatrician and want to learn about vaccines, there are several authoritative sources that provide comprehensive and reliable information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers extensive vaccine information, including schedules, safety, and FAQs. You can explore their resources Here.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

1. This is the AAP’s dedicated website for parents, offering articles, videos, and vaccine resources. It covers topics such as vaccine safety, the immunization schedule, and common questions parents may have. You can access their vaccine information here.
2. Immunization Schedule: The AAP provides detailed immunization schedules for children, which are regularly updated based on the latest research and recommendations. Find the current schedule here.
3. Vaccine Safety: The AAP offers resources and information to reassure parents about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, including addressing common myths and misconceptions. Learn more about vaccine safety here

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to uphold the highest standards of care for our community.

‍

Your gifts are making a real difference in the lives of people like “Jennifer.” You make it possible for Jennifer to bring her five kids to LifeSpring. As a single mom and small business owner, Jennifer was struggling with being on time for her kids’ appointments. But at LifeSpring, she was treated with respect and patience. “They helped me understand the importance of being on time. They never judge me, they work WITH me.” LifeSpring goes above and beyond - empowering parents to meet their kids’ needs.

Thank you for giving Jennifer a place like LifeSpring to bring her kids.

Your gifts make a real difference in the lives of people like "Mikayla." People like you make it possible for Mikayla to come to LifeSpring for pediatric care. Mikayla Shared with her provider that she had been cutting herself and thinking about ending her life. Her family had no idea, but the provider was able to help them process the news and get Mikayla the care she needed. Also, they started opening up and talking about mental health at home. A few months later, when she had another episode of deep sadness, Mikayla shared her emotions with her parents, and they brought her back to LifeSpring. Through the generosity of people like you, she is continuing to get the care she needs to heal and manage her depression well.  

Give more kids like Mikayla a place like LifeSpring - for mental health, not just physical health.

‍

Your gifts make a real difference in the lives of people like “Lara.” Lara, a mother of 2, was faced with an unexpected pregnancy. She called wanting an abortion, but LifeSpring’s staff was able to help her reconsider. Lara chose to keep her baby and we had the privilege of walking with Lara through her pregnancy and birth. Thanks to generous people like you, now Lara has 4 kids who are LifeSpring patients! Give people like Lara a place like LifeSpring to help them be the parents they want to be.

Click Here to read our 2023 Annual Report!

From Internet to Metaverse: How to Safeguard Your Children and Families in a Virtual World

Virtual Webinar for Parents: May 11, 2022 12:00-1:00PM ET

Our world is becoming more virtual with each passing day, with people spending more time than ever on social media, streaming and gaming. At the same time, the evolution into the metaverse is blurring the lines between our physical and digital lives. How is this surge in virtual time affecting our children and families? How can we tell what is beneficial, and what is problematic?

We invite you to join us for an expert panel, hosted by the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health, discussing:

• Trends in social media, streaming and gaming consumption, and the evolution into the metaverse;
• How those trends are transforming our daily lives and potentially impacting the wellbeing of youth; and
• How to foster healthy habits and safeguard your children and families in a virtual world.

Speakers include:

• Brian Nowak, Managing Director, US Internet Equity Research, Morgan Stanley
• Michael P. Milham, MD, PhD, Vice President, Research, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Scholar, Child Mind Institute
• Shaun Friel, Director, Childline, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
• Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy, President, Morgan Stanley Foundation, CEO, Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health Advisory Board

Register Here