The Raising of America Launch Event

April 22, 2015

SOLANO COUNTY – First 5 Solano, in partnership with Solano County Health & Social Services Public Health Division, Help Me Grow Solano, and other community partners, is launching a sneak peek of the groundbreaking The Raising of America documentary series, produced by California Newsreel. The free event will be held on Wed., April 29 from 3-5 p.m. at the Fairfield Downtown Theater, 1035 Texas St.

The Raising of America explores the effects of early childhood experiences on the developing brain, linking investments we make in young children and families today; to how strong, prosperous, and dynamic the United States will be tomorrow. The film also analyzes the latest scientific and socioeconomic evidence to reveal alarming class and racial inequalities for young children and their families.

"Solano County Public Health is excited to partner with First 5 Solano and others who are invested in the early childhood system," said Dr. Michael Stacey, Deputy Health Officer, Solano County Public Health.  “We now know the health of a child is influenced by the community that child is raised in, so we can no longer only address health in an exam room.”

According to the film, the United States ranks 26 out of 29 nations on the wellbeing of our children across multiple dimensions. In addition, the country falls short in the areas of health, education, childcare, and family friendly policies.

“This film confirms what we already know from the research, that 90 percent of a child's brain development happens in the first 5 years of life,” said Michele Harris, Executive Director of First 5 Solano. “By providing quality early childhood experiences, both in interactions with parents and within the community, we can not only change a child’s life, we can change the outcomes for our community.”

Guest speakers Erin Hannigan, Solano County Board of Supervisors, Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Associate Superintendent with the Solano County Office of Education, and Dr. Shandi Fuller, Clinic Physician Supervisor with Solano County Family Health Services, will address key issues in the areas of health, education and policy change and discuss what the Solano community can do to make a lasting difference.

For more information or to register for the free screening event contact Christiana Lewis at (707) 784-1492 or [email protected] or visit EventBrite.com and search “The Raising of America Premiere Launch Event.”