San Mateo County First 5 on Cbs 5 Bay Sunday

[ Silence and music ] >> Welcome back to Bay Sunday. From health services to childcare, First 5 programs aim to improve the lives of California children five and under. Through Prop 10 hundreds of millions of dollars has been raised through a cigarette tax, through tobacco tax really. The Executive Director of First 5, San Mateo County, Debbie Armstrong and the Program and Planning Director, Michelle Blakely join us today. Welcome ladies. >> Ladies: Thank you. >> Just starting off you know First 5 has done so many different things for our state, how successful has this program been really in your mind? >> Debbie Armstrong: How successful? I think it's been very, very successful. First of all, we look at why we're here, the importance of the early years and we look at the number of children and families that have been supported by our programs over the past twelve years. And there are numerous projects such as Children Now in San Mateo County. All children under the age of five have health insurance. They have access to health insurance and we know that that is important for children's success in later life. >> And just for people who may not be familiar with some of your programs you want to go over just a few just so people understand what First Five is about, Michelle. >> Michelle Blakely: Yes we fund a range of programs for pregnant moms, expecting parents and we provide a lot of prevention services all the way up to intervention and treatment for families. The agencies that we fund to provide these services are in the community and they provide a full range of comprehensive support for families. >> And in a lot of ways these are programs that didn't, that weren't in place before for all children right? I think you were mentioning this before. There was really a need for this. >> Debbie Armstrong: Correct. Correct. There were programs and there have been programs for children, but this is the first time that there were public dollars, tobacco tax dollars as Michelle said that are targeted for all children, prenatal to age five. And that is it's a statewide initiative so each county has local autonomy over those dollars. >> And that becomes very important and I was-- we were talking earlier about that this can really help anyone right? There are different eligibility requirements for different programs? >> Michelle Blakely: Yes, the unique thing about First 5, besides our revenue source is that each community can build local program support, the children and families in their community. So, we fund programs that help pregnant moms get through their pregnancy and we find that research shows that the healthier the mom is while she's pregnant, the better the outcome the baby has and we fund programs to support kids to get them ready for school. We know if kids are reading early and have healthy attachments when they're young that they do better as adults. So, we know that every dollar invested now saves about seventeen dollars in the economy later. So-- >> Really. >> Michelle Blakely: Absolutely. We want to give the message. Absolutely. >> So, for every dollar-- saves seventeen later on. >> Michelle Blakely: The research shows you can save seventeen dollars later on and if you look at any of the research in science and economics, child development and neuroscience it all says that early intervention is better. So, we're just here to fund programs and advocate the message that we need to invest early for young citizens. >> So, we're talking about not only healthcare but also kind of social skills and just feeling like they have a place that they're safe. And this really carries on later in life. >> Debbie Armstrong: Absolutely, that's the foundation. Children feeling secure in their environment, trusting and having those loving relationships with their parents or caregivers, those are critical. >> Debbie Armstrong: That carries on throughout their life. >> So critical. And I'm sure for a lot of moms when they have their-- especially their first kids they're not ready so this probably gets them over the bridge right, bridges them maybe as they prepare for the rest of their life. >> Debbie Armstrong: Exactly, because there is manuals for all types of things for television, DVDs you know everything, but not to be a parent and it's just-- it's difficult. I remember being a young parent and having-- you know and now I have adult children and grandchildren and I see how things are now and I wish that I had resources like this available. >> Now, you brought some props in. I'm trying not to drop them. >> This is a kit for new parents that you guys have. So what's in this? Is this something that you provide in your program? >> Debbie Armstrong: First 5 does provide this throughout the state of California. In San Mateo County we have customized this. It has a book for children for toddlers. It also has a manual for parents, information and resources for parents, a DVD that helps parents and caregivers as well that walks you through the stages of development for children. And then we have customized it because oral health is critical for young children. >> You've got something else right. >> Debbie Armstrong: Yes we do. And we have our very own toothbrush, a little timer for the child. >> Michelle Blakey: And gum wipes for babies. >> Gum wipes for babies. >> Michelle Blakely: It's very important to keep your infant's gums very healthy. >> Okay we're running out of time, just one thing if you wanted to send a message to parents out there or that you would like to say to them. >> Debbie Armstrong: I'd like to say to really value and cherish the time that you have with your children. I know there's a lot of maybe stresses going on with employment or-- but really take that quality time with your child. For businesses I'd like to say to be involved, to know, to promote family friendly businesses and to contact your legislators, because we're talking about tobacco tax funding that we know is going to decline over the years, and so we need to continue to advocate for young children. >> We need more money. Anything you'd like to add Michelle? >> Michelle Blakely: I think that says it all, invest early. It saves us all in the long run. Thank you. >> Alright Debbie and Michelle, thank you so much for joining us today. >> Debbie Armstrong: Thank you. >> And bringing your props. If you'd like more information you can log onto their website first the number 5 San Mateo dot org and you can get all the information about their programs and how you can get involved as well. Alright, we'll back with more Bay Sunday. [ Music ]