CATCH Kids was started in Tupelo in 1998 as local doctors realized a need for services. The program is based on an American Academy of Pediatrics program called Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) that was created to foster wellness among all children. The CATCH program is predicated on the following ideas: 1) all children need medical homes, 2) local people can make a difference in their communities and 3) community members need to help and support each other.

In order to fulfill their community-based objectives, the founders of CATCH Kids have united volunteer workers and contributors from many different sectors. Local doctors, interns, nurses and dentists donate their time; parents of served children volunteer to promote the program in the community; area students create promotional materials for the program; local organizations partner with CATCH Kids to ensure that children in and beyond the Tupelo area are served; and an Advisory Board and a 21-member Corporate Board steer the direction of the organization. In addition, three dedicated staff members tend to the daily operations of the organization, and numerous organizations partner with CATCH Kids to extend services.

This type of collaboration gives volunteers and staff members a sense of civic mission and strengthens community ties as different people unite around a common purpose. It also meets the needs of families who can benefit from bridges to health care and ensures that all children have equal access. CATCH Kids gives all children an opportunity to develop and have a life trajectory that is not marred by health problems. The end result is a group of vibrant children who are ready to face life’s challenges and take their place in a healthy future community.

Pictured above: Allison Hailman Doyle and Dr. James W. Griffin, CATCH Kids Medical Volunteers

"That's why I'm practicing [medicine] - not to get reimbursed, but to help and improve the health needs of the community."
Allison Hailman Doyle

"We have parents who bring their kids in who are extremely thankful that we're here and that we're open because their jobs would be in jeopardy if they had to take off work."
Dr. James W. Griffin

Three community-based evening clinics, two in Tupelo and one in Okolona, provide free, high-quality medical services to children from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., when parents are most likely to be able to access the services. The clinics are located in neighborhoods, so families living nearby can walk to see the doctor if transportation is a problem. If needed, referrals for dental services are made.

Pictured above: Valerie Long, Nurse Practitioner and Executive Director of CATCH Kids, Inc.

"One person couldn't do it, and I don't think even one organization could do it. Our collaborations with other programs enhance the services that we're able to do. So it's a community collaboration that does it."
Valerie Long

CATCH Kids has partnered with the Tupelo Housing Authority and Haven Acres Neighborhood Association to strategically place clinics in populous Tupelo neighborhoods. A partnership with Baby Steps in Okolona has allowed for placement of a CATCH Kids clinic there.

CATCH Kids has also expanded to offer 10 school-based clinics, where children can receive free medical care based on referral by the school nurse. These clinics are primarily located in the surrounding schools of Lee, Chickasaw and Pontotoc Counties, ensuring access for children in more remote towns. CATCH Kids health care providers visit the schools to treat children.

Six doctors, residents and nurse practitioners provide medical services to children ages 0-18 with barriers to care. Thanks to partnerships with local pharmacies, medications, even over-the-counter medications, are provided free of charge. The local pediatric clinic and the Family Residency Center provide additional services, such as lab work, for CATCH Kids and will see children at no cost.

CATCH Kids received a one-time, start-up grant from the CATCH Program, and the Health Resources and Services Administration also provided a five-year grant through its Healthy Tomorrows Program. Now CATCH Kids depends on volunteer labor, community fundraising, local grants and is a member of the United Way. The local medical center and health care foundation provide an annual grant as well as housing.

As a result of the efforts of CATCH Kids, many children receive routine care for a range of issues, such as ear infections and sports physicals. CATCH Kids also provides emergency care and makes referrals that have saved children’s lives.

In 2007, CATCH Kids provided medical care for 883 children and assisted 55 children with approximately $35,000 of dental services. With the attention and dedication of all the people who make CATCH Kids a success, children who might otherwise fall through the cracks are able to receive high-quality medical and dental care. This care ensures that the suffering of sick children is minimized, and the children stay healthy and develop in a manner that every parent wants for their child. As a result, northeast Mississippi communities benefit from having improved child health and development, which equates to greater future productivity and prosperity for all citizens.

To read the CATCH KIDS Success Story in full, please download the MS KIDS COUNT 2008 Data Book here.

Back to 2008 Success Stories

View the 2008 Success Stories Video