Contact Us

To learn more about our studies and find out if you may be eligible, fill out this form, email us or call 605-504-3154.

Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes

What affects a child’s growth? Is it more than just DNA? What contributes to his or her ability to do well in school, weight and risk of developing asthma?

These are just a few questions being asked in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Avera is one of only 35 nationwide cohorts chosen to participate in ECHO — a national research program launched and supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Because of their high impact on public health, five key outcomes will be investigated:

  • Upper and lower airway conditions, such as asthma
  • Obesity
  • Neurodevelopment, including ADHD and autism
  • Pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, such as prematurity
  • Positive health

Goal of ECHO

The goal of this study is to improve child and adolescent health by looking at how a broad range of environmental influences — including sleep, nutrition, allergens and social relationships — affect children both prenatally and after birth.

Make a Difference by Joining the ECHO Study

ECHO will build upon research completed during the Safe Passage study in addition to enrolling women who are currently pregnant and planning to deliver at an Avera facility or Monument Health in Rapid City, SD.

Watch this video to learn more about ECHO.