A decade-long study examining the health and well-being of children across the province is now underway.

The BEACON study, which is being carried out through Quality of Care NL, will follow the health and well-being of all children born in the province between 2013 and 2022.

The end goal is to give a better understanding of the needs of children and teens, inform decision-makers, and improve service delivery.

Dr. Leigh Anne Newhook, one of the lead researchers, says the goal of the study is to understand what is happening in the province when it comes to children and the health care they receive.

She says there is very little in the way of published research on the topic – yet there are significant decisions being made on programs, services, and how to spend taxpayer dollars. She says the research will help inform decision makers.