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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Search Results: MCHLine

Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.


Displaying records 1 through 20 (276 total).

Bogenschneider K, Small S, Riley D. n.d.. An ecological, risk-focused approach for addressing youth-at-risk issues. Chevy Chase, MD: National 4-H Center, 24 pp.

Annotation: This paper presents a prevention model to reduce problem behavior in adolescents by identifying risk factors and protective factors in an adolescent's environment and targeting gaps between the two at all stages of the adolescent's environmental system—individual, family, peers, school, work, and community. The paper reviews current research on risk and protective factors that influence the well being of youth and suggests implications of this research for developing comprehensive community based prevention programs.

Keywords: Adolescent behavior, Community programs, Environmental influences, Models, Prevention programs, Protective factors, Risk factors

Healthy Teen Network and ETR Associates. n.d.. Weaving science & practice: Frequently asked questions about science-based approaches. Baltimore, MD: Healthy Teen Network, 20 pp.

Annotation: This document describes seven science-based approaches in adolescent pregnancy, HIV, and sexually transmitted infection prevention. Topics include assessment, health education and behavior change theory, logic models, science-based programs, adaptation and fidelity, characteristics of promising programs, and process and outcome evaluation. Additional topics include the benefits of using science-based approaches, ten steps for getting to outcomes, and training and technical assistance.

Keywords: Adolescent pregnancy prevention, Assessment, Behavior modification, HIV, Health behavior, Health education, Methods, Models, Outcome evaluation, Prevention programs, Process evaluation, Sexually transmitted diseases

Institute for Educational Leadership, Coalition for Community Schools. n.d.. Community schools: Promoting student success–A rationale and results framework. Washington, DC: Institute for Educational Leadership, Coalition for Community Schools, 11 pp.

Annotation: This document for local policymakers and practitioners provides guidance on implementing a community school strategy. It outlines a rationale for the community school as a primary vehicle for increasing student success and strengthening families and community. The document also defines specific results that community schools seek -- both in terms of how they function and in relationship to the well being of students, families, and communities. Contents include the community schools vision, guiding principles, logic model, and framework for student success. Conditions for learning and indicators of capacity are also addressed.

Keywords: Communities, Development, Education, Families, Leadership, Learning, Models, Program improvement, Schools, Students, Teaching

New Mexico Department of Health . n.d.. New Mexico Maternal Mortality Review Committee annual report: Pregnancy-associated deaths 2015-2018. Santa Fe: New Mexico Department of Health, 34 pp.

Annotation: This report describes the maternal mortality review process in the state of New Mexico, presents key findings on pregnancy-associated deaths in the state for the period 2015-2018, and provides recommendations from the Review Committee aimed at reducing maternal deaths. The data indicates cause of death, race/ethnicity, place of birth, type of insurance, and other factors.

Keywords: Committees, Maternal death, Maternal mortality, Models, New Mexico , Prevention, Research, State programs, Statistics

UI Health Two-Generation Clinic . n.d.. A toolkit for implementing two-generation postpartum care. Chicago, IL: UI Health Two-Generation Clinic, 33 pp.

Annotation: This toolkit explains how to implement two-generation postpartum care, combining dyadic care with behavioral health support and aid for social needs for postpartum families up to two years after birth. It outlines the UI Health Two-Gen model developed at the University of Illinois Health System since 2020, which addresses physical, behavioral, and social needs of both mothers and infants during well-child visits. The toolkit describes key components including primary care delivery, behavioral health services, care management, patient education, lactation consultation, visit co-scheduling, comprehensive screenings, and care team meetings. It provides practical implementation suggestions for healthcare organizations with varying resources, addressing funding considerations and sharing patient satisfaction data. The toolkit emphasizes how innovative approaches to postpartum care can help address the maternal health crisis, particularly leveraging the Medicaid Postpartum Extension being implemented in multiple states.

Keywords: Behavioral medicine, Child health, Illinois , Intergenerational programs, Local programs, Maternal health, Models, Postpartum care, Social services

Espinosa S, Gilburg ML, McDonald M . 2025. Postpartum Maternal Health Collaborative convening, part 2. New York, NY: Milbank Memorial Fund, 9 pp.

Annotation: This report summarizes the second meeting of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department's Secretary's Postpartum Maternal Health Collaborative, held January 10, 2025. The document describes how six states (Iowa, New Mexico, Minnesota, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan) implemented evidence-based practices over a 10-month period to reduce postpartum morbidity and mortality. Three states focused on mental health and substance use disorders while three addressed cardiovascular conditions. The report details specific state-level initiatives, including improved screening, care coordination, and follow-up processes, highlighting successful cross-sector collaborations between state health departments, Medicaid agencies, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. Key insights include the importance of standardizing care pathways while tailoring patient engagement strategies, leveraging quality improvement initiatives, and investing in data infrastructure. The document concludes with lessons learned about the benefits of cross-state collaboration and federal technical assistance in implementing facility-level changes that can improve maternal health outcomes.

Keywords: Collaboration, Conference proceedings, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maternal health, Michigan , Minnesota, Models, New Mexico, Postpartum care, Quality improvement, Standards

Center for Health Care Strategies; Casey Family Programs . 2025. What strategies support effective implementation of the system of care approach? . Hamilton, NJ: Center for Health Care Strategies, 7 pp.

Annotation: This strategy brief identifies lessons learned and effective strategies for implementing a system of care approach to improve behavioral health outcomes for children and their families. It details core principles such as building trust among cross-sector partners, centering families as primary decision-makers, and prioritizing the delivery of home- and community-based services. The document discusses key elements for achieving scale and sustainability, including leadership commitment, flexible financing, and workforce capacity building through Centers of Excellence. Based on a literature review and interviews with stakeholders, it features jurisdictional profiles and practice examples from New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Oklahoma

Keywords: Behavior, Child health, Families, Family support programs, Literature reviews, Mental health, Models, Service delivery systems

Russ S, Larson K. 2025. Life Course History: Interview with Tina Cheng . Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, (Life Course History)

Annotation: This web page features an interview with Dr. Tina Cheng regarding the evolution of the MCH life course health development framework and its application in understanding how early-life experiences and intergenerational factors shape adult health. It emphasizes the framework’s alignment with pediatrics, highlighting the significance of preconception and prenatal influences, social determinants, and the interaction between genetics and the environment. The interview, originally conducted in 2011, highlights the need for longitudinal research and "prospective medicine" to shift the medical focus from individual treatment to population-based prevention and resilience. A modern reflection by Dr. Cheng (2025) emphasizes the ongoing need for advocacy and investment in children’s health to address rising rates of obesity, mental health concerns, and chronic conditions. The site also outlines the role of the Maternal and Child Health Life Course Research Network in fostering multidisciplinary collaboration to address knowledge gaps in measurement and translational research. The interview is one the Life Course History series of six.

Keywords: Child health, Environmental health, Genetics, Life Course, Maternal health, Models, Preventive health services, Research, Social determinants of health

Russ S, Rabi S. 2025. Life Course History: Interview with Cheri Pies. Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, (Life Course History)

Annotation: This blog post features an interview with Cheri Pies (conducted in 2011) concerning the translation of the life course health development framework into the practice of state and county health departments. It describes the integration of the life course perspective into maternal and child health program delivery, emphasizing a paradigm shift away from traditional medical models toward addressing the social determinants of health. The document outlines specific local initiatives, such as Building Economic Security Today and the Building Blocks Collaborative, which utilize life course principles to improve financial stability and cross-sector health equity. Substantial discussion is provided regarding the barriers to applying this theoretical framework, including categorical funding streams, and the importance of longitudinal research and evaluation to measure intergenerational health outcomes. The interview is one of six in the Life Course History series.

Keywords: Barriers, Child health, County health agencies, Health equity, History, Life Course, Maternal health, Models, Preventive health services, Research, Social determinants of health, State health agencies

Lu M, Chow J. 2025. Life Course History: Interview with David Barker. Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, (Life Course History)

Annotation: This blog post features an interview with Dr. David Barker regarding the life course health development framework and the fetal origins of chronic disease,. It explores the translation of life course principles into research, specifically examining how prenatal nutrition and birth weight influence the risk of coronary heart disease in later life. The document highlights different life course models of health, contrasting the accumulation of damage with the development of physiological resilience. Recommendations are included for interdisciplinary collaboration and research priorities concerning placental health, cognitive function, and childhood obesity.

Keywords: Child health, Chronic illnesses and disabilities, History, Life course, Maternal health, Models, Prenatal influences, Prental care, Research, Social determinants of health

Health Outreach Partners. 2024. Health equity starter kit . Oakland, CA: Health Outreach Partners,

Annotation: This starter kit contains resources to help health centers better understand health equity as a broad framework to explain and address structural factors, social determinants of health, and health disparities. The kit includes a collection of innovative strategies, as well as examples of data and measures to track and evaluate health equity efforts. A 13-minute video offers an overview of the starter kit as well as tips for easily navigating through the available tools and resources.

Keywords: Community health centers, Community organizations, Health equity, Models, Outreach, Social determinants of health

Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center. 2024. The practical playbook III: Working together to improve maternal health . Chapel Hill, NC: Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center, 665 pp.

Annotation: This resource for professionals provides actionable guidance that encourages collaboration across diverse sectors to address and improve inequities and maternal health outcomes. It provides examples of partnerships that leverage new ideas and resources, including innovative approaches to gathering and using data; highlights policies and practices that are improving the health and well-being of birthing people and children across the United States; and includes stories from birthing people and women about their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. Graphics and sample text for social media posts are also provided.

Keywords: Prenatal care, Advocacy, Childbirth, Colllaboration, Community action, Data, Health equity, Maternal health, Models, Policy, Pregnancy, Resources for professionals

Kelly L, Bartels A, Cram A . 2024. Opportunities for public health agencies to advance sustainable financing of community health worker programs . Arlington, VA: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 19 pp.

Annotation: This report examines how state and territorial health agencies can advance sustainable financing for community health worker (CHW) programs as COVID-19-related grant funding expires and new Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement opportunities emerge. It presents strategies for state/territorial health agencies to establish clear CHW policies, support effective implementation of Medicaid and Medicare CHW policies, help community-based organizations develop sustainable funding models, and align CHW training and certification programs with financing opportunities. The report includes examples from multiple states' approaches to CHW program sustainability and provides detailed appendices on state staffing structures, relevant federal grants, and CHW-related strategies in state health improvement plans.

Keywords: Community health workers, Financing, Health agencies, Medicaid, Medicare, Models, Policy development, State initiatives

Nijagal MA, Khoong EC, Sherwin EB, Lance E, Saleeby E, Williams AP, Thomas MR. 2024. Perinatal community health workers: Lessons From California. Washington, DC: Health Affairs ,

Annotation: This article examines lessons learned from California's experience with perinatal community health workers (CHWs) and provides recommendations for policy makers designing similar programs. It discusses how perinatal CHWs can help address disparities in maternal health outcomes by providing culturally appropriate support throughout pregnancy and postpartum periods. The authors, drawing from 15 years of experience in California's Medicaid system, outline key considerations including adequate reimbursement rates, payment flexibility for services provided in both clinical and community settings, program coordination to prevent inefficiencies, standardized data collection methods, and support systems to prevent CHW burnout. The document includes specific examples from programs at San Francisco General Hospital and Los Angeles County, and discusses implications for state Medicaid programs participating in CMS's new Transforming Maternal Health Model.

Keywords: Barriers, California, Community health workers, Maternal health, Models, Payment, Perinatal care, Policy development, Postpartum care, Reimbursement, State programs

Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center. 2024. Achieving person-centered care for routine labor induction. Chapel Hill, NC: Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center, 16 pp.

Annotation: This guide provides detailed instructions for implementing a multilingual, person-centered decision aid for routine labor induction in prenatal care settings. It presents both web-based and paper versions of a decision support tool developed by Partner to Decide, a nonprofit organization, with funding from the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center. The guide outlines implementation options, necessary resources, and evaluation strategies for healthcare providers adopting the tool, which supports shared decision-making for pregnant people considering labor induction between 39-42+ weeks with no medical indication. It includes step-by-step quality improvement processes, example workflow charts, sample medical record documentation language, and strategies for addressing common implementation challenges. The document contains substantial appendices with worksheets for systems analysis and example implementation flowcharts to help healthcare settings customize the tool's adoption to their specific needs.

Keywords: Decision making, Induced labor, Labor, Models, Patient care, Patient education, Patient satisfaction, Prenatal care

Allen C; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. 2024. Looking back, looking forward: The history and vision of AIM. Washington, DC: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health , (AIM for Safer Birth Podcast Series)

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen talks with renowned maternal health expert Dr. Elliott Main. A pioneering figure in maternal mortality review and quality care initiatives, Dr. Main discusses the history and evolution of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of addressing severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S., the early groundwork that led to AIM, and the collaborative efforts that turned ideas into actionable tools. Dr. Main also shares his thoughts on the future of maternal health and the "one thing" he believes is critical to driving change moving forward. This episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

Keywords: Collaboration, History, Initiatives, Maternal health, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Models, Resources for professionals

Espinosa S, Gilburg ML, McDonald M . 2024. Postpartum Maternal Health Collaborative Convening. New York, NY: Milbank Memorial Fund, 9 pp.

Annotation: This report summarizes key findings from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department's Postpartum Maternal Health Collaborative Expert Evidence Convening held in April 2024. The document synthesizes insights from four expert panels focused on reducing postpartum mortality, covering mental health and substance use disorder, community and social drivers of health, clinical care, and state-level policy opportunities. The report identifies seven key themes for state policy action, including enabling better care transitions with technology and patient-specific planning, providing resources before screening for social needs, ensuring cross-sector collaboration, incorporating community engagement, supporting quality improvement initiatives, implementing patient-centered care approaches, and investing in data infrastructure. Panel discussions revealed strategies such as implementing non-punitive child welfare policies, reimbursing integrated healthcare and telehealth services, extending postpartum coverage, bundling care incentives, and addressing systems barriers including access limitations, provider competency gaps, and cultural barriers that impact maternal health outcomes.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Keywords: Collaboration, Conference proceedings, Indiana, Maternal health, Mental health, Models, Pennsylvania, Postpartum care, Quality improvement, State initiatives

Handler A, Sayah L, Nuyen K; Community Access, Systems Equity, and Education Committee (CASE) of the Illinois Maternal Health Task Force . 2024. Ensuring high quality postpartum care in the period covered by Illinois’ postpartum Medicaid extension . , 14 pp.

Annotation: This report presents recommendations for ensuring high-quality postpartum care during the full 12-month period covered by Illinois' Postpartum Medicaid Extension. It outlines the content of care delineated in the Illinois Medicaid contract for Managed Care Organizations, focusing on requirements for the extended postpartum period. The authors propose a comprehensive Postpartum Performance Measurement Dataset that would require MCOs to report on specific measures for the postpartum population, providing a clearer picture of care delivery through 12 months postpartum. They also recommend expanding the Women's Health section of the HealthChoice Illinois report cards and creating a separate Maternal Health section to help pregnant and postpartum people choose the best health plans. The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring MCOs and provider performance to ensure accountability for delivering high-quality care to postpartum persons, particularly given Illinois' maternal health crisis with rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality inequities.

Keywords: Illinois, Measures, Medicaid, Models, Postpartum care, Pregnant women, Quality Assurance, State Initiatives

Association of State Public Health Nutritionists. 2024. Children’s Healthy Weight Capacity Building Project evaluation guidance . Tucson, AZ: Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, 82 pp.

Annotation: This workbook provides guidance for public health practitioners on conducting evaluations for the Children’s Healthy Weight Capacity Building Project. It explains core concepts such as evaluative thinking and outlines steps for developing a theory of change and a "tearless" logic model to clarify program goals. The workbook details various data collection and analysis methods, including photovoice, appreciative inquiry, and the World Café approach, while emphasizing culturally responsive and equitable evaluation practices. It also presents strategies for sharing results through data parties, infographics, and success stories to engage stakeholders. Appendices provide protocols for conducting focus groups and interviews, qualitative data analysis steps, and a list of evaluator competencies.

Keywords: Child health, Evaluation, Guidelines, Models, Nutrition, Public health, Training for professionals

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 2024. Highlights from the Improving Postpartum Care Affinity Group. , 4 pp.

Annotation: This report highlights findings from the Improving Postpartum Care Affinity Group, a quality improvement initiative convened by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from April 2021 to April 2023. Nine states participated in the affinity group to develop and test interventions addressing the high rates of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, with nearly two-thirds of maternal deaths occurring during the postpartum period. The report describes how state teams used data-driven approaches to identify disparities and quality improvement opportunities, select measures to monitor their projects, and evaluate intervention impacts. It presents four main categories of interventions tested by participating states: targeted case management services for high-risk beneficiaries, postpartum cardiac care including blood pressure monitoring and cardiomyopathy protocols, support from doulas and community health workers with home visiting programs, and beneficiary and provider education and support tools. The document includes specific examples from states such as South Carolina's pilot addressing gaps in behavioral health screening, Georgia's work to improve provider use of postpartum visit codes, and Texas's blood pressure cuff distribution program for hypertensive beneficiaries.

Keywords: Data analysis, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Missouri, Models, Oklahoma, Postpartum care, Prevention, Quality improvement, South Carolina, State initiatives, Texas, Wyoming

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The MCH Library is one of six special collections at Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, private, university, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by Georgetown University or the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.