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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 41 through 60 (534 total).

Allen C; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. 2023. Knowing better, doing better: Hurdles of measuring equity in care. Washington, DC: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health , (AIM for Safer Birth Podcast Series)

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell delve into the difficulties of measuring equity and addressing barriers in maternal-child health data. They discuss the challenges of capturing accurate data in a fragmented healthcare system, the limitations of electronic medical records (EMRs) in measuring quality metrics, and the importance of contextualizing data within the broader landscape of social determinants of health. The two share insights from their experiences in quality improvement and offer a candid conversation about the need for continuous quality improvement, sustainability of positive changes, and the potential for data-driven innovation in addressing severe maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the United States. 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.

Contact: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, 409 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024, E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: https://saferbirth.org/

Keywords: Barriers, Data, Data analysis, Data collection, Health equity, Maternal and child health research, Quality improvement

Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center. 2023. Addressing the maternal health crisis will take a long-term, multi-sector, systematic approach . Chapel Hill, NC: Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center, 12 pp.

Annotation: This brief describes the maternal health crisis in the United States, noting that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths considered preventable. It explains how the crisis disproportionately affects people of color, particularly Black women who die at three to four times the rate of non-Hispanic White women from pregnancy-related complications. The document outlines key factors contributing to these disparities, including implicit and explicit racial bias, systemic bias, barriers for people with disabilities, limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of skilled providers, socioeconomic challenges, and domestic safety concerns. It presents the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, which identifies five goals and more than 50 action steps to improve maternal health, and introduces Evidence to Action Briefs developed by the Maternal Health Learning & Innovation Center to facilitate implementation. The brief includes detailed data visualizations depicting maternal mortality trends by race, ethnicity, geography, and causes of death, and features the ROOTT Framework that illustrates how structural and social determinants affect maternal health outcomes.

Contact: Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC Web Site: https://maternalhealthlearning.org/

Keywords: Barriers, Blacks, Data, Federal initiatives, Health care disparities, Health care systems, Maternal health, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Quality improvement, Service integration, Social determinants of health, Trends

Public Counsel. 2022. Examining racial and ethnic inequities among children served under California's developmental services system: Where things currently stand . Los Angeles, CA: Public Counsel , 43 pp.

Annotation: This report examines racial and ethnic inequities in children's access to developmental services through California's Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It quantifies and evaluates inequities in service access and expenditures and examines the effectiveness of the set of measures developed by DDS to monitor and prevent inequities related to race, culture, and primary language spoken. A summary of findings is provided along with recommendations for legislative improvements that could help eliminate disparities to services for children with developmental disabilities in the state of California.

Contact: Public Counsel , 610 South Ardmore Avenue , Los Angeles, CA 90005, Telephone: (213) 385-2977 Fax: (213) 385-9089 Web Site: https://publiccounsel.org/ Available from the website.

Keywords: Access to health care, Barriers, California, Children with developmental disabilities, Cultural factors, Ethnic factors, Racial factors, State legislation

Prenatal-to-Three Impact Center, Vanderbilt Universit. 2022. State options and actions to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage . Nashville, TN: Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University , 8 pp.

Annotation: This research brief describes state options and actions that can be taken to extend Medicaid-related pregnancy coverage beyond 60 days postpartum. Included are examples of state legislation and federally-approved waiver requests.

Contact: Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center , Vanderbilt University , Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Nashville, TN 37203, E-mail: https://pn3policy.org/contact/ Web Site: https://pn3policy.org/

Keywords: , Access to health care, Barriers, Expanded eligibility, Medicaid, Model legislation, Postpartum care, State legislation

Schiff J, Manning L, VanLandeghem K, Langer CS, Schutze M, Comeau M. 2022. Financing care for CYSHCN in the next decade: Reducing burden, advancing equity, and transforming systems . Pediatrics. 2022 Jun 1;149(Suppl 7), 9 pp.

Guarnizo T, Clark M. 2022. Doula services in Medicaid: Pathways and payment rates (part 3). Washington, DC: Center for Children and Families,

Annotation: This health policy blog post, the third in a series from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families, examines implementation pathways and payment structures for doula services in Medicaid programs. It analyzes key lessons learned from early adopter states Oregon and Minnesota, focusing on two core challenges: the legal authority under which states can authorize doula services and establishing sustainable reimbursement rates. The post explains how states have shifted from using Medicaid's "direct services" authority to the Affordable Care Act's preventive services pathway, which allows doulas to practice more independently. It details how states have adjusted reimbursement rates over time, with examples ranging from Minnesota's increase to $770 per birth to Oregon's planned increase to $1,500 per pregnancy. The analysis provides specific examples of how newer states like Virginia, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and California are implementing doula coverage in Medicaid, incorporating lessons from earlier state experiences. The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable payment rates and reduced administrative barriers in advancing health equity, particularly for communities of color who experience disproportionate maternal health disparities.

Contact: Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy , Center for Children and Families, 600 New Jersey Avenue , Washington, DC 20001, Telephone: (202) 687-0880 Fax: (202) 687-3110 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://ccf.georgetown.edu

Keywords: Barriers, Doulas, Financing, Medicaid, Reimbursement, State initiatives

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs . 2021. Addressing mental health in BIPOC communities: Key cultural considerations for MCH. Washington, DC: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs,

Annotation: This webinar focuses on maternal mental health within a cultural context, highlighting factors to consider when addressing the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in underserved communities. Culturally-sensitive approaches to MCH services that address postpartum depression and other mental health concerns are discussed by a variety of panelists during the hour-long video presentation.

Contact: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, 1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006-1202, Telephone: (202) 775-0436 Fax: (202) 478-5120 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.amchp.org

Keywords: Access to care, Cultural barriers, Cultural factors, Health equity, MCH services, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum depression, Racial factors, Risk factors, Service delivery

Council on Medical Service and Council on Science and Public Health, American Medical Association . 2021. Joint report of the Council on Medical Service and the Council on Science and Public Health: Reducing inequities and improving access to insurance for maternal health care. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association , 60 pp.

Annotation: This joint report from the Council on Medical Service and the Council on Science and Public Health presents a comprehensive examination of inequities and access barriers in maternal health care in the United States. The report analyzes root causes of the U.S. maternal mortality crisis, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in care and outcomes, and challenges in insurance coverage, especially through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The report outlines 16 detailed policy recommendations for the American Medical Association focused on 1) acknowledging and addressing the impact of structural racism in maternal care, 2) expanding insurance coverage (particularly postpartum Medicaid/CHIP coverage to 12 months), 3) improving data collection and research on disparities, 4) strengthening cultural humility in care delivery, 5) promoting collaboration with community organizations, and 6)ensuring adequate payment for evidence-based maternal care services. The report emphasizes the need for systemwide changes to improve maternal health outcomes and eliminate inequities through coordinated policy, payment, workforce development, and quality improvement initiatives.

Contact: American Medical Association, 515 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610, Telephone: (800) 621-8335 Fax: Web Site: http://www.ama-assn.org

Keywords: Access to care, Barriers, Health equity, Health insurance, Maternal health, Maternal mortality, Medicaid, Policy development, Social Determinants of Health

National Vaccine Advisory Committee. 2021. Advancing immunization equity: Recommendations from the National Vaccine Advisory Committee . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 22 pp.

Annotation: This report offers recommendations to address challenges to achieving equity in immunization and other system, policy and environmental barriers that result in differential receipt of vaccinations and refers specifically to vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for use in the United States for routine preventive care.

Contact: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20201, Telephone: (877) 696-6775 Web Site: http://www.hhs.gov

Keywords: Barriers, Health equity, Immunization, Prevention

Casey Family Programs . 2021. What do we know about the impact of homelessness and housing instability on child welfare-involved families?. Seattle, WA: Casey Family Programs, 5 pp.

Annotation: This report highlights the significantly higher rates of child welfare involvement among inadequately-housed families and children, often resulting in foster care placement. It describes how homelessness and housing instability impact children; outlines national efforts to address the housing crisis; and describes ways in which child protection agencies can work with system partners to keep families together whenever possible.

Contact: Casey Family Programs, 2001 Eighth Avenue, Suite 2700, Seattle, WA 98121, Telephone: (206) 282-7300 Fax: (202) 282-3555 E-mail: http://www.casey.org/ContactUs/EmailUs/[email protected]&officename=Casey%20Family%20%20Programs Web Site: http://www.casey.org

Keywords: Barriers, Child health, Child protection agencies, Child welfare, Families, Foster care, Homelessness, Housing, Initiatives, Socioeconomic factors

National Association of County and City Health Officials; United States Breastfeeding Committee. . 2021. The continuity of care in breastfeeding support blueprint . Washington, DC: National Association of County and City Health Officials,

Annotation: This resource povides information on breastfeeding barriers and support services centered on the needs of populations disproportionately impacted by structural barriers that lead to low rates of breastfeeding. The resource underscores the importance of breastfeeding support services that are continuous, accessible, and coordinated, and provides recommendations and strategies that are consistently supportive of chest/breastfeeding families. The targetedd audience is local-level organizations and individuals that interacts with pregnant and postpartum families.

Contact: National Association of County and City Health Officials, 1100 17th Street, N.W., Seventh Floor, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone: (202) 783-5550 Fax: (202) 783-1583 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.naccho.org

Keywords: Barriers, Breast feeding promotion, Community based services, Lactation management, Public health

Bakst C, Moore JE, George KE, Shea K. 2020 . Community-based maternal support services: The role of doulas and community health workers in Medicaid. Washington, DC: Institute for Medicaid Innovation , 23 pp.

Annotation: This report explores how community-based maternal support services provided by community-based doulas and maternity community health workers can improve maternal health outcomes. It also highlights the results of a national environmental scan of organizations that are actively working toward eliminating maternal health disparities and building community connections through the community-based maternal support model. Common barriers to implementing this model are identified, and opportunities for Medicaid stakeholders to provide support and increased access to these services are highlighted.

Contact: Institute for Medicaid Innovation, 1250 Connecticut Ave., Suite 700, PMB 5135, Washington, DC 20036, E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.medicaidinnovation.org

Keywords: Barriers, Childbirth, Community based services, Community health workers, Doulas , Maternal health, Medicaid, Model programs, Public health, Risk factors, Social support, initiatives

Cooper LA, Pesquera M. 2020. Maryland cultural, linguistic and health literacy competency strategies: A policy framework for 2013–2020. Baltimore, MD: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Health Quality and Cost Council, 80 pp. plus appendices.

Annotation: This report summarizes findings and recommendations for increasing the cultural, linguistic, and health literacy competency of health professionals and health care delivery organizations throughout Maryland. Contents include recommendations for cultural competency standards and tiered reimbursement for medical and behavioral service settings, standards for multicultural health in patient-centered medical homes and other health care settings, and standards for continuing education in cultural competency for health care professionals.

Contact: Maryland Department of Health, 201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, Telephone: (410) 767-6500 Secondary Telephone: (877) 463-3464 Web Site: http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov Available from the website.

Keywords: Access to health care, Continuing education, Cultural competence, Cultural diversity, Equal opportunities, Family centered care, Health care delivery, Health care disparities, Health disparities, Health literacy, Language barriers, Maryland, Medical home, Reimbursement, Standards, Work force

Anderson KA, Rast JE, Roux AM, Garfield T, Shattuck PT. 2020. National autism indicators report: Children on the autism spectrum and family financial hardship. Philadelphia, PA: A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Life Course Outcomes Research Program, 47 pp.

Annotation: This report focuses on the financial hardships facing families raising children on the autism spectrum. It discusses disability and sociodemographic characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders, levels of family financial hardship, and safety net program use. Recommendations are included. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, E-mail: https://drexel.ed Web Site: https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/ Available from the website.

Keywords: Autism, Children with special health care needs, Family support services, Financial barriers, Financial support, Statistics

Ellmann N. 2020. Community-based doulas and midwives . Washington , DC: Center for American Progress , 37 pp.

Annotation: This report presents key perspectives, lessons learned, and policy recommendations for state- and federal-level initiatives that center around the work of doulas and midwives in addressing the nation’s maternal health crisis.The report discusses racial disparities in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality and describes how birth workers can help reduce health risks, particularly among black and indigenous individuals giving birth. Information and perspectives shared by doulas and midwives interviewed for the report fall into three major categories: 1) the role and importance of community-based birth workers and the re-centering of the community in pregnancy-related care; 2) guidelines for health care system integration and the role of government; and 3) the creation of a progressive vision for pregnancy-related care in the United States.

Contact: Center for American Progress, 1333 H Street, N.W., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, Telephone: (202) 682-1611 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.americanprogress.org

Keywords: Alaska natives , American Indians, Barriers, Blacks, Childbirth, Community health services, Doulas, Maternal health, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Midwives, Pregnancy, Prevention services, Racial factors, Racism, Risk factors, Social support

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs . 2020. Telehealth capacity of maternal & child health public health systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: environmental scan . Washington, DC: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs , 15 pp.

Annotation: This environmental scan summarizes themes that emerged during interviews with key informants on the implementation of telehealth solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brief describes several themes that emerged across multiple programs: (1) There is significant variance in the level of telehealth implementation occurring across jurisdictions; (2) Systemic and widespread connectivity issues exist for families and some programs; (3) There is a lack of evidence by which to make decisions about if and how to continue or expand telehealth to best meet families’ needs; and (4) Improved mechanisms are needed to connect available educational and training resources with the providers and staff who need them, when they need them. Contributors include representatives from Title V and children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) programs, newborn screening functions, and maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting (MIECHV) services.

Contact: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, 1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006-1202, Telephone: (202) 775-0436 Fax: (202) 478-5120 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.amchp.org

Keywords: Barriers, Child health, Children with special health needs, Health care delivery, Interviews, Maternal health, Telecommunications, Telemedicine, Youth

Rudick S, Fields E, Finnerty P, Voelker S, Fitzgerald Lewis E, Elliott K. 2020. How home visiting can support postpartum care. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center , 14 pp.

Annotation: This issue brief highlights the importance of supportive postpartum care; describes the barriers to care that new mothers face; and outlines strategies for home visitors and health care providers to help ensure that postpartum women and their infants receive adequate follow-up care. A list of additional resources is included.

Contact: Education Development Center, 43 Foundry Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453-8313, Telephone: (617) 969-7100 Fax: (617) 969-5979 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.edc.org

Keywords: Barriers, Home visiting, Postpartum care

Abdi FM, Seok D, Murphey D. 2020. Children with special health care needs face challenges accessing information, support, and services. Bethesda, MD: Child Trends, 23

Annotation: This brief analyzes national and state-level data from the 2016-2017 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) on children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families. Racial and ethnic disparities in access to appropriate, comprehensive, and coordinated health care are highlighted, as well the widely variable outcomes for CYSHCN across states. Challenges associated with family, neighborhood, and school circumstances are among the barriers identified.

Contact: Child Trends , 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1200 W, Bethesda, MD 20814, Telephone: (240) 223-9200 E-mail: Web Site: http://www.childtrends.org

Keywords: , Access to care, Adolescents with special health care needs, Barriers, Children with special health care needs, National surveys, Statistics, Trends

Taylor J, Novoa C, Hamm K, and Phadke S. 2019 . Eliminating racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality: A comprehensive policy blueprint . Washington, DC: Center for American Progress , 96 pp.

Annotation: This report provides a comprehensive policy framework aimed at eliminating racial disparities in both maternal and infant mortality. Considering solutions that address disparities in both of these areas, the authors outline specific strategies and provide recommendations to (1) improve access to health care and critical services; (2) improve the quality of care provided to pregnant women; (3) address maternal and infant mental health; (4) enhance supports for families before and after birth; and 5) improve data collection and oversight.

Contact: Center for American Progress, 1333 H Street, N.W., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, Telephone: (202) 682-1611 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.americanprogress.org

Keywords: , Access to health care, Barriers, Blacks, Data collection, Health equity, Infant mortality, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Mental health, Public policy, Quality assurance, Racial discrimination, Racial factors, Racism

Wisconsin Oral Health Coalition. 2019. Check-up on oral health: A call to action. Milwaukee, WI: Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Oral Health Coalition, 5 pp.

Annotation: This report provides information about the importance of oral health throughout the life-span, the economic costs of oral disease and oral health disparities, and efforts to improve access to preventive oral health services in Michigan. Topics include gains made in increasing access statewide through the expansion of Healthy Kids Dental, a public-private partnership between the Michigan Department of Community Health and Delta Dental; maintenance of dental benefits for adults enrolled in Medicaid; community water fluoridation; and dental sealants.

Contact: Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin, 6737 West Washington Street, Suite 1111, West Allis, WI 53214, Telephone: (414) 292-4000 Secondary Telephone: (414) 337-4561 Fax: (414) 231-4972 Web Site: https://www.chawisconsin.org/ Available from the website.

Keywords: Access to health care, Adults, Barriers, Children, Coalitions, Community action, Dental sealants, Fluorides, Health care disparities, Infants, Life course, Medicaid, Michigan, Older adults, Oral health, Policy development, Preventive health services, Public private partnerships, State programs, Statewide planning, Water, Wisconsin

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