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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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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 21 through 40 (623 total).

Danielson C. n.d.. Healthy Foundations [Final report]. Des Moines, IA: Iowa Department of Public Health, 51 pp.

Annotation: The project's goals were to: (1) Develop and implement structures and processes in defined community areas to plan and implement a family-centered, community-based health care delivery system for children; (2) develop data system capacity and function statewide to ensure family-centered, community-based primary care services for children; and (3) share experiences in family-centered, community-based system change in the area of primary health care for children with other State, regional, and national maternal and child health providers. At the State level, strategies were directed toward developing a system of children's primary health care delivery that was family centered and community based. At the local level, child health steering committees in established projects were to continue to plan and implement child health system changes in their service areas. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Child Mortality, Community Based Health Services, Databases, Family Centered Health Care, Information Systems, Primary Care, Standards of Care, State Programs

Langley M. n.d.. Continuum's Minority Connection Project [Final report]. Atlanta, GA: CONTINUUM Alliance for Healthy Mothers and Children, 32 pp.

Annotation: This project aimed to reduce postneonatal mortality rates associated with inadequate parenting skills and poor utilization of prenatal and child health care services. Activities included establishment of a resource mothers program in which church women were trained to assist pregnant women in negotiating the health care and social services systems, and implementation of a teen peer counselor program. The project also established self-sustaining local coalitions to monitor and address problems that contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Adolescents, Blacks, Clergy, Community-Based Health Services, High risk groups, High risk pregnancy, Infant Mortality, Low income groups, Postneonatal Mortality, Pregnant Women, Prenatal Care, Religious organizations, Rural Populations

National Child Welfare Association. n.d.. Posters. New York, NY: National Child Welfare Association, 5 items.

National Partnership for Dental Therapy. n.d.. Roles and functions of the oral health team. [no place]: National Partnership for Dental Therapy, 1 p.

Annotation: This fact sheet provides information on the roles and functions of oral health professionals and other providers that make up oral health teams. Information on dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, community care connectors, and non-oral-health professionals is included. Others that may be part of an oral health team are also mentioned, including denturists, dental aides, mental and behavioral health professionals, and home health aides.

Keywords: Community health aides, Dental assistants, Dental hygienists, Dentists, Health professionals, Home health aides, Mental health professionals, Oral health, Patient care teams

American Hospital Association . n.d.. Best practices for equitable maternal care . Chicago, IL: American Hospital Association, 3 pp.

Annotation: This resource outlines best practices for equitable maternal care, addressing the disparities experienced by women of color, particularly given the near 40% increase in maternal mortality since 2020. It identifies both individual-level strategies, such as screening and documenting social needs and practicing empathy, and systemic efforts, including offering implicit bias training, integrating health equity into quality improvement processes, and diversifying the maternal care workforce. The resource features hospitals in action, describing programs like the HoPE Doula Program and the Swedish Doula Services Program, which integrate community-based doulas to provide continuous support, advocacy, and connection to resources for pregnant and postpartum families. Additionally, it details the University of Chicago’s STAMPP-HTN (Systematic Treatment and Management of Postpartum Hypertension) program, a quality improvement bundle utilizing nurse educators and remote blood pressure monitors to improve immediate postpartum care for women with hypertensive disorders, which successfully eliminated follow-up disparities among Black and White women.

Keywords: Community based services, Doulas, Health care disparities, Health equity, Hypertension, Maternal health, Postpartum care, Quality improvement, Resources for professionals

Phipps KR. 2025. Maternal and Child Health—Improving Oral Health Integration (MCH-IOH): Environmental scan chartbook. Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, 58 pp.

Annotation: This chartbook contains data about factors that could impact the integration of oral health care into primary care for infants, and children, adolescents, and pregnant women at high risk for oral disease in seven states (Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, New York, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin) and Puerto Rico. Topics include scope of practice, Medicaid billing and reimbursement, dental hygienists, dental therapists, community health workers, and teledentistry. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Adolescent health, Community health, Dental hygienists, Infant health, Medicaid, Oral health, Pregnant women, Primary care, Service integration, Teledentistry

Wyoming Department of Health . 2025. Postpartum health – After baby & beyond. Cheyenne, WY: Wyoming Department of Health,

Annotation: This web page from the Wyoming Department of Health and Wyoming Medicaid provides information and resources for Wyoming Medicaid moms and new parents navigating health and benefits during the postpartum period. The resource offers guidance on timing and expectations for postpartum and newborn health checkups and details how to access an electric breast pump through the Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Program. For new families, the site provides safety information, including safe sleeping recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS. The page also addresses maternal mental health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), providing immediate assistance lines and links to community treatment providers. Furthermore, it highlights extensive free state programs, such as the Wyoming Hand in Hand home visitation program and the Parents as Teachers program, and lists resources for financial and coverage support, including SNAP, WIC, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and assistance with utility costs.

Keywords: State programs, Community based services, Infant care, Low income groups, Maternal health, Mental health, Newborns, Postpartum care, Wyoming

National Network for Oral Health Access. 2024. User's guide for the implementation of the oral health core clinical competencies. Denver, CO: National Network for Oral Health Access, 50 pp.

Annotation: This guide for health center staff describes a set of interprofessional oral health core clinical competencies designed to foster integration of oral health care into primary care. The guide also provides information about three pilot projects’ experiences related to implementing the competencies. Contents include recommendations to inform planning, training systems, health information systems, clinical care systems, and evaluation systems.

Keywords: Barriers, Clinics, Community health centers, Interdisciplinary approach, Oral health, Primary care, Program development, Service integration, Systems development

Community Catalyst. 2024. Community perspectives on access, quality, and invasiveness of dental care. Boston, MA: Community Catalyst, 20 pp.

Annotation: This report provides information about a series of community listening sessions that Community Catalyst held with community members in three states. The purpose of the sessions was to gain a better understanding of community members' perspectives related to access to and experiences with oral health care. The report includes an overview of the methodology of these listening sessions, descriptions of key themes that arose, and recommendations for policy solutions to address the barriers community members identified.

Keywords: Access to health care, Barriers, Community health, Oral health, Public policy

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

Wilson K. 2024. Minimally-invasive care: Policy opportunities to improve dental care access and affordability. Boston, MA: Community Catalyst, Dental Access Project, 6 pp.

Annotation: This brief provides an overview of state-level policies that can support community-level actions to help ensure that communities have access to comprehensive oral health care, as well as federal policies that support the availability of minimally invasive care (MIC). State-level policy considerations discussed include maximizing Medicaid coverage for MIC (coverage of fluoride treatments, reimbursement for teledentistry, and risk management and individualized care); improving private coverage of MIC; and workforce considerations. Federal-level policy considerations discussed include mandatory Medicaid adult benefits, federal standardization of essential health benefits, and comprehensive Medicare dental benefits.

Keywords: Access to health care, Community health, Dental insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Oral health, Public policy

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

National Nurse-led Care Consortium. 2024. Advancing equity: Community health workers' role in enhancing breast cancer screenings and linkage to care. Philadelphia, PA: National Nurse-led Care Consortium,

Annotation: his webinar explored breast cancer disparities and their impact on different communities. Health centers play a critical role in providing comprehensive care, especially in tackling disparities in breast cancer screenings and care among underserved communities. Viewers will discover how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can bridge gaps and facilitate screenings and care. Learn practical strategies and best practices to implement CHW programs within your practice effectively.

Keywords: Community health workers, Data collection, Health care disparities, Prevention, Screening, Social deterimants of health, Women's health

Allen C; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. 2024. You can't get there from here: Actionable strategies for rural perinatal health from IHS. Washington, DC: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health , (AIM for Safer Birth Podcast Series)

Annotation: In this episode of the AIM for Safer Birth podcast series, host Christie Allen continues her conversation with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS) as they explore the ongoing transformation of maternal health care within rural communities. Dr. Pattara-Lau delves deeper into the impact of culturally responsive care, the integration of traditional practices, and the expansion of telehealth services. They further discuss the strides being made in overcoming access barriers, fostering community trust, and implementing innovative care models tailored to the unique needs of American Indian/Alaska Native populations. The AIM for Safer Birth series dives deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

Keywords: Alaska natives, American Indians, Barriers, Community participation, Cultural sensitivity, Health care access, Initiatives, Model programs, Rural health

Allen C; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. 2024. You can't get there from here: Rural perinatal health through the the IHS lens. Washington, DC: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health , (AIM for Safer Birth Podcast Series)

Annotation: Podcast host Christie Allen delves into the unique challenges and innovative solutions in rural and Indigenous maternal health care with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS). Dr. Pattara-Lau shares her experiences and insights on improving patient access to quality care through culturally safe practices, partnerships, and innovative models such as telehealth and community-based care. They discuss the systemic barriers, the importance of culturally safe practices, and the role of community partnerships in enhancing care for American Indian/Alaska Native populations, emphasizing the need for continuous quality improvement and sensitivity to cultural and traditional practices. This episode is part of the AIM 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: Alaska natives, American Indians, Barriers, Community participation, Cultural sensitivity, Health care access, Initiatives, Model programs, Rural health

Silverman K, Benyo A. 2024. Building healthy futures: Addressing mental health and substance use disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. Hamilton, NJ: Center for Health Care Strategies, 26 pp.

Annotation: This report examines the critical impact of mental health and substance use disorders on maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, highlighting how suicide and substance use-related overdoses account for over 20 percent of postpartum deaths. It presents promising approaches from states including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, New Hampshire, and California that integrate maternity care with behavioral health services and social supports. The report outlines six key recommendations for improving care: supporting dedicated multidisciplinary care teams, centering people with lived experience to drive health equity, normalizing substance use care, training all staff on bias and stigma, expanding the community-based workforce including doulas and peer recovery specialists, and implementing harm reduction and street medicine approaches. The authors emphasize that with nearly every state now providing 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage, there are unprecedented opportunities to implement integrated, trauma-informed, non-punitive care models that can significantly reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for families.

Keywords: Substance abusing pregnant women, Community participation, Disorders, Health care reform, Initiatives, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Medicaid, Mental health, Model programs, Perinatal addiction, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Quality improvement, Risk factors, Service integration, Substance use disorders

Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center . 2024. Community-based doula policies across states. Nashville, TN: Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center ,

Annotation: This policy snapshot examines community-based doula policies across states as part of the 2024 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, identifying doulas as one of 12 evidence-based policies that impact the prenatal-to-3 system of care. The document explains that community-based doulas are trained social service professionals who provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents from pregnancy through the postpartum period, and when integrated into larger support systems can improve child health outcomes, parenting behaviors, and birth outcomes. It identifies two key policy levers for states: expanding access through Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of doula services, and bolstering workforce sustainability through financial support for training and development. The snapshot shows which states cover and reimburse community-based doula services under Medicaid and which states provide financial support for doula training.

Keywords: Access to health care, Community based services, Doulas, Medicaid, Policy development, Reimbursement, State policies, Statistics, Work force, trends

Family Connects Chicago . 2024. Family Connects Chicago 2024 report . Chicago, IL: Family Connects Chicago , 18 pp.

Annotation: This report describes the Family Connects Chicago program, a free in-home nurse visiting service available to all Chicago families with newborns born at participating hospitals. It explains how the program offers physical checkups for birthing parents and infants, connects families with community resources, and addresses health disparities, particularly the higher rates of maternal and infant mortality among Black families in Chicago. The report highlights FCC's 2023 results, including 2,649 nurse visits across 77 Chicago community areas, with 96% of participating families finding the program helpful. It features a map showing completed home visits by region and discusses the six Community Alignment Boards that help FCC understand and meet neighborhood-specific needs. The report includes photographs of diverse families with newborns and contains information about participating hospitals, program impacts, and ways to get involved or learn more about the program.

Keywords: Community based services, Family support services, Home visiting, Illinois, Maternal health, Model programs, Newborn infants, Nurses, Postpartum care

United States of Care. 2024. United State's of Care vision for postpartum care. , 39 pp.

Annotation: This report outlines United States of Care's comprehensive framework for the postpartum care of all women, regardless of insurance coverage. Grounded in community engagement, literature reviews, and discussions with maternal health thought leaders, the vision integrates diverse insights to establish the essential components of healthcare for new mothers. It specifies that women should receive personalized care tailored to their needs, including ongoing provider visits, interdisciplinary care teams, and data-informed care; comprehensive, whole-person care addressing all aspects of well-being, including social needs, mental health, substance use, and access to services like home visiting and contraception; and understandable, easy-to-navigate care, such as community supports and postpartum care plans. The document provides an overview of the current landscape, evidence-based guidance, and bright spot programs and policies for each postpartum care component, as well as the health benefits and return on investment.

Keywords: Community participation, Guidelines, Health planning, Measures, Medicaid, Models, Outreach, Policy, Postpartum care, State initiatives

Reid AM, Heinrich J, Mittmann H, Trott J. 2024. Improving maternal and infant health through multisector, community-driven partnerships . New York, NY: Commonwealth Fund,

Annotation: This report examines multisector, community-driven partnerships in Baltimore and Cincinnati that utilize an accountable community for health model to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It details the implementation of the B’more for Healthy Babies and Cradle Cincinnati initiatives, focusing on life-course approaches to care and the reduction of mortality disparities among Black women and Indigenous communities. The document identifies strategies for addressing social drivers of health, such as stable housing and behavioral health support for individuals with substance use disorders, while highlighting results like decreased infant mortality and teen birth rates. perinatal workforce, including doulas and midwives, and expanded support for evidence-based home visiting services. A detailed graphic illustrates a multi-level life-course framework, and a photograph shows clinical care provided by a midwife

Keywords: Community programs, Life course, Model programs, Partnerships, Postpartum care, Pregnancy, Social factors

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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.