Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) Resources

Sixty institutions are funded to offer interdisciplinary training to professionals dedicated to caring for children with neurodevelopmental and other related developmental disabilities (DD), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. Care for children affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome and other prenatal exposures may also be covered in the training. Prepares individuals for leadership roles in academic, clinical, public health, and public policy fields to advance care and treatment for children with ASD or DD. Works to enhance clinical competence, increase awareness, reduce barriers to screening and diagnosis, and promote evidence-based interventions for children who have or are at risk of developing ASD or DD through training for providers.

Provides tele-consultation, training, technical assistance, and care coordination using telehealth to help providers integrate behavioral healthcare services into pediatric primary care. Supports the use of telehealth and other technologies to improve the ability of providers to diagnose, treat, and refer children with mental health conditions. Seeks to increase access to treatment and referral services for children and adolescents with behavioral health conditions in rural and underserved areas.

Funds programs to address high rates of infant death by improving health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy and reducing well-documented racial/ethnic differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes. Supports the provision of direct and enabling services, including screening and referrals, case management, care coordination, health and parenting education, and linkages to clinical care, to enrolled program participants.

Funds to develop, improve, and/or enhance statewide or regional networks to expand the capacity of healthcare providers' to screen, assess, treat, and refer pregnant and postpartum people for maternal mental health and substance use disorder (SUD), especially for rural and medically underserved areas.

Funds demonstration projects in states to improve the quality of emergency medical services (EMS) for children. Seeks innovative models and methods to strengthen EMS systems. Seeks to improve health outcomes and attain equitable access to pediatric emergency care and everyday readiness for all children across the nation, especially for those children living in racial or ethnic minority, tribal, and rural communities.

Provides funding to support community-based partnerships and collaborations aimed at promoting access to healthcare for under-resourced and underserved children and their families in rural and underserved areas through the implementation and evaluation of new or improved evidence-informed, evidence-based strategies, or innovative community-based projects and models of care. Includes substance use services for children and adolescents at risk for substance use disorders (SUD).

Funds to establish 3 demonstration projects to implement evidence-based 2-generational strategies addressing issues facing rural at-risk children, prenatal to age 3, and their parents, such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), maternal depression, mental health disorders, substance use disorder (SUD), opioid use, and related neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Offers technical assistance, training, and support to demonstration sites to coordinate programs and services that support healthy childhood development and increase family economic opportunity.

Offers access to national and state-level survey data on the health status of children in the U.S. Includes data on children ages 0-17 and examines factors related to the well-being and healthcare needs of children, including accessing and using healthcare services, family relationships and health, school and after school activities, and neighborhood characteristics. Includes data on physical and mental health conditions, health insurance type and status, healthcare access and utilization, specialty care, nutrition, health activities, and more.

Provides an overview of the Title V Maternal Child Health Services Block Grant (MCHB) that works to support and improve the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families. Discusses the goals of Title V funding, who receives MCHB funds and services, how outcomes are measured, and other resources provided through the program.

Offers evidence-based, voluntary programs that provide families with regular, planned home visits from qualified health, social service, and child development professionals. Supports at-risk pregnant people and parents with children up to kindergarten entry with resources to raise physically, socially, and emotionally healthy children. Provides guidance on parenting and health topics, such as breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, injury prevention, nutrition, and childcare solutions. Seeks to improve maternal and child health, prevent child abuse and neglect, encourage positive parenting, and promote child development and school readiness.

Offers free and confidential mental health support to mothers and families before, during, and after pregnancy. Provides immediate support, information, and resources for mothers with perinatal depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues from licensed and certified counselors, as well as referral to local providers if additional care or support is needed. Call or text 1-833-852-6262 to get help. Service is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, 7 a week.

Offers services, education, resources, and other opportunities to help healthcare providers identify and address mental health concerns and substance use disorders (SUD) in women during and after pregnancy.

Offers appropriate follow-up support services for individuals identified with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Aims to improve care for sickle cell disease and reduce the number of individuals who do not receive follow-up care. Services are provided through local community-based organizations located in 21 states across the U.S.

Supports 5 coordinating centers that serve states in their respective regions to expand access to quality care for patients with sickle cell disease. Works with sickle cell centers, primary care sites, community-based organizations, parents, and patients to provide coordinated, comprehensive, culturally competent, and family-centered care.