Maternal and Child Health - Utah Department of Health

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCH)

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau oversees five major programs that address the health needs among the maternal and child populations in the state. These programs include:

The Bureau provides public health leadership and consultation for improving the health of mothers, infants, children and adolescents in the state. The mission of the Bureau is accomplished through oversight of the maternal and child health services in the state and development of strategies to address those areas that either require improvement, such as adequacy of prenatal care, or require preventive efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and support for at-risk families.

Statutory Authority: Statutory authority lies in the Health Code, Chapter 10, 26-10-1 through 26-10-7.

The Bureau is responsible for implementation and oversight of three federal program requirements and regulations: the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (Title V), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Program, and the United States Department of Agriculture WIC Program.

The Bureau is accountable each year for approximately 25 performance and outcome measures as outlined by the Federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau that include:

Teen births
Dental health for children
Prenatal care
Injury prevention
Breastfeeding
Uninsured rates for children
Low birth weight rates
Teen suicide
Infant and child mortality
Children with special health care needs services
Newborn screening
Newborn hearing screening
Smoking among youth and pregnant women

In addition, the Bureau is required to report on WIC accomplishments through annual reporting. Data are collected annually for the required federal measures in order for the Bureau to evaluate its progress towards improving the health of Utah's mothers and children.