The Project, which starts September 30, 2024, aims to increase the number of state-led policy initiatives designed to reduce the drivers of health disparities for maternal and child health (MCH) populations by addressing social determinants of health (SDoH).

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is pleased to have been awarded a $1.2 million cooperative agreement from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA MCHB) to build the capacity of public health leaders at the state and local level to effectively use policy approaches related to housing and food security for MCH populations. This effort will directly benefit professionals representing the Title V MCH Services Block Grant, housing/social service agencies, local health departments, and community-based organizations.

This three-year project includes the launch of the MCH Policy Ideation to Action (I2A) Learning Collaborative, which will provide intensive support for six cross-sector Title V-led teams to develop housing and/or food security policy initiatives. AMCHP will also develop and disseminate trainings and resources to assist MCH professionals and their partners in effectively using policy approaches to improve SDoH for MCH populations. Finally, AMCHP will convene an MCH Policy Innovation Subject Matter Expert (SME) Council comprised of more than a dozen federal, national, state, and community-based MCH/SDoH SMEs to leverage and mobilize knowledge, assets, and connections and facilitate alignment. 

“We are thrilled to partner with HRSA MCHB on this critical initiative. The MCH Policy Ideation to Action Learning Collaborative will provide state and local public health leaders with the tools, resources, and support they need to address key social determinants of health, such as housing and food security, through innovative policy approaches,” said Terrance E. Moore, Chief Executive Officer of AMCHP. “By fostering cross-sector collaboration, we aim to drive meaningful and sustainable change that will reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for maternal and child health populations across the country.” 

AMCHP looks forward to providing additional support to our members to advance their housing and food security policy capacity. Stay tuned for additional information in early 2025 on how Title V leaders can apply for the MCH Policy Ideation to Action (I2A) Learning Collaborative.

This project is supported by HRSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U1XMC54190 – Supporting Maternal and Child Health Innovation In States for $1,200,000 over three years. 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 HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.