Sunday, February 5, 2023
2/5/2023
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program serves a key role in the provision of maternal and child health services in Kansas. The program’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s mothers, infants, children and youth, including those with special health care needs. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is responsible for the administration of programs carried out with allotments under Title V. The Title V MCH Services Block Grant is administered by the Bureau of Family Health (BFH) in the Division of Public Health. The mission of the Bureau is to “provide leadership to enhance the health of Kansas women and children through partnerships with families and communities.” In addition to the MCH conceptual framework and public health essential services, the Title V program depends on many strengths—translated through core values and guiding principles—to promote a strong culture of continuous quality improvement, innovation and growth, and a sustained focus on what matters. Kansas continuously assesses the needs of MCH populations through an ongoing Needs Assessment, and the State Action Plan is reviewed during interim years. With a goal to maximize the input of internal and external partners, the Title V Five Year Needs Assessment process utilizes a mixed methods approach relying on input from a diverse network of key informants, partners, and community members including families and consumers. The State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI) staff provide data capacity for informed decision-making. This comprehensive process and broad approach assist with identifying key priorities used to develop an action plan that addresses and improves MCH in Kansas while leveraging resources and partnerships across the state. Local MCH agencies implement work plans that align with needs of the target area/community and the most current MCH State Plan priorities and performance measures. Title V MCH Priorities (FFY 2023) Kansas identified seven priorities with the Title V mission, purpose, legislation, and measurement framework in mind. 1. Women have access to and receive coordinated, comprehensive services before, during, and after pregnancy. 2. All infants and families have support from strong community systems to optimize infant health and well-being. 3. Children and families have access to and utilize developmentally appropriate services and supports through collaborative and integrated communities. 4. Adolescents and young adults have access to and utilize integrated, holistic, patient-centered care to support physical, social, and emotional health. 5. Communities, families, and providers have the knowledge, skills, and comfort to support transitions and empowerment opportunities. 6. Professionals have the knowledge, skills, and comfort to address the needs of maternal and child health populations. 7. Strengths-based supports and services are available to promote healthy families and relationships. Title V National Performance Measures (NPMs) (FFY 2023) Kansas selected five NPMs that most closely align with the state priorities. • NPM1: Well-woman visit (women 18-44 years) • NPM5: Safe sleep • NPM6: Developmental screening • NPM10: Adolescent preventive medical visit • NPM12: Transition to adulthood Title V State Performance Measures (SPMs) (FFY 2023) Kansas identified four SPMs to monitor progress with priority needs not addressed by NPMs. • SPM1: Postpartum depression • SPM2: Breastfeeding exclusivity • SPM3: Workforce development • SPM4: Strengths-based family supports The Title V plan reflects coordination of MCH activities across funding sources, agencies, and local providers. It relies on partnerships, high quality shared measurement, and data to track the impact and effectiveness of services, activities, and strategies. To learn more about these and other activities at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/626/Maternal-Child-Health-Block-Grant.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
