Maternal Child & Adolescent Health (MCAH)
What is MCAH?
The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Division, part of the Center for Family Health at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), works to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, children, adolescents, and families. Through programs, policies, and partnerships, MCAH promotes health equity, enhances health outcomes, and addresses key public health concerns such as maternal and infant mortality, child development, adolescent health, and reproductive health.
MCAH Program Focus Areas:
The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program is dedicated to developing systems that protect and improve the health of women, infants, children, adolescents, and their families.
The goals and objectives of the Inyo County MCAH Program are based on priorities identified in the five-year needs assessment, focusing on:
- Prenatal Care: Increasing access to early prenatal care in the first trimester.
- Oral Health: Promoting dental care for pregnant women and children.
- Child Passenger Safety: Educating families on car seat safety and proper use.
- Breastfeeding Support: Enhancing breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.
- Developmental Screening: Encouraging early screening for children ages 0-5.
- Infant Health & Safety: Raising awareness about Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Obesity Prevention: Addressing obesity among the MCAH population.
- Adolescent Health: Supporting teen health and well-being.
Services Provided:
The MCAH Program offers a variety of support services and resources, including:
- Healthcare Navigation: Assistance in finding healthcare providers and services.
- Referrals: Connecting families to local health and support resources.
- Breastfeeding Support: Education and assistance from a Certified Lactation Education Counselor.
- Health Education: Providing materials on maternal, child, and adolescent health topics.
- Child Passenger Safety: Car seat safety education and checkups.
- Grief Support: Bereavement services for families experiencing sudden infant loss.