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Oregon Health Authority

Family and Child Health

Announcement:
Maternal and Child Health is now Family and Child Health

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Section of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is excited to announce that, effective January 1, 2025, we will officially change our name to the Family and Child Health (FCH) Section. This name change reflects our ongoing commitment to being more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of all individuals who become pregnant, give birth, and raise children across Oregon.

As part of this transition, we are reorienting our focus to better align with our mission of fostering the foundations of lifelong health for all Oregonians, regardless of their background or family structure. The new name, Family and Child Health, better encompasses the breadth of services and support we provide to individuals and families at various stages of life.

At Family and Child Health, we remain dedicated to eliminating heath inequities. We are proud to continue collaborating with a diverse range of communities and partners to ensure the health, well-being, and success of every family in our state. We recognize that many of our national and local partners continue to use the term Maternal and Child Health (MCH). Therefore, you may still encounter this term in communications, documents, and resources.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this important journey towards greater inclusivity and equity. We look forward to strengthening our collective efforts to promote the health of families in Oregon for generations to come.

Oregon Family and Child Health Section

The Family and Child Health section works to address health promotion issues across the lifespan of individuals and families. We believe preconception, pregnancy and early childhood experiences create and influence a path for lifelong wellness.

We represent many public health disciplines and we have multiple funding streams. We distribute funds through our partnerships with local health departments for a wide variety of clinical and supportive community-based health services.

COVID-19 Resources for the Maternal and Child Health Workforce

View MCH Data Books

FCH Programs

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Home Visiting

Home visiting is a proven strategy for strengthening families and improving the health status of women and children.

Birth Anomalies

The Oregon Birth Anomalies Surveillance System tracks birth anomalies in Oregon children from birth to age 6 in order to promote awareness, education, and prevention of birth anomalies, and to understand the health care needs for these children.

Early Childhood Systems Alignment

Oregon is working toward improved outcomes for children and families through the transformation of its health and early learning systems.

Early Hearing Detection & Intervention

Our goal is to screen newborns for possible hearing loss by one month of age, identify congenital hearing loss by three months of age and enroll children in appropriate early intervention by six months of age.

Healthy Child Care

Working to improve the health and safety of children participating in child care in Oregon.

Maternal Mental Health

Many women experience emotional swings, often called "baby blues," after giving birth. However, some women develop more serious prenatal or postpartum depression or anxiety. Treatment and support are available. The first step is to reach out for help.

Oral Health

The Oral Health Unit seeks to improve the oral health of Oregon citizens across the lifespan.

Preconception Health

The Oregon Preconception Health Work Group defines preconception health as beginning a pregnancy in a state of optimal physical, emotional and social well-being.

Pregnancy

Learn about Oregon programs that support healthy pregnancies. Knowing you are doing all you can to stay healthy during pregnancy and give your baby a healthy start in life will help you have peace of mind.

Title V Block Grant

Title V provides funding to state MCH programs, which serve 35 million women and children in the U.S.

Women's Health

Working to ensure all women in Oregon have the necessary knowledge, resources and opportunities to optimize their mental and physical health.

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee

The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or the year postpartum is a rare and tragic event.

In the 2018 legislative session, Oregon passed HB 4133 , which gives direction to form the Maternal and Morbidity Review Committee

Racial Equity

The Family and Child Health Section is committed to advancing racial equity and improving cultural and linguistic responsiveness.

Data Sources

See also

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