To address underserved and unserved populations, the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development’s Maternal and Child Health initiative provides research and evaluation support to community-based programs serving women and their young children from underserved or vulnerable backgrounds (e.g., families affected by maternal substance use disorders, mental health, etc.).
Maternal and Child Health Focuses
- Reducing maternal and infant mortality rates
- Addressing health equity
- Breaking cycles for young children affected by maternal substance use and mental health
- Promoting systems change for underrepresented mothers and young children for better health and well-being
Key Efforts
- Designing and facilitating evidence-based programs for the community
- Integrating family voices into evaluation activities
- Recommending program improvements and best practices for data-driven decisions-making
Project Highlights
- Team for Infants Exposed to Substance Use (TIES) – Through Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Maternal and Child Health initiative implements research and evaluation planning for the TIES program to demonstrate the effectiveness of the TIES model to families affected by maternal substance use. TIES is supported by funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
- Healthy Start (Nurture KC) – Maternal and Child Health has implemented an evaluation plan for the program that serves mainly minority families to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. The program is possible through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
- The Missouri Maternal Health Action Network strengthens stakeholder partnerships and establishes a coordinated statewide care/support system that opens doors to a seamless network of services for mothers, infants and families affected by substance abuse disorders and puts them on a path to healthier living. The program is possible through funding from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Title V Maternal and Child Health Services.
- MO-PAP for Moms: Maternal and Child Health established a coordinated data collection and management system and evaluation plan to provide real-time psychiatric services and care coordination for women’s health providers. The initiative increased timely detection and access to treatment and services for mothers challenged by maternal mental health and other behavioral disorders.
- For Students Training in Academia, Health and Research (STAHR), the Maternal and Child Health initiative implemented a program evaluation plan for this health care workforce development project. The work is focused on increasing the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are entering careers in health sciences. Funded through a grant from HRSA.
